Peebinga Conservation Park facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Peebinga Conservation Park South Australia
IUCN Category Ia (Strict Nature Reserve)
The conservation park is an important site for malleefowl
Peebinga Conservation Park Location in South Australia
Nearest town or city	Peebinga
Established	14 March 1940
Area	33.61 km2 (13.0 sq mi)
Managing authorities	Department for Environment and Water
See also	Protected areas of South Australia

Peebinga Conservation Park is a special natural area in South Australia. It covers about 34 square kilometers. This park is located about 40 kilometers north of a town called Pinnaroo. It is also about 240 kilometers east of Adelaide, the capital city. The park is very close to the border with Victoria, only 10 kilometers away. It was once known as Peebinga National Park.

What is Peebinga Conservation Park?

This conservation park is a protected area. This means its nature and wildlife are kept safe. It stretches across different areas like Karte, Kringin, and Peebinga.

Much of the land in the park was once used for farming. Now, it is growing back into its natural state. You can see parts of mallee woodland here. These woodlands grow on low, sandy hills called dunes. There are also open areas with small trees and bushes, and grassy plains.

The park is a very strict nature reserve. It is called an IUCN Category Ia protected area. This means it is mainly for scientific research and protecting wilderness. People can visit, but the main goal is to keep nature untouched.

History of Peebinga Park

The land that is now Peebinga Conservation Park has been protected for a long time. It was first set aside as a flora and fauna reserve in 1940. This was done to protect the plants and animals living there.

Later, in 1965, some parts of the land became the Peebinga Wildlife Reserve. Then, in 1967, it was named the Peebinga National Park. Finally, in 1972, it became the Peebinga Conservation Park. This change happened under a new law called the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972.

Plants and Animals of Peebinga

Peebinga Conservation Park is home to many interesting plants and animals.

Plants in the Park

The park has different types of plants. You will find various grasses. There are also specific kinds of mallee trees, like the ridge-fruited and slender-leaved mallee. These often grow with warty cypress pine and broombush. In higher areas of the park, you can see other mallees, such as square-fruited, red, and white mallees.

Animals in the Park

Many animals live safely in the park. You might spot western grey kangaroos hopping around. Another unique animal found here is the short-beaked echidna, which is a spiny mammal.

Peebinga Important Bird Area

Peebinga Conservation Park is very important for birds. BirdLife International has named it an Important Bird Area (IBA). This is because the park is a key home for a special bird called the malleefowl. These birds are known for building huge nests on the ground.

The park also used to have a type of western whipbird. Sadly, this bird is no longer found here. However, you can still see other beautiful birds like the purple-gaped honeyeater.