Strzelecki Regional Reserve facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Strzelecki Regional ReserveSouth Australia |
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IUCN Category VI (Managed Resource Protected Area)
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 Strzelecki Regional Reserve
Location in South Australia
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| Nearest town or city | Marree |
| Established | 19 December 1991 |
| Area | 8,104.26 km2 (3,129.1 sq mi) |
| Managing authorities | Department for Environment and Water |
| See also | Protected areas of South Australia |
The Strzelecki Regional Reserve is a special protected area in South Australia. It's a huge natural space where plants and animals are kept safe. This reserve is found in the Strzelecki Desert and includes the dry bed of Strzelecki Creek.
You can only get to this reserve by using the old Strzelecki Track. Part of the reserve is also connected to the Coongie Lakes, which are recognized internationally as important wetlands. The reserve was set up in 1991 to help protect this unique desert environment.
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What is Strzelecki Regional Reserve?
The Strzelecki Regional Reserve is a very large area of land. It covers about 8,104 square kilometers. That's bigger than many cities! This reserve was created to protect the special desert plants and animals that live there. It also helps manage how people use the land.
Where is This Reserve Located?
The reserve is in the northern part of South Australia. It is about 493 kilometers (or 306 miles) north-east of Port Augusta. The land is mostly flat and sandy, typical of a desert. It's a remote place, far from big towns.
What is a Regional Reserve?
A "regional reserve" is a type of protected area in Australia. It means the land is protected for nature. But it also allows some activities like mining or grazing, as long as they are done carefully. The main goal is to keep the natural environment healthy.
Protecting Nature: The Ramsar Connection
Part of the Strzelecki Regional Reserve is linked to the Coongie Lakes. These lakes are very important wetlands. In 1987, they were listed under the Ramsar Convention.
What is the Ramsar Convention?
The Ramsar Convention is an international agreement. Countries around the world promise to protect important wetlands. Wetlands are areas like swamps, marshes, or lakes. They are vital for many birds and other animals. The Coongie Lakes are a great example of such a wetland.
How is the Reserve Protected?
The Strzelecki Regional Reserve is managed by the Department for Environment and Water. They work to keep the area safe and healthy. This includes looking after the plants, animals, and the land itself.
What Does IUCN Category VI Mean?
The reserve is classified as an IUCN Category VI protected area. This means it's a place where nature is protected, but people can also use its natural resources in a sustainable way. "Sustainable" means using resources carefully so they don't run out. It's about balancing human needs with nature's needs.
Exploring the Strzelecki Desert
The reserve is named after the Strzelecki Desert. This desert is a dry, sandy place. It has unique plants and animals that have adapted to living with very little water. The desert can get very hot during the day and cold at night.
The Strzelecki Creek
The reserve also includes the bed of the Strzelecki Creek. This creek is usually dry. It only flows after heavy rains, which don't happen very often in the desert. When it does flow, it brings life to the area, creating temporary waterholes.
The Strzelecki Track
The historic Strzelecki Track is the only way to get into the reserve. It's a famous outback road. It was first used by explorers and cattle drovers. Today, it's a popular route for people who want to experience the Australian outback.
