Tolderol Game Reserve facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Tolderol Game Reserve Lake Alexandrina and Tolderol, South Australia
IUCN Category VI (Managed Resource Protected Area)
Tolderol Game Reserve Location in South Australia
Nearest town or city	Langhorne Creek
Established	26 February 1970
Area	4.28 km2 (1.7 sq mi)
Managing authorities	Department for Environment and Water
See also	Protected areas of South Australia

The Tolderol Game Reserve is a special protected area in South Australia. It is located on the north-western side of Lake Alexandrina. This reserve is found in the areas known as Lake Alexandrina and Tolderol. It is about 11 kilometers south-east of Langhorne Creek.

What is Tolderol Game Reserve?

Tolderol Game Reserve is a place set aside to protect wildlife. It is especially important for waterfowl, which are birds that live near water. The reserve helps these birds by providing a safe home and food. It also allows some activities like duck hunting during specific times of the year.

History of the Reserve

The land for Tolderol Game Reserve first became a protected area on January 8, 1970. It was set up under a law called the Fauna Conservation Act 1964. This law helped protect animals.

A short time later, on February 26, 1970, the land was officially re-declared. It became a fauna conservation reserve and a game reserve. Then, on April 27, 1972, it was made a game reserve again under a new law. This law was called the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972. The name of the reserve stayed the same. As of 2019, the reserve covers an area of 4.28 square kilometers.

Wildlife and Environment

In 1980, experts described Tolderol Game Reserve as a very important place for birds. It was the first reserve in Australia to be used for growing different kinds of food for waterfowl. One important plant grown there is the three-cornered bulrush.

The reserve is home to many waterbirds. Some uncommon birds for South Australia have been seen here. These include the glossy ibis, the lesser golden plover, the double-banded dotterel, and the sandpiper.

The Tolderol Game Reserve is located right on the shore of Lake Alexandrina. Most of the land is low and wet. It has areas of samphire plants and bulrush plants. There are also many shallow pools of water. Most of the reserve is less than one meter above the normal level of the lake.

Over the years, some changes have been made to the samphire areas. These changes help make the habitat even better for waterfowl.

Protected Status

Tolderol Game Reserve is classified as an IUCN Category VI protected area. This means it is a protected area where people can use natural resources in a sustainable way. It balances protecting nature with allowing some activities, like hunting, that are managed carefully.

In 1980, the reserve was also listed on the Register of the National Estate. This was a list of important natural and cultural places in Australia, but it is no longer used.