Whitlock Island facts for kids
Whitlock Island is a small, special island located near Jurien Bay in Western Australia. It's a really important place because it's home to some rare and endangered animals.
Contents
Exploring Whitlock Island
Where is Whitlock Island?
Whitlock Island is found off the coast of Western Australia, close to a town called Jurien Bay. It's about 2.4 kilometers (1.5 miles) away from the mainland. The island covers an area of about 5.24 hectares (13 acres), which is roughly the size of ten football fields! At its highest point, the island reaches about 10 meters (33 feet) above the sea.
Part of the Turquoise Coast
Whitlock Island is part of a special group of islands called the Turquoise Coast islands nature reserve. This group includes 40 islands that stretch for about 150 kilometers (93 miles) along the coast. These islands are protected areas, which means they are kept safe for the plants and animals that live there.
A Glimpse into the Past
Even though it's an island, Whitlock Island has a connection to the past! An old railway line, called the Carnarvon Tramway, used to cross the northern part of the island. You can still find the old Whitlock station there, reminding us of how people used to travel and transport things long ago.
Home to Special Animals
Whitlock Island is super important for wildlife, especially for two rare species:
- Jurien Bay Skinks: These are a type of lizard that is considered a threatened species. This means their numbers are very low, and they need protection to survive. Whitlock Island provides a safe home for them.
- Dibblers: These small, mouse-like marsupials were discovered on Whitlock Island (and nearby Boullanger Island) in 1985. What makes this discovery so special is that these are the only original groups of Dibblers left living on islands. This makes Whitlock Island a critical place for their survival!
