Woakwine Conservation Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Woakwine Conservation ParkSouth Australia |
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IUCN Category VI (Managed Resource Protected Area)
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Nearest town or city | Robe |
Established | 11 November 1993 |
Area | 4.24 km2 (1.6 sq mi) |
Visitation | ‘minimal’ (in 2000) |
Managing authorities | Department for Environment and Water |
See also | Protected areas of South Australia |
Woakwine Conservation Park is a special protected area in South Australia. It's located near the town of Robe, about 272 kilometers (169 miles) south-east of Adelaide. This park is like a safe home for nature.
The park was first created on November 11, 1993. Back then, it was called the Woakwine Conservation Reserve. Later, on September 16, 2010, it became the Woakwine Conservation Park. Today, it covers an area of 4.24 square kilometers (1.64 square miles).
What Makes Woakwine Park Special?
Woakwine Conservation Park is important because it protects a special type of forest. This forest is called a mallee woodland. Mallee woodlands are made up of unique trees and plants that grow well in dry areas.
Unique Trees and Plants
The trees in the park are mostly mallee, which are small, bushy eucalyptus trees. You can also find other types of eucalyptus trees here, like Blue Gum and Pink Gum. These trees are important because they provide homes and food for many animals.
A Divided Landscape
The park is split into two parts by a water channel called Drain L. This drain helps move water from a lake called Lake Hawdon North towards the ocean. This shows how both natural and human-made features can shape the land.
Animals Living in Woakwine Park
Woakwine Conservation Park is home to many different animals. Some of these animals are quite rare or vulnerable, meaning their populations are small and they need protection.
Rare and Vulnerable Species
In 2000, experts found several important animal species in the park. These included:
- Vulnerable birds: The Painted buttonquail and the rufous bristlebird. These birds need extra care to make sure they survive.
- Rare animals: The Red-necked wallaby, common wombat, beautiful firetail (a small bird), and the peregrine falcon (a very fast bird of prey). Finding these animals here shows how important the park is for their survival.
History of the Park's Land
Before it became a protected park, the land was used for farming. Farmers cleared some of the natural plants and let their animals graze there. This changed the landscape quite a bit.
However, in the late 1970s, the land stopped being used for farming. This allowed nature to start recovering. Now, the park helps protect the remaining natural environment.
Visiting Woakwine Conservation Park
Not many people visit Woakwine Conservation Park, which helps keep it quiet and natural. People who do visit enjoy activities that don't harm the environment.
Fun Activities in Nature
If you visit the park, you can enjoy:
- Bushwalking: Walking through the natural bushland.
- Bird watching: Looking for the many different birds that live there, including the rare ones.
- Natural history study: Learning about the plants, animals, and geology of the area.
The park is classified as an IUCN Category VI protected area. This means it's a place where people can use natural resources in a way that doesn't harm the environment, while also protecting the area's special features.