Coongie Lakes

The Coongie Lakes National Park (English Coongie Lakes National Park ) is located in the outback of the Australian state of South Australia, about 80 km north- west of Innamincka. In 2005 he was placed under protection in order to preserve him, among other things from damage by the extraction of mineral resources.

General

The park is a pristine water world made ​​up of channels, waterholes, lakes, deltas, flat plains, dune fields and swamps. While the Coongie Lakes lead most of the time water, other extended areas are flooded only after heavy rainfall and flood events, which is why the park is occasionally closed to the public. It is worth noting, among other things, the contrast between sand dunes and extensive swamp lands for the landscape.

The national park is old settlement area of the Aboriginal tribes of the Yandruwandha, Yawarrawarrka and Dieri.

Animals and Plants

Surrounded by dry lands this wetland is of great importance for animal and plant life. This is especially true for birds, of which so far 205 different species have been observed, including alone 87 species that are dependent on water areas or wetlands. In addition, the area is of great importance as a feeding and resting area for migratory birds. At times, several tens of thousands of water birds are counted in a single body of water. Notable species include monkeys Duck, Pelican, Rotkopfsäbelschnäbler, plovers and the Desert Trugschmätzer. In addition, 20 native mammals, 36 reptiles, 12 fish and ten amphibian species were counted.

Furthermore, so far about 350 different plant species have been documented.

Tourism

There are several camping opportunities in the area of the lakes. The Government of South Australia recommends a thorough preparation for the trip to avoid unnecessary risks.

Other categories of protection

The National Park is surrounded by the 1988 reported " Innamincka Regional Reserve ". It is also classified as a protected area under the Ramsar Convention.