Prince Regent Nature Reserve

Prince Regent Nature Reserve is a protected area in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. In 1978 the area was nominated as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.

Description

The reserve covers a total area of 6,338 square kilometres (2,447 sq mi)[1] and was created in 1964 to protect the catchment area of the Prince Regent River. The northern boundary of the Reserve abuts the southern boundary of the Mitchell River National Park creating a protected area of over 7,500 square kilometres (2,900 sq mi)[2] The landscape of the Reserve ranges from lush rainforest to sandstone plains. The area contains gorges, waterfalls, cliffs and mountain ranges.

The traditional owners of the areas around the river are the Worora peoples.[3]

Wildlife

More than half of the bird and mammal species found in the Kimberley region are found within the reserve.[4] It is home to the Monjon, the smallest of the Rock-wallabies,[5] and the Golden Bandicoot - listed as a vulnerable species.[6] The reserve is part of the Prince Regent and Mitchell River Important Bird Area, identified as such by BirdLife International because of its importance for a range of bird species, especially those retricted to tropical savanna habitats.[7]

Access

The area remains one of Australia's most remote wilderness areas with no roads and formidable tide-races and whirlpools restricting seaward access. The area is mostly accessed by air or by boat and has remained virtually unchanged since European settlement of Western Australia. A permit is required to enter the Reserve and can be obtained from the Department of Conservation and Land Management.

References

  1. ↑ "Kimberley Society - Past Talks - Under a Regent Moon". 2003. Retrieved 2010-10-12.
  2. ↑ "Department of Environment - Park Finder - Ngauwudu Management Area (Mitchell Plateau)". 2009. Retrieved 2010-10-15.
  3. ↑ "AusAnthrop Australian Aboriginal tribal database". 2012. Retrieved 2012-05-12.
  4. ↑ "About Australia - Prince Regent Nature Reserve". 2008. Retrieved 2009-03-10.
  5. ↑ "The Kangaroo Trail - Factsheet". 2009. Retrieved 2009-03-10.
  6. ↑ "Department of environment - Isoodon auratus auratus — Golden Bandicoot (mainland)". 2009. Retrieved 2009-03-10.
  7. ↑ "IBA: Prince Regent and Mitchell River". Birdata. Birds Australia. Retrieved 2011-09-22.

Coordinates: 15°27′33″S 125°14′41″E / 15.45917°S 125.24472°E