Lake Pinaroo

Lake Pinaroo lies in Sturt National Park in the Far West region of New South Wales, Australia. On 17 March 1996 the lake was recognised as a wetland of international importance by designation (RS799) under the Ramsar Convention.

Lake Pinaroo
Lake bed when dry
Lake Pinaroo
LocationSturt National Park, Far West New South Wales
Coordinates29°05′50″S 141°13′30″E
TypeEphemeral saline or brackish lake
Primary inflowsFrome Creek
Primary outflowsNone
Catchment areaLake Eyre Basin
Basin countriesAustralia
Max. length5 km (3.1 mi)
Max. width2 km (1.2 mi)
Surface area800 ha (2,000 acres)
Surface elevation125 m (410 ft)
Designated17 March 1996
Reference no.799[1]

Description

Pinaroo is an ephemeral lake in the arid north-western corner of New South Wales (NSW) near Cameron Corner. It forms the largest terminal basin within the NSW part of the Simpson–Strzelecki Dunefields bioregion. It is subject to erratic flood events interspersed with extended dry periods; once full, it may take up to six years to dry out.[2]

Flora and fauna

Because it holds water for much longer periods than other wetlands in the desert region, it is regionally important as a breeding site and drought refuge for many kinds of animals, especially waterbirds that have bred on, for example, interdune swamps that only retain water for a few months. Waterbirds for which the site is important when inundated include freckled and blue-billed ducks. It is also used as a staging site by migratory waders such as black-tailed godwits, common greenshanks, marsh sandpipers and red-necked stints. It provides opportunities to see large flocks of desert birds such as budgerigars. Other animals recorded at the site are the eastern long-eared bat and interior blind snake.[2]

References
  1. "Lake Pinaroo". Ramsar Sites Information Service. Retrieved 25 April 2018.
  2. "Lake Pinaroo (Fort Grey Basin) Ramsar site". NSW Ramsar sites. Dept of Environment & Heritage, NSW. 26 October 2012. Retrieved 22 July 2013.


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