Ethabuka Reserve

Ethabuka Reserve is a 2,133 km² (213,300 ha) nature reserve in Central West Queensland, Australia, 157 km north-west of Bedourie, 336 km south-west of Boulia and 639 km south of Mount Isa. It lies at the northern end of the Simpson Desert with its western boundary bordering the Northern Territory. It is owned and managed by Bush Heritage Australia (BHA), by which it was purchased in 2004.

History

Ethabuka was offered as a pastoral lease from 1910, though it was not taken up until 1946. It was operated as a beef cattle station until acquisition by BHA. [http://www.bushheritage.org.au/our_reserves/state_queensland/reserves_ethabuka/ethabuka_map BHA: Ethabuka Reserve] ]

Landscape

Ethabuka is characterised by dunefields and the associated swales, with clay and gibber floodplains. It contains the nationally significant Pulchera waterhole, a semi-permanent wetland fed by the ephemeral Mulligan River. Vegetation communities include Gidgee woodlands.

Fauna

Ethabuka is rich in desert wildlife. Mammals recorded on the property include the Mulgara, Forrest's Mouse, Spinifex Hopping Mouse, Brown Desert Mouse and Sandy Inland Mouse. Reptiles include the Woma Python. Threatened bird species recorded are the Australian Bustard, Yellow Chat, Painted Honeyeater and Chestnut Quail-thrush.

References

External links

* [http://www.bushheritage.org.au/ Bush Heritage Australia]