Yellagonga Regional Park - Geography and Species

Geography and Species

Yellagonga Regional Park consists of high elevation sloping dunes, separated by interdunal swales that contain the park's lakes and wetlands. The western side of the park is quite steep, with a central plateau of up to 50 metres (160 ft) elevation. The eastern and southern parts of the park have a gentler slope towards Lake Goollelal and Walluburnup Swamp.

In 1996, the Department of Environmental Protection identified 217 species of flora, including 103 introduced species. The park has no recorded species of Declared Rare Flora but does have significant species, such as Jacksonia sericea, Conostylis bracteata, Hibbertia cuneiformis, Amyema miquelii, Lechenaultia linarioides and Ricinocarpus glaucus.

Over 120 bird species have been recorded in the park, with 18 species using the park for breeding grounds. A number of the recorded species are migratory birds recognised under international agreements. Three species of birds found in the park (Carnaby's Cockatoo, Australasian Bittern and Peregrine Falcon) are protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950.

The impact of humans on Yellagonga National Park is extensive in areas. Many areas were previously used for farming and these are still being rehabilitated. The grassed parkland areas have led to the invasion of natural areas by aggressive introduced grass species, and weeds are also an issue. Development of roads, utilities (such as power lines and drainage outlets) and service corridors has degraded the natural landscape. Erosion is also a problem in areas, caused by tracks and pathways created by pedestrians in unsuitable locations such as slopes.