Primary inflows Basin countries Australia Surface elevation 125 m Length 5 km Catchment area Lake Eyre basin | Primary outflows None Max. length 5 km (3.1 mi) Area 8 km² Width 2 km | |
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Location Sturt National Park, Far West New South Wales Type Ephemeral saline or brackish lake | ||
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.
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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.
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.