The nature reserve is a significant wetland providing a range of habitats for waterfowl and other fauna and is a drought refuge for waterbirds. The waters of Little Llangothlin Lagoon contain rare and restricted populations of invertebrates, including the only known location of a genus of planktonic flatworms.
Little Llangothlin Lagoon and the lunette associated with it are of considerable geomorphic interest and are valuable resources for research and education. Studies of the lagoon’s sediments provide a key to the denudation chronology of the New England Tablelands as well as illustrating the effects of clearing. Many similar lagoons and swamp depressions in the region have been either drained or dammed for agriculture.
In an area that has been largely cleared, the remnant vegetation in the nature reserve is an important refuge for native plants and animals. Because of these high nature conservation values, the nature reserve has been listed under the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (the Ramsar Convention). Countries which are parties to this convention undertake to implement policies that guarantee the wise and sustainable use of wetlands.
Photo: Little Llangothlin Nature Reserve / Shane Ruming
