Adele Island (Western Australia) facts for kids
 Adele Island
Location in Western Australia
Location of Adele Island
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| Geography | |
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| Coordinates | 15°31′27″S 123°09′26″E / 15.5242°S 123.1573°E |
| Area | 217 ha (540 acres) |
| Length | 2.9 km (1.8 mi) |
| Width | 1.6 km (0.99 mi) |
| Administration | |
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Australia
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| Demographics | |
| Population | 0 |
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Adele Island is an island in the Indian Ocean. It is about 104 kilometers (65 miles) north of Ardyaloon. This island is located off the Kimberley coast in Western Australia.
What is Adele Island Like?
Adele Island has a unique fish-hook shape. It is about 2.9 kilometers (1.8 miles) long and 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) wide. The island covers a total area of 217 hectares (536 acres). It is quite low to the ground. The island is surrounded by large sandbanks. These sandbanks sit on a limestone platform. Together, they form a big, calm lagoon.
A Quick Look at History
The island was named in 1801 by Nicolas Baudin. He was exploring Australia at the time. The name first appeared on a map in 1811. In 2001, Adele Island became a Nature Reserve. This was to protect its important bird breeding areas. Since then, efforts have been made to remove Polynesian Rats. These rats can harm the native seabirds.
A lighthouse was built on the island in 1951. It first ran on acetylene gas. Later, in 1985, it was updated to use solar power.
Home to Many Birds
BirdLife International calls Adele Island an Important Bird Area. This is because of its many seabirds and waders. Many different birds live and breed here.
- Cormorants and Australian pelicans raise their young on the island.
- The island is very important for lesser frigatebirds. Between 2,000 and 5,700 pairs breed here.
- Brown boobys also use the island for breeding. There are 1,500 to 8,500 breeding pairs.
- Up to 5,500 grey-tailed tattlers visit the island.
- About 4,100 red-necked stints can be found here.
