Cuvier Island facts for kids
|
Repanga (Māori)
|
|
|---|---|
 Cuvier Island
Location in New Zealand
Location of Cuvier Island.
|
|
| Geography | |
| Coordinates | 36°26′S 175°46′E / 36.433°S 175.767°E |
| Area | 1.95 km2 (0.75 sq mi) |
| Highest elevation | 214 m (702 ft) |
| Administration | |
Cuvier Island is a small, empty island off the east coast of New Zealand's North Island. It's also known by its Māori name, Repanga. This island is about 15 km (9.3 mi) north of the Mercury Islands. It is also about 23 km (14 mi) south-east of Great Barrier Island.
The island is about 195 hectares (480 acres) in size. It is a special wildlife sanctuary. The Department of Conservation looks after it. They are working to remove animals that don't belong there. This helps the island's original plants and animals grow back. Cuvier Island also has the Cuvier Island Lighthouse, built in 1889. An old ship, the HMNZS Philomel, was sunk near the island in 1949.
Cuvier Island: A Special Place
Cuvier Island is a very important place for nature. It is a protected area. This means it is kept safe for wildlife. The island is part of a big project to bring back its natural environment. This project helps native birds and plants thrive.
Home for Rare Birds
BirdLife International has named Cuvier Island an Important Bird Area. This is because a small group of Pycroft's petrels live and breed here. These birds are considered vulnerable. This means their numbers are low, and they need protection. The island provides a safe home for them to raise their young.
What's in a Name?
The original Māori name for the island is Repanga. Later, a French explorer named D'Urville gave it the name Cuvier. He named it after a famous scientist, Baron Cuvier.
