Dion Islands facts for kids
 Dion Islands
Location in Antarctica
Location in Antarctica
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| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Antarctica |
| Coordinates | 67°52′S 68°43′W / 67.867°S 68.717°W |
| Administration | |
| Administered under the Antarctic Treaty System | |
| Demographics | |
| Population | Uninhabited |
The Dion Islands are a group of small islands and rocks. They are found in the northern part of Marguerite Bay. This bay is off the west coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. The islands are about 6 miles (10 kilometers) southwest of Cape Alexandra. Cape Alexandra is on Adelaide Island.
These islands were discovered by a French team. This was during the French Antarctic Expedition, 1908–10. The leader, Jean-Baptiste Charcot, named them. He named them after Marquis Jules-Albert de Dion. Marquis de Dion helped the expedition. He gave them three special motor sledges. His company, De Dion-Bouton, also made equipment for the trip.
Important Bird Spot
The Dion Islands are a very important place for birds. BirdLife International has called them an Important Bird Area (IBA). This means the islands are a special home for many birds.
Bird Colonies
The islands are home to a large group of imperial shags. A group of breeding birds is called a colony. About 500 pairs of these birds live and raise their young here.
There was also a smaller colony of emperor penguins. About 150 pairs of these penguins lived on the islands. This was the second-most northerly known place for emperor penguins. The most northerly is Snow Hill Island. The Dion Islands were one of only two places where these penguins lived on land.
Special Protected Area
Because of the penguin colony, the islands were given a special status. They were named an Antarctic Specially Protected Area (ASPA 107). This means the area is protected to keep its unique wildlife safe.
However, in 2011, sad news came. The emperor penguin colony was reported lost. Scientists believe this happened because of changes in the climate.
