Fox Island, Falkland Islands facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Fox Island
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 Fox Island
Location in Falkland Islands
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| Country | Falkland Islands |
Fox Island is a small island in the Falkland Islands. It is located near the west coast of West Falkland, inside Queen Charlotte Bay. This island is known for its interesting wildlife and natural beauty.
Contents
Exploring Fox Island's Geography
Fox Island is about 6.5 kilometers (4.0 miles) long and 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) wide. It is separated from West Falkland by a narrow waterway called "The Narrows." The highest point on the island is 100 meters (330 feet) above sea level. The island is mostly flat, with some gentle hills. Its coast has rocky areas and some sandy beaches. You can also find several small freshwater ponds on the island.
A Look at Fox Island's History
Fox Island was first mapped by Captain James Cook in 1775. It was named after Charles James Fox, who was a well-known British politician. For many years in the 1800s and 1900s, the island was used as a sheep farm. Today, no one lives on Fox Island.
Wildlife on Fox Island
Fox Island is home to many different animals. It is a special place for several types of seabirds to breed. You might see Magellanic penguins, Gentoo penguins, Rockhopper penguins, and even King penguins. Other birds include the Southern giant petrel, Black-browed albatross, Striated caracara, Falkland steamer duck, and Upland goose.
The Extinct Falkland Fox
The island is named after the Falkland fox, also known as the warrah. This type of fox was unique to the Falkland Islands. Sadly, it is now extinct. People hunted the Falkland fox until it disappeared in the 1800s.
Protecting Fox Island
Fox Island is a nature reserve. This means it is a protected area. The Falkland Islands Government manages the island. They work to keep its wildlife and natural habitats safe.
