Goose Island (Tasmania) facts for kids
 Goose Island
Location in Tasmania
Location of the Goose Island in Bass Strait
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| Geography | |
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| Location | Bass Strait |
| Coordinates | 40°17′24″S 147°47′24″E / 40.29000°S 147.79000°E |
| Archipelago | Badger Group, part of the Furneaux Group |
| Area | 109 ha (270 acres) |
| Administration | |
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Australia
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| State | Tasmania |
Goose Island is a long, thin island made of granite. It's about 109 hectares in size, which is like 270 football fields! You can find it in Bass Strait, a body of water between Tasmania and mainland Australia.
This island is part of a group called the Badger Group, which is itself part of the larger Furneaux Group of islands. It sits to the west of bigger islands like Flinders and Cape Barren islands in Tasmania. No one lives on Goose Island permanently.
At the narrow southern end of the island, there's a special place called the Goose Island Lighthouse. This lighthouse helps ships find their way safely. The area around the lighthouse is protected to keep its natural beauty safe. Goose Island is also part of an important area for birds, known as the Chalky, Big Green and Badger Island Groups Important Bird Area. This means it's a crucial spot for many different bird species.
Plants and Animals of Goose Island
Goose Island is home to various plants and animals. Even though it's small, it has interesting wildlife.
Island Plants
Most of the plants on Goose Island are low-growing. You'll find thick mats of Aizoaceae succulents, which are plants that store water in their leaves. There are also different types of grasses like Poa and Stipa.
In some spots, especially at the wider northern end, you might see some Acacia and Leptospermum plants, which are small trees or shrubs. However, there's also a plant called African boxthorn that has been brought to the island. This plant is considered a noxious weed because it can spread quickly and harm the native plants.
Island Animals
Goose Island is a great place for many seabirds and waders to breed. This means they lay their eggs and raise their young here.
Some of the birds that call Goose Island home include:
- Little penguin: These are the smallest penguins in the world.
- Short-tailed shearwater: These birds are known for their amazing long-distance migrations.
- Pacific gull: A large gull commonly found along the Australian coast.
- Silver gull: A smaller, very common gull.
- Sooty oystercatcher: A dark-colored bird with a bright orange beak, often seen on rocky shores.
Besides birds, the island also has some reptiles. You might spot two types of skinks:
- The metallic skink: A small lizard with shiny scales.
- The spotted skink: Another small lizard, known for its spotted pattern.
These animals are an important part of Goose Island's ecosystem, making it a special place for nature lovers.
