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Ilhéu das Rolas facts for kids

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Ilhéu das Rolas
Sao Tome and Principe Map.gif
Map of São Tomé and Príncipe
Geography
Coordinates 0°0′14″S 6°31′21″E / 0.00389°S 6.52250°E / -0.00389; 6.52250
Area 2 km2 (0.77 sq mi)
Highest elevation 96 m (315 ft)
Highest point Mount São Francisco
Administration
District Caué
Demographics
Population 76 (2012)

Ilhéu das Rolas (also known as Ilheu Gago Coutinho) is a small islet in the African country of São Tomé and Príncipe. It is special because it lies right on the Equator. This tiny island is located off the southern tip of São Tomé Island. A narrow channel called Canal das Rolas separates them.

The highest point on Ilhéu das Rolas is about 96 meters (315 feet) above sea level. In 2012, only 76 people lived there. The islet is part of the Caué District. You can only reach the island by taking a ferry from Ponta Baleia on São Tomé Island.

There is a lighthouse on the islet, built in 1929. Its light shines from 106 meters (348 feet) high. It can be seen up to 12 nautical miles away. The island also has a small resort called Pestana Equador, where visitors can stay.

São Tomé - Ilhéu das Rolas HDR
Ilhéu das Rolas with a view of nearby São Tomé Island.
Equator Sao Tome
A monument marking the Equator on Ilhéu das Rolas.

History of Ilhéu das Rolas

This island has been known for a long time. It was shown on a map in 1665 as "Illie de Rolle." Later, in 1780, another map called it "I. de Rolle."

A Portuguese Navy officer named Gago Coutinho visited São Tomé between 1915 and 1918. He was a navigator and historian. His job was to map the area very precisely. This process is called geodesy, which is the science of measuring and understanding Earth's shape and gravity.

During his work, Gago Coutinho proved that the equatorial line crosses right through Ilhéu das Rolas. He published his findings and a new map in 1919. This was a very important project for Portugal's colonies.

Nature and Wildlife

Ilhéu das Rolas is full of interesting plants and animals. Many unique species live here.

Some of the special animals include:

  • Greeff’s giant gecko: A large lizard.
  • Birds like the São Tomé prinia and the São Tomé weaver.
  • Frogs such as Phrynobatrachus leveleve and Schistometopum thomense.

These creatures make the islet a special place for nature lovers.

Gallery

  • São Tomé - Ilhéu das Rolas - Praia de Santo António (3)

    Praia de Santo António

  • São Tomé - Praia Café

    Beach scenery in São Tomé and Príncipe

  • 2012SaoTome-486 (8042895924)

    Ilhéu das Rolas, STP

  • São Tomé (4084121766)

    Ilhéu das Rolas

  • São Tomé - Ilhéu das Rolas - Depois da Tempestade

    São Tomé and Príncipe

  • 2011-SaoTome-33 (8084210067)

    STP

  • Sao Tome Praia Inhame 24 (16063202247)

    Beach close to Ilhéu das Rolas, São Tomé and Príncipe

  • Rolas Furnas Geysir Sao Tome e Principe

    Furnas, a blowhole in Rolas

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Ilhéu das Rolas para niños

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