Inaccessible Islands facts for kids
 Inaccessible Islands
Location in Antarctica
Location in Antarctica
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| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Antarctica |
| Coordinates | 60°34′S 46°44′W / 60.567°S 46.733°W |
| Highest elevation | 215 m (705 ft) |
| Administration | |
| Administered under the Antarctic Treaty System | |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 0 |
The Inaccessible Islands are a group of small, very steep islands. Their name in Spanish is "Islas Inaccesibles." These islands are between 120 and 215 meters (about 390 to 705 feet) high. They are the westernmost islands in the South Orkney Islands group. You can find them about 20 kilometers (12 miles) west of Coronation Island in Antarctica.
A British sea captain named George Powell discovered these islands in December 1821. He was sailing on his ship, the James Monroe. However, it's possible that another explorer, Nathaniel Palmer, saw them a year earlier. Captain Powell named them "Inaccessible" because they looked very hard to reach.
Both the United Kingdom and Argentina claim these islands. The United Kingdom considers them part of the British Antarctic Territory. Argentina sees them as part of the Province of Tierra del Fuego.
Home to Amazing Birds
The Inaccessible Islands are a very important place for birds. BirdLife International has named them an Important Bird Area (IBA). This means the islands are crucial for many bird species.
A huge number of southern fulmars live and breed here. There are about 50,000 pairs of these birds on the islands. Other birds also make their nests here. You can find about 1,000 pairs of chinstrap penguins. There are also around 100 pairs of Antarctic shags. These birds all depend on the islands for their homes and to raise their young.
See also
In Spanish: Islas Inaccesibles para niños
