Indian Island (New Zealand) facts for kids
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Mamaku (Māori)
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 Indian Island
Location in New Zealand
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| Geography | |
| Location | Dusky Sound |
| Coordinates | 45°46′40″S 166°35′20″E / 45.77778°S 166.58889°E |
| Area | 1.68 km2 (0.65 sq mi) |
| Highest elevation | 196 m (643 ft) |
| Administration | |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 0 |
Indian Island is a small island in Dusky Sound, which is a beautiful fiord in Fiordland, New Zealand. Its Māori name is Mamaku. The island got its English name because James Cook, a famous explorer, saw indigenous people there in 1773.
Contents
Where is Indian Island?
Indian Island is located in the southwest part of New Zealand. It sits southeast of Anchor Island and west of Long Island. This special island is part of the huge Fiordland National Park, which is known for its amazing natural beauty.
Protecting Wildlife on Indian Island
Indian Island plays a very important role in protecting New Zealand's unique wildlife.
Becoming Pest-Free
For many years, animals like stoats and rats were a big problem on the island. These animals were brought to New Zealand by people and they hunt native birds and other creatures. To help the native animals, a special program to remove these pests started in 1999. By 2012, Indian Island was declared completely pest-free! This means there are no stoats or rats left on the island.
A Safe Home for Native Animals
Being pest-free is a huge deal for conservation. Indian Island is one of only nine islands in Fiordland that are completely free of these harmful pests. This makes it a safe place for native species to live and thrive. It also acts as a protective "buffer" for Anchor Island, which is very important for the survival of the kakapo.
What is a Kakapo?
The kakapo is a very rare and special bird. It is a large, flightless parrot that is only found in New Zealand. Sadly, kakapo are endangered, and places like Indian Island help protect them by providing safe, predator-free habitats.
