Isla de Lobos facts for kids
North side of the island
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| Geography | |
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| Location | Atlantic Ocean |
| Coordinates | 35°03′01″S 54°52′27″W / 35.05028°S 54.87417°W |
| Total islands | 2 |
| Area | 0.435 km2 (0.168 sq mi) |
| Highest elevation | 26 m (85 ft) |
| Administration | |
| Department | Maldonado |
| Part of | Coastal Islands National Park |
| Administered by | Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries |
The Isla de Lobos is a small island in Uruguay. It is about 8 kilometers (5 miles) southeast of Punta del Este. There is also a tiny islet just east of the main island.
Contents
Island Geography and Status
Isla de Lobos is made of rocks that stick out from the Atlantic Ocean. It is located near the mouth of the Río de la Plata river. The island is part of the Maldonado region in Uruguay.
Even though it's part of Maldonado, Isla de Lobos is a special natural reserve. A smaller island, Gorriti Island, is located to the northwest. Gorriti Island is the second-most southern place in Uruguay.
Protecting the Island's Wildlife
People used to make money from the island's animals until 1992. However, hunting marine animals on the island was stopped by law in 1991.
Today, Isla de Lobos is a protected nature reserve. It is part of the "Coastal Islands National Park." The Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture, and Fisheries manages this park.
Island History
The island was first written about by a Spanish sailor named Juan Díaz de Solís. This happened in 1516, and he called it "San Sebastian de Cádiz."
In 1527, another sailor, Sebastian Cabot, visited the island. He was exploring the Río de la Plata and Paraná rivers. A year later, in 1528, Diego García de Moguer sailed to the area. He gave the island the name "Island of the Snapper." In 1599, Laurens Bicker also visited the island.
The Lighthouse of Isla de Lobos
In 1858, the government of Uruguay built a lighthouse on Isla de Lobos. This lighthouse was rebuilt in 1906. It stands 59 meters (194 feet) above sea level.
You can climb 240 steps to reach a balcony outside the lighthouse. From there, you get an amazing view of the island and the coast of Punta del Este.
In July 2001, this lighthouse became the first automated lighthouse in Uruguay. It now uses solar energy and other new technology. It also has a loud siren that uses compressed air. This siren helps ships find their way when there is thick fog.
Amazing Animals of Isla de Lobos
Isla de Lobos and Gorriti Island are important nature reserves. They are home to the largest group of South American sea lions and South American fur seals in the western part of the world.
Sea Lions and Fur Seals
In 2005, there were about 250,000 "two-hair" sea lions living here. There were also about 1,500 "wig" fur seals. You might also see southern elephant seals around the island, though they are fewer in number.
Whales and Other Marine Life
Punta del Este is a famous place where southern right whales spend the winter in Uruguay. Watching these whales from the shore has become a popular activity.
You can also find different types of orcas (killer whales) and many kinds of birds around the island. This area is one of the few places in Uruguay where orcas are seen more often. They might hunt tuna fish in these waters.
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See also
In Spanish: Isla de Lobos (Uruguay) para niños
