L'Esperance Rock facts for kids
The rock from northeast
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L'Esperance Rock in the south of the Kermadec Islands
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| Geography | |
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| Coordinates | 31°26′S 178°54′W / 31.433°S 178.900°W |
| Archipelago | Kermadec Islands |
| Area | 4.8 ha (12 acres) |
| Highest elevation | 70 m (230 ft) |
| Administration | |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 0 |
L'Esperance Rock is a small, rocky island located in the Kermadec Islands. These islands are found to the north of New Zealand. This island has also been known by its older names, French Rock and Brind Rock. It is the southernmost island in the Kermadec group.
L'Esperance Rock is about 80 kilometers (50 miles) south of Curtis Island. It is also around 600 kilometers (370 miles) northeast of East Cape on New Zealand's North Island. A smaller reef called L'Havre Rock is about 8 kilometers (5 miles) to the northwest. This reef barely reaches the water's surface.
L'Esperance Rock is about 250 meters (820 feet) across. It covers an area of 4.8 hectares (12 acres). The rock rises to a height of 70 meters (230 feet) above the sea. No people live on L'Esperance Rock.
A Special Place for Birds
L'Esperance Rock is a very important place for seabirds. It is part of the Kermadec Islands Important Bird Area. This area is recognized by BirdLife International as a key spot for birds to nest.
The island is home to a large group of grey noddies. These birds come to L'Esperance Rock to breed and raise their young. Masked boobies have also been seen breeding on the island. This makes L'Esperance Rock a vital sanctuary for these ocean-dwelling birds.
