Mistaken Island facts for kids
Mistaken Island is a small island found about 5 kilometers (3 miles) south-east of Albany in Western Australia. It sits in King George Sound, only about 120 meters (390 feet) from the Vancouver Peninsula.
This island is known for its interesting history and important wildlife, especially its colony of little penguins.
History of Mistaken Island
Mistaken Island has a past connected to the sea. In the 1800s, people used the island for whaling, which involved catching whales from the shore.
In 1971, the island became a special place called a Class 1A Nature Reserve. This means it is protected to help keep its natural environment safe. The reserve covers an area of about 12 hectares (30 acres).
Today, the waters near the island are used to grow mussels. These mussels are grown on long lines under special licenses, showing how the area is used for both nature and farming.
Little Penguin Colony
The island got its name, Mistaken Island, because people once thought the burrows of little penguins were actually rabbit holes! Because of this, the island was also sometimes called Rabbit Island.
The little penguins on Mistaken Island have faced challenges. In 1936 and 1938, fires were started on the island, harming the penguin colony. After the 1938 fire, some penguins were found with serious injuries to their feet.
Since 2011, scientists have been studying the penguin colony on Mistaken Island. Their work helps us learn more about these amazing birds and how to protect them.
