Moneron Island facts for kids
Moneron Island is a small, rocky island located in the Sea of Japan. It belongs to Russia and is part of the Sakhalin Oblast region. This island is known for its beautiful nature and clear waters, making it a special place for marine life. It's the only island in the entire Russian Far East that was formed by volcanoes.
Contents
Where is Moneron Island?
Moneron Island is found in the northwestern part of the Sea of Japan. It's about 43 nautical miles (80 kilometers) southwest of Sakhalin Island, which is a much larger island also belonging to Russia. The closest land on the mainland is about 24 nautical miles (44 kilometers) away. The island is quite small, only about 7.2 square kilometers (2.8 square miles) in size.
What is Moneron Island Like?
Moneron Island has a rugged landscape with steep cliffs and rocky shores. Its highest point is Mount Moneron, which rises to about 439 meters (1,440 feet) above sea level. The waters around the island are very clear, and there are many underwater caves and interesting rock formations. This makes it a great spot for exploring the ocean.
Underwater World
The clear waters around Moneron Island are home to a rich variety of marine life. You can find many different kinds of fish, sea urchins, starfish, and crabs. The island is also a popular spot for sea lions and seals, which often rest on its rocky shores. Because of its unique underwater environment, the area around Moneron Island has been made a nature park to protect its marine ecosystems.
History of Moneron Island
Moneron Island was first explored by Europeans in 1787 by the French explorer Jean-François de Galaup, comte de Lapérouse. He named the island after his chief engineer, Paul Mérault Monneron.
For a period in the 20th century, the island was under Japanese control. After the Russo-Japanese War in 1905, it became part of Japan and was known as Kaiba Island. However, after World War II in 1945, the island returned to Russian control. Today, it remains a part of Russia.
Animals and Plants
Even though Moneron Island is small, it has a surprising amount of wildlife.
Marine Animals
The most famous residents of Moneron Island are its marine mammals. Large groups of sea lions, especially Steller sea lions, gather on the island's rocky beaches and small islets. These powerful animals are a big attraction for visitors. Various types of seals also visit the island. The waters are full of fish, and you might even spot dolphins or whales passing by.
Birds
Many different kinds of seabirds nest on the cliffs and rocks of Moneron Island. These include gulls, cormorants, and auks. The island provides a safe place for them to raise their young away from predators.
Land Plants
The island's land is covered with various plants, including grasses, shrubs, and some small trees. Because of the strong winds and rocky soil, the plants here are often hardy and adapted to coastal conditions. You might find wildflowers blooming in the warmer months, adding splashes of color to the landscape.
Protecting Moneron Island
To protect its unique nature, Moneron Island and the surrounding waters were declared a nature park in 2008. This means there are special rules to help preserve the island's environment and wildlife. The park helps to manage tourism and research, ensuring that the island remains a healthy home for its animals and plants for future generations.
Images for kids
-
Sea lions on Moneron Island
See also
In Spanish: Isla Moneron para niños
