Robertson Islands facts for kids
 Robertson Islands
Location in Antarctica
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| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Antarctica |
| Coordinates | 60°46′S 45°09′W / 60.767°S 45.150°W |
| Archipelago | South Orkney Islands |
| Highest elevation | 250 m (820 ft) |
| Administration | |
| Administered under the Antarctic Treaty System | |
| Demographics | |
| Population | Uninhabited |
The Robertson Islands are a group of small islands located near Antarctica. They stretch about 6 kilometers (almost 4 miles) south from the southeastern tip of Coronation Island. These islands are part of the South Orkney Islands.
These islands were first seen and roughly mapped in December 1821. Two captains, George Powell and Nathaniel Palmer, discovered them. Later, in 1823, James Weddell gave them their name.
Contents
Why Are the Robertson Islands Important?
The Robertson Islands are very important for wildlife, especially birds. They are known as an Important Bird Area (IBA). This means they are a special place where many birds gather to breed and raise their young.
Home to Thousands of Penguins
The northern islands in this group are a huge home for chinstrap penguins. These islands include Matthews, Coffer, Steepholm, and Skilling Island. Along with their smaller islets and rocky areas, they support about 35,000 pairs of breeding chinstrap penguins! Imagine that many penguins living in one place.
Other Bird Species
Besides penguins, another interesting bird, the snow petrel, also breeds here. They make their nests in the area called the Divide. This is a narrow channel that separates Matthews Island from Coronation Island. It marks the northern edge of this important bird area.
See also
In Spanish: Islas Robertson para niños
