Santa Luzia, Cape Verde facts for kids
Santa Luzia is a special island that belongs to the Cape Verde islands. Cape Verde is a group of islands, also known as an archipelago, located in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Africa. Santa Luzia is quite small, covering an area of about 35 square kilometers (about 13.5 square miles). It's unique because it's one of the few islands in Cape Verde that does not have any people living on it permanently.
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Santa Luzia: An Uninhabited Island
Santa Luzia is known for being an uninhabited island. This means no one lives there all the time. It's a quiet place, mostly untouched by humans, which makes it very important for nature.
Why is Santa Luzia Uninhabited?
For a long time, Santa Luzia had a few people living there, mostly farmers and herders. However, the island is very dry and doesn't have much fresh water. This made life very difficult. Over time, everyone moved away to other islands where it was easier to live. The last people left the island in the 1960s.
Protecting Nature on Santa Luzia
Because no one lives on Santa Luzia, it has become a very important place for wildlife. The island is now a nature reserve. This means it is protected by law to keep its plants and animals safe. Scientists often visit to study the unique creatures that live there.
What Animals Live on Santa Luzia?
Even though it's dry, Santa Luzia is home to some special animals. You might find different kinds of lizards, birds, and insects that have adapted to the island's environment. The waters around Santa Luzia are also important for fish and other sea creatures. It's a safe place for many species to live and reproduce without much disturbance from people.
Unique Plants of the Island
The plants on Santa Luzia are also very special. They are often drought-resistant, meaning they can survive with very little water. Many of these plants are found only on the Cape Verde islands and nowhere else in the world. Protecting Santa Luzia helps to protect these unique plant species.
Geography of Santa Luzia
Santa Luzia is located between the islands of São Nicolau to the east and São Vicente to the west. It is part of the northern group of islands in Cape Verde, often called the Barlavento islands.
Island Shape and Features
The island has a long, narrow shape. Its highest point is Monte Grande, which is about 395 meters (1,296 feet) tall. The island's landscape includes rocky areas, sandy beaches, and some dry valleys. The strong winds from the Atlantic Ocean also shape the island's look.
Surrounding Waters
The waters around Santa Luzia are clear and often visited by fishing boats from nearby islands. These waters are part of a rich marine ecosystem, supporting various types of marine life. The currents around the island can be strong, but they also bring nutrients that help the sea creatures thrive.
Images for kids
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Geographical features of the island
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Santa Luzia Island (Cabo Verde), aerial view of the northern portion in 1999
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View of the island of São Vicente facing Calhau and Monte Verde. On the left is the island of Santo Antão.
See also
In Spanish: Isla de Santa Luzia para niños
