Stevensons Island facts for kids
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Native name:
Te Peka Karara
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| Geography | |
| Coordinates | 44°35′42″S 169°08′06″E / 44.595°S 169.135°E |
| Total islands | 3 |
| Area | 0.65 km2 (0.25 sq mi) |
| Highest elevation | 325 m (1,066 ft) |
| Administration | |
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New Zealand
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| Demographics | |
| Population | 0 |
Stevensons Island, also known by its Māori name Te Peka Karara, is a small island in New Zealand. It is located in the Stevensons Arm part of Lake Wānaka, which is a beautiful lake in the South Island. The island covers about 65 hectares, which is roughly the size of 160 football fields.
There are also two tiny islets very close to the southern end of Stevensons Island.
Wildlife on Stevensons Island
Stevensons Island is an important home for some special New Zealand birds.
The Weka's Journey
In 2002, a type of bird called the buff weka was brought to Stevensons Island. These weka came all the way from the Chatham Islands. This was done to help these birds find a new safe place to live.
A Challenge for the Weka
However, in 2009, the weka had to be moved off the island. This happened because there was a big increase in rabbits on the island. The many rabbits attracted predators, which are animals that hunt other animals. Sadly, these predators killed four of the weka birds.
Weka Return Home
After the problem was sorted out, the weka were brought back to Stevensons Island in 2013. This shows how much effort goes into protecting New Zealand's native wildlife.
