Three Hummocks Islands facts for kids
The Three Hummocks Islands are a group of small granite islands. They cover an area of about 190 hectares. These islands are located off the east coast of Arnhem Land’s Gove Peninsula. This area is in the north-western Gulf of Carpentaria, in the Northern Territory of Australia. The islands are very important because many terns build their nests there.
About the Islands
These islands are partly covered with plants and trees. They are found south of a place called Wanyanmera Point. The Three Hummocks Islands are split into two main groups. To the north, there are some small, rocky islets that don't have names. To the south, there are slightly larger islands, including one called Dudley Island.
The land on these islands is traditionally owned by Aboriginal people. They are also part of the Laynhapuy Indigenous Protected Area. This means the land is protected and managed by the Indigenous community.
Amazing Birds
The Three Hummocks Islands are a special place for birds. BirdLife International has named this island group an Important Bird Area (IBA). This is because a huge number of bridled terns come here to lay their eggs and raise their young.
Surveys were done between 1993 and 1999. During these years, scientists estimated that between 5,000 and 50,000 bridled terns were nesting on the islands. Other types of terns also nest here. Roseate terns and black-naped terns sometimes nest on the northern islets. All three types of terns – black-naped, bridled, and roseate – have been seen nesting on Dudley Island.
