Facts and Data
Webpages:
Official Unesco Page
The Official Site for Australian Travel and Tourism Australia
Macquarie Island (Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities)
Macquarie Island (Australian National Antarctic Research Expedition - ANARE)
Macquarie Island (Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service)
Protectedplanet.net
Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 1997
Size of heritage: 540,000 ha
Coordinates:
Longitude: 158,896°
Latitude: -53,405°
Summary
Macquarie Island (34 km long x 5 km wide) is an oceanic island in the Southern Ocean, lying 1,500 km south-east of Tasmania and approximately halfway between Australia and the Antarctic continent. The island is the exposed crest of the undersea Macquarie Ridge, raised to its present position where the Indo-Australian tectonic plate meets the Pacific plate. It is a site of major geoconservation significance, being the only place on earth where rocks from the earth’s mantle (6 km below the ocean floor) are being actively exposed above sea-level. These unique exposures include excellent examples of pillow basalts and other extrusive rocks.
Location on Map
Show bigger map on Openstreetmap
Macquarie Island: A UNESCO World Heritage Site in Australia
Macquarie Island, located in the State of Tasmania, Australia, is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its unique and diverse ecosystem. Situated in the Southern Ocean, approximately halfway between New Zealand and Antarctica, this remote island is home to a plethora of endemic species and boasts breathtaking natural landscapes.
History
The island was discovered by Captain Frederick Hasselborough in 1810 and named after Lachlan Macquarie, the Governor of New South Wales at the time. It quickly became a hub for seal hunting and later, in the early 20th century, for the harvesting of penguins and elephant seals. These activities led to a significant decline in the island's wildlife population.
In 1933, Macquarie Island was declared a wildlife sanctuary, and in 1977, it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The island's protection and conservation efforts have since been strengthened, leading to the recovery of its unique ecosystem.
Current State
Macquarie Island is a haven for wildlife, with over 3.5 million seabirds, including four species of penguins, and a variety of marine mammals calling it home. The island is particularly renowned for its royal penguin colonies, which are among the largest in the world.
The island's terrestrial flora is equally impressive, with over 40 species of mosses and liverworts, as well as unique cushion plants and megaherbs. These plants have adapted to the harsh subantarctic climate, creating a vibrant and colorful landscape during the summer months.
Macquarie Island's marine environment is equally rich and diverse. The surrounding waters are home to numerous species of fish, including the Antarctic toothfish and Patagonian toothfish, as well as various species of seals, such as the Antarctic fur seal and the leopard seal.
Despite its remote location, Macquarie Island faces several challenges. Invasive species, particularly rabbits and rats, have had a detrimental impact on the island's native flora and fauna. The Australian government, in collaboration with various conservation organizations, has implemented extensive eradication programs to combat these invasive species and restore the island's natural balance.
Furthermore, climate change poses a significant threat to Macquarie Island. Rising sea levels and increasing temperatures can disrupt the island's delicate ecosystem, affecting both terrestrial and marine life. Efforts are underway to monitor and mitigate the impacts of climate change on the island.
Macquarie Island remains a testament to the resilience of nature and the importance of conservation. Its UNESCO World Heritage status ensures its protection and preservation for future generations to appreciate and study. The ongoing efforts to restore and maintain the island's unique ecosystem serve as a model for sustainable conservation practices worldwide.