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© Christopher Jones
Gough and Inaccessible Islands
Short scientific expeditions took place in 1904, 1922 and 1933 which established Gough as a site of great botanical, ornithological and geological interest.
Overseas Territories
Gough and Inaccessible Islands
The site, located in the south Atlantic, is one of the least-disrupted island and marine ecosystems in the cool temperate zone with spectacular cliffs towering above the ocean. Gough Island is considered to be one of the world’s most important seabird breeding islands, including the critically endangered Tristan albatross (Diomedea dabbenena).
It is also home to two endemic species of land birds, the Gough Moorhen (Gallinula comeri) and the Gough Bunting (Rowettia goughensis), as well as to 12 endemic species of plants. Inaccessible Island boasts two birds, eight plants and at least 10 invertebrates only found on this one small island in the middle of the South Atlantic.
Official website-
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Photo credit A Osborne 2/10
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© Christopher Jones 3/10
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© Christopher Jones 6/10
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© Christopher Jones 7/10
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© Christopher Jones 8/10
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© Christopher Jones 9/10
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Photo credit D Fox 10/10
Did you know..?
There are 24 species of sea birds which nest on Gough. Of the 24 species of birds, 2 are Critically Endangered, 4 are Endangered, and one is vulnerable to extinction because of the presence of invasive species.
Tristan da Cunha is the mainland island of the Tristan Archipelago. It is a currently dormant volcano and the most remote inhabited island in the world.
Mice are causing the loss of well over 2 million seabird chicks and eggs on Gough Island each and every year. This figure is from a study of ten species, mice are impacting at least 16 species and it is suspected to be nearer 19 species. It’s possible that the number of individuals lost is closer to 3 million each year.
The last volcanic eruption was in 1961, and the entire island was evacuated to the UK. The majority of the islanders decided to return to live back on Tristan in 1963 and love their island home.
Stats
Location: South Atlantic Ocean
Country: United Kingdom
Year of Inscription: 1995
UNESCO Criteria: (vii), (x)
Contact information:
For more information about Gough and Inaccessible Islands, visit the website
© Christopher Jones