Macquarie Island
On the way between Australia and Antarctica, as a result of the collision of two lithospheric plates, part of the underwater ridge was carried out on the surface of the earth. So the island of Macquarie formed in the form of a thin extended strip of land. Its length is 35 km, and its width is only 5 km. It belongs to the state of Tasmania and belongs to Australia. By the way, this is where the southernmost point of this country is located.
Opening History
The first person to set foot on this island was Frederick Hasselborough, a beast and a traveler from Sydney. A traveler with his team opened the island in 1810. He was named after Governor Macquarie, who at that time ruled the British colony, which was this territory at the beginning of the 19th century. Later, after 10 years, the island was visited by a Russian expedition led by Bellinshausen, which collected the first collection of flora and fauna of these picturesque places. Bellinshausen also compiled the first Macquarie map.
Island climate
Winter is quite mild, the temperature does not drop below 2-3 degrees, but summer is cold. The mark on the thermometer does not even reach + 10 degrees. The island is very humid and constantly raining heavily. A strong wind here is also the norm. Such conditions were very comfortable for many species of animals and plants.
Flora and fauna of Macquarie Island
There are a lot of seals and penguins on Macquarie. The second here have as many as four species. All of them occupy most of the coastal zone, and scientists often observe how animals bask in each other, gathering in groups. There are a lot of diverse birds. But the story of a jumping parrot Macquarie is pretty deplorable. The fact is that the population of this parrot died out in connection with the import of cats and rabbits onto the island. It is known that at first cats were brought here, around the beginning of the 19th century, and later here with the help of a person rabbits settled. Researchers are still struggling with the problem of rapidly increasing the number of both. It turned out a vicious circle. Getting rid of rabbits, cats begin to hunt the rare birds of the island. Fighting cats, rabbits multiply at a tremendous speed and destroy Macquarie's cabbage plantations. This struggle has been going on for more than a hundred years. Plants here are mostly grassy due to the harsh climate.
There is no population permanently living here on the island, and therefore the tourist destination is not organized. However, scientists often work here. So, in 1911, the Australian Antarctic Service research station was opened on the island. 25-40 researchers are regularly located and work in it. Airplanes do not fly to the island, it is impossible to get here by helicopter. The sea path is the only opportunity to get to Macquarie. Swim to your destination for about three days. Ships go to the island from Hobart, the capital of Tasmania. But on purpose, ships do not go to Macquarie. Only with an expedition to Antarctica can you call here. Since 1997, Macquarie Island has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
