Why are Heard Island and McDonald Islands isolated?

However, the site’s isolation assists in reducing anthropogenic impacts upon the site’s values. Heard Island and McDonald Islands are located in the Southern Ocean, approximately 1,700 km from the Antarctic continent and 4,100 km south-west of Perth.

What is Heard Island & McDonald Islands?

antarctic Heard Island - 80% ice-covered, bleak and mountainous, dominated by a large massif (Big Ben) and an active volcano (Mawson Peak); McDonald Islands - small and rocky fish Mawson Peak, an active volcano, is on Heard Island

When did Heard Island become a part of Australia?

Britain formally claimed Heard Island and the McDonald Islands in 1910 and transferred them to Australia in 1947. They are now an external Territory of the Commonwealth of Australia. The island group was proclaimed a World Heritage Site in 1997 and is managed by the Australian Antarctic Division .

Are Heard Island and McDonald Islands Endangered?

The overall assessment is that there is a low threat to the World Heritage values of Heard Island and the McDonald Islands if visitation remains low. Climate change, the introduction of non-native species and the potential expanding extent of Poa annua are the greatest threats to the natural values on the islands.

Does McDonald Island have a volcano?

McDonald Island lies 43.5 kilometres due west of Heard Island, and is the major island in the McDonald Islands group. It is a mere 186 metres high and it too has an active volcano. The McDonald Islands are so volcanically active they have doubled in area since 1980. Does anyone live there?

Does Heard Island have a harbour?

Heard Island and the McDonald Islands have no ports or harbours; ships must anchor offshore. The coastline is 101.9 km (63.3 mi) in extent, and a 12 nmi (22 km) territorial sea and 200 nmi (370 km) exclusive fishing zone are claimed. [ 2 ]