Mewstone (Tasmania)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Mewstone () is a small rocky island with steep cliffs located approximately 12 km south-east of Maatsuyker Island, and 22 km off the south coast of Tasmania. It is part of the Southwest National Park. In 1642 it was described by Abel Tasman, who said it resembles a lion[1]. In 1773 it was named by Tobias Furneaux[2].
It is sometimes referred to as Mewstone Island or The Mewstone, but its official name is simply Mewstone[3].
The island has an area of 13.1 hectares[4], and is noted for its inaccessibility, unusual shape and abundant bird life.
[edit] Flora and fauna
There is very little flora due to the rocky nature of the island. What little flora there is grows in crevices in the rocks where soil has accumulated[5].
The island is home to a variety of seabirds. Fairy Prion, Silver Gull, Black-faced Cormorant and Shy Albatross are known to breed there. Mewstone is the largest of only three Shy Albatross breeding colonies in the world, the other two being Albatross Island and Pedra Branca[4].
Australian Fur Seals haul out on small ledges.
[edit] References
- ^ Heeres, J E (Editor) (2006). Abel Janszoon Tasman's Journal of his Discovery of Van Diemen's Land and New Zealand in 1642 with Documents Relating to his Exploration of Australia in 1644...to which are added his Life and Labours, 1898. Project Gutenberg of Australia. Retrieved on 2006-07-09.
- ^ Furneaux, Tobias (1735 - 1781). Australian Dictionary of Biography Online Edition. Research School of Social Sciences, Australian National University (2006). Retrieved on 2006-07-23.
- ^ Place Name Search for mewstone, tasmania. Geoscience Australia. Retrieved on 2006-07-24.
- ^ a b Small Southern Islands Conservation Management Statement 2002 (PDF). Tasmanian Government Parks and Wildlife Service (2002). Retrieved on 2006-07-20.
- ^ White, Gary [1980]. Islands of South-West Tasmania. Sydney: self-published. ISBN 0-9594866-0-7.
