Falkland Islands (Malvinas)*

While the vegetation of the Falkland Islands (Malvinas) is relatively poor, the surrounding waters of the South Atlantic are very rich and support large populations of higher predators (birds and mammals) in the food chain.

Many bird species and several marine mammals, including the Southern Elephant Seal (Mirounga leonina), the South American Sea Lion (Otaria flavescens) and the South American Fur Seal (Arctocephalus australis), breed in the archipelago. In addition, approximately 15 species of whale and dolphin are found in the waters around the Falkland Islands (Malvinas).

The Falkland Islands (Malvinas) also host nature reserves and two Ramsar sites – “Sea Lion” Island and Bertha’s Beach – designated since 1971. Read more

 

Black-browed Albatross, Falkland Islands (Malvinas)

Did you know?

The archipelago is a breeding ground for 70% of the world’s Black-browed Albatross (Thalassarche melanophrys) and between a quarter and a third of the global Southern Rockhopper Penguin (Eudyptes chrysocome) population. The area is also home to the Striated Caracara (Phalcoboenus australis) or locally known as the “Johnny Rook” – a rare predatory bird, which is only found in the Falkland Islands (Malvinas) and in some islands off the coast of Cape Horn.

 
* The designation of this geographical entity does not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of IUCN concerning its legal status, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.

Europe overseas

Status: Legal status under dispute*
Number of main islands: 2 islands
Population: 3,140 inhabitants
Area: 12,173 km²
Population density: 0.3 inhabitants / km²
GDP/inhabitant: 25,000 $
Unemployment rate: 0 %
Economic activities: Fishing, agriculture
Region: Polar and Sub-Polar