Current view: Text account
Site description (2006 baseline):
Site location and context
Keppel Island lies approximately 3 miles (5 km) off the
north-western coast of West Falkland and peaks at 341 m
on Mount Keppel. The land rises steeply from a central
valley, forming a ridge along the south-western coast of the
island and cliffs to the west and north. There is a wide, flat
valley in the centre of the island containing several
freshwater lakes, which provide important habitat for
waterfowl. To the north-east, the coastline is deeply
indented with several sandy beaches and bays and there is
a large area of sand dunes. The majority of the island is
covered by heathland and Whitegrass associations, with
the north-eastern coast having extensive green areas
interspersed with Magellanic Penguins’ burrows and
frequented by flocks of geese. Coastal Tussac is very
limited. Keppel Island is one of the most historic sites in
the Falklands. The first long-term settlement in the
archipelago and home to the South American Missionary
Society was established there in February 1855. It was
occupied for 40 years by a group of British missionaries
with a small population of Fuegian natives, who ran one of
the earliest and most successful agricultural settlements in
the Falkands. Activities were increased on islands south of
Tierra del Fuego from the 1880s. Keppel was sold to Dean
Brothers of Pebble Island in 1911 and continued in use as a
sheep farm until 1992.
At total of 38 species was recorded in December 2001, of
which 33 were breeding or probably breeding. The first
pair of Barn Owls proved to be breeding (2001) on Keppel
Island found suitable habitat in the extensive European
Gorse and the shearing shed at the settlement, and were
apparently feeding solely on the introduced rat population.
During a visit in 2003, both Southern Caracaras and
Striated Caracaras were noted as present, though not
shown to be breeding. Falkland Grass Wrens, White-
tufted/Rolland’s Grebes and Black-necked Swans are often
seen, especially on or near the ponds in the central valley.
Very large numbers of Upland Geese were reported in
December 2001 and, from sample counts, it was estimated
that more than 3,000 were present. Cobb’s Wrens and
Tussacbirds were notably absent during the December 2001
visit, which is consistent with the recorded presence of
many rats.
The possible presence of petrels has been suggested, from
sightings of burrows and traces of petrels. The burrows are
most likely those of the numerous rats and the remains of
petrels are probably either corpses of storm-driven birds or
the prey of Peregrine Falcons or Short-eared Owls.
However, the status of nocturnal petrels on the island has
not been investigated.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Keppel Island (Falkland Islands (Malvinas)). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/keppel-island-iba-falkland-islands-(malvinas) on 23/12/2024.
