There are many fascinating islands around the world for its natural beauty and away from fast life of cities. However today we are not going to see some of those islands but also islands which are ruled by animals. Yes, there are many islands around the world where population of animals are much larger than that of humans, these beautiful islands are ruled by animals. So, let’s see them.
1. Rabbit Island, Japan
Rabbit Island, or Okunoshima, in Japan is renowned for its large population of friendly, free-roaming rabbits. Originally used for chemical weapons testing during World War II, the island’s rabbits are believed to be descendants of those left behind after the facility was dismantled. Today, Okunoshima is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors who come to interact with the rabbits and explore the island’s history. The island serves as a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance.
2. Red Crab Island, Australia
Christmas Island, often called Red Crab Island, is renowned for its spectacular annual migration of millions of red crabs. Located in Australia, the island transforms into a sea of red as these crabs move from the forest to the coast to spawn. This natural phenomenon draws tourists worldwide and plays a crucial role in the island’s ecosystem. The migration highlights the island’s unique biodiversity, emphasizing the importance of conservation efforts to protect this remarkable natural event and its environment.
3. Pig Island, Bahamas
Pig Island, officially known as Big Major Cay in the Bahamas, is famous for its resident swimming pigs. These friendly pigs, believed to have been left by sailors or migrated from a nearby island, thrive on Big Major Cay, attracting visitors eager to swim and interact with them in the crystal-clear waters. This unique tourist attraction offers a delightful and unusual experience, highlighting the island’s charm and the pigs’ surprisingly adept swimming abilities, making it a beloved destination in the Exumas archipelago.
4. Horse Island, USA
Assateague Island, spanning Maryland and Virginia in the USA, is renowned for its population of wild horses, known as the Chincoteague ponies. These resilient horses have adapted to the island’s harsh conditions, grazing on salt marshes and sandy dunes. The island’s annual Pony Swim, where ponies swim across a channel for auction, draws numerous visitors. Assateague’s untouched beaches, diverse wildlife, and the majestic sight of free-roaming horses make it a cherished natural sanctuary and a popular tourist destination.
5. Seal Island, South Africa
Seal Island, located near Cape Town, South Africa, is renowned for its large population of Cape fur seals. The island’s rocky terrain and nutrient-rich waters provide an ideal habitat for these marine mammals. Seal Island is also famous for being a hunting ground for great white sharks, offering a dramatic spectacle for wildlife enthusiasts. The island’s unique ecosystem and the predator-prey interactions attract numerous tourists and researchers, making it a significant site for marine biodiversity and ecotourism.
6. Monkey Island, Puerto Rico
Monkey Island, officially Cayo Santiago, is a small island off Puerto Rico’s eastern coast, home to a free-ranging colony of rhesus macaques. Established in 1938 for scientific research, the island now hosts around 1,000 monkeys, providing valuable insights into primate behaviour and genetics. Human visitors are not allowed on the island, ensuring minimal disturbance to the monkeys. However, boat tours offer a unique glimpse of the island’s inhabitants, making Monkey Island a significant site for both research and ecotourism.
7. Galapagos Island, Ecuador
The Galápagos Islands, located off Ecuador’s coast, are renowned for their extraordinary biodiversity and unique species, including giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies. This UNESCO World Heritage site significantly influenced Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. The islands’ isolation and varied ecosystems provide a living laboratory for studying natural selection and evolution. With strict conservation measures in place, the Galápagos attract scientists and eco-tourists worldwide, eager to explore and preserve this unparalleled natural treasure.
These are just seven islands which are ruled by animals however there are more islands and places around the world where population of animals are larger than humans like Snake Island, Fox village etc. we will see them some other time.
Until next time Keep travelling and take care of Nature.
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