It is almost impossible to go further south than the Falkland Islands. If anything, the archipelago is famous for the brutal 1982 war fought there between Argentina and the United Kingdom. But the overseas British territory is also known for its sheep farming,
its stunning views and abundance of bird life that you can see nowhere else. But now, some of those incredible birds could be getting a new landlord. Pebble Island, one of the larger offshore islands of the Falklands has been owned by the same family for 150 years. However, the Harris family, which currently lives in Wales, says the island is just too much for them to maintain from afar and so they are looking to sell.
Pebble Island is home to sea lions, sheep, cattle and, most importantly, thousands of penguins from several species including Macaroni, Gentoo and Magellanic. In all, a total of 42 species of birds breed natively on the island making it an International Bird and Biodiversity Area. The designation suggests that it is a place that should be protected at all costs.
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f the new owner decides to develop the island these birds could be in danger of losing their land, and that is something that should never happen. One way of protecting the island is if the government bought the island and turned it to a wildlife sanctuary for all animals and people to enjoy. That way no private owner could one day decide to develop the island or endanger the native bird and animal populations in some other way.
Making Pebble Island a natural reserve and sanctuary is the best way of protecting these incredible species.
Please sign the petition and urge the U.K. to buy Pebble Island and turn it into a sanctuary to protect the island for centuries to come.