History of Saunders Island

be eradicated.  There is a small breeding colony of Southern Elephant Seals at Elephant Point.

Important Bird Area

Saunders Island has been identified by Bird Life International as an Important Bird Area (IBA). Birds for which the site is of conservation significance include Falkland Steamer Ducks (250 breeding pairs), Ruddy-headed Geese, Gentoo Penguins (6700 pairs), Southern Rock hopper Penguins (6900 pairs), Macaroni Penguins (4200 pairs), Black-browed Albatrossess (11,000 pairs) and White-bridled Finches. The island is near the southernmost range limit of the Magellanic Penguin, while Gentoos range much further south into Antarctica. The Royal Air Force Ornithological Society's members conducted a complete coastal survey in 1995.