History of Bleaker Island

Norway rats were accidentally introduced to the island in the 1980s. They have now spread throughout the island and onto First, Second and Third Islands. Overgrazing was a problem but reduced grazing pressure is helping the slow regeneration of tussac and native flowering plants 

The Bleaker Island group has been identified by Bird Life International as an Important Bird Area. A survey identified 49 bird species on the islands, 37 of which were confirmed as breeding there. Breeding species include Rockhopper, Magellanic and Gentoo Penguins, King and Rock Cormorants, many small bird species and several birds of prey, including Striated and Southern Caracaras