Nakōdo Island, Desert island in Ogasawara Village, Japan
Nakōdo Island is an uninhabited island in Ogasawara Village and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The landmass features rugged terrain with forested slopes that rise toward its highest ridge.
People lived on the island from the 1880s until 1944, when it was fully abandoned. After that time, native vegetation was able to recover without human disturbance.
The name comes from a Japanese word meaning matchmaker, referencing old maritime connections within the archipelago. This reflects how island communities were once linked through sea routes and trade.
Access requires special permits from local authorities and is only available through authorized boats. Visitors should expect limited transportation options and restricted entry conditions.
After feral goats were removed, populations of brown boobies and black-footed albatrosses increased significantly. This change shows how restoring the natural landscape can reshape animal life.
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