Prince Leopold Island Migratory Bird Sanctuary, Bird sanctuary in Qikiqtaaluk Region, Canada
Prince Leopold Island is a migratory bird sanctuary in Lancaster Sound featuring limestone cliffs that rise roughly 870 feet above the water. The steep rock walls provide nesting sites for numerous seabird species, while the surrounding waters within a five-kilometer radius from shore form part of the protected area.
Scientists began systematic seabird monitoring on the island in the 1970s to track Arctic populations. Since then, the site has been formally protected as a sanctuary and continues to serve as a key research location for understanding bird populations in the far north.
The island is named after Prince Leopold, a member of the British royal family, reflecting the colonial history of the Arctic. Today it stands as a symbol of Arctic conservation and partnership between wildlife authorities and the Inuit communities of Resolute Bay.
The island is difficult to reach and visitation is restricted, requiring special permission and appropriate equipment. Visitors should contact local authorities in Resolute Bay beforehand to arrange access and learn about current site conditions.
During summer months, hundreds of thousands of seabirds gather on the island to breed, with a particularly massive population of thick-billed murres. This enormous congregation makes the location one of the most important breeding grounds for certain species across the entire northern hemisphere.
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