Mukojima, Desert island in Ogasawara, Japan
Mukojima is an uninhabited volcanic island in the Ogasawara archipelago about 1,000 kilometers (600 miles) south of Tokyo, distinguished by steep cliffs, natural coastal formations, and untouched landscapes. The island consists of rough basalt rock faces and is surrounded by strong ocean currents, making it difficult to approach.
The island was placed under government protection by Japan in 1972 and became part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011 as part of the Ogasawara archipelago. This designation has led to stricter measures for protecting native wildlife and plant species.
Scientists from multiple nations conduct research expeditions to Mukojima, documenting the behaviors of indigenous bird species and marine life populations.
Access requires special permits and arrangements through Ogasawara Village since the island is a protected zone. Only authorized boats operate from Chichijima, and the journey is time-consuming and dependent on weather conditions.
Massive seabird breeding colonies have established themselves on the island due to the complete absence of human disturbance. This makes it one of the Pacific's most important refuges for seabirds.
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