Savage Islands Nature Reserve, Nature reserve in Atlantic Ocean, Portugal
The Savage Islands Nature Reserve is a protected area in the Atlantic Ocean south of Madeira, comprising two main volcanic islands and several smaller islets. The terrain features steep rocky cliffs and remains virtually uninhabited.
A Portuguese navigator discovered the uninhabited islands in 1438, followed by attempts to exploit them economically through resource harvesting. Eventually, the islands gained protection status to preserve their natural value.
The place functions as a research station where scientists study marine life and seabird populations year-round. It represents a living laboratory dedicated to understanding and protecting Atlantic island ecosystems.
Access to the islands is restricted and requires special authorization from Madeira's nature protection authority. Visitors should check current regulations in advance, as ecological conservation takes priority.
The islands host one of the world's largest colonies of Cory's shearwaters, with thousands of pairs nesting annually in rocky terrain. This seabird species relies on the location as a crucial breeding ground in its migration cycle.
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