17 Nov 2013

Lands so precious, they're irreplaceable

The New Zealand Herald reports that an International study has included New Zealand Subantarctic Islands as a  critica location in the survival of threatened species has two NZ sites on list.  Read more here:  http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11157974

As stated in the article:

"Consisting of five island groups (the Snares, Bounty Islands, Antipodes Islands, Auckland Islands and Campbell Island) in the Southern Ocean southeast of New Zealand, the islands lie between the Antarctic and subtropical convergences. They are particularly notable for the large number and diversity of pelagic seabirds and penguins that nest there. There are 126 bird species, including 40 seabirds, of which five breed nowhere else in the world. The islands support major populations of 10 of the world's 22 species of albatross and almost 2 million sooty shearwaters nest on Snares Island alone. Home to one of the world's rarest ducks and more than 95 per cent of the world's population of New Zealand sea lion."

Heritage Expeditions has a number of Expeditions that explore the Subantarctic Islands.  With experts and lecturers guiding on the Islands, and an extensive onboard education programme, voyagers gain a deep understanding and appreciation for the importance and fragility of this special region.

View the range of Subantarctic voyages available here: http://www.heritage-expeditions.com/cruises-expeditions-in-subantarctic-islands-voyages/