The conservation status of Heard Island and the McDonald Islands

Heard Island and the McDonald Islands, the last unspoilt subantarctic biome, face increasing threats from human activity despite their extreme isolation. This study reveals that current legal protections are insufficient to maintain their biological integrity, highlighting a delicate conservation balance. It identifies urgent reforms, including new legislation or integration under the Antarctic Treaty (Environmental Protection) Act 1980, as critical for their future preservation. The research combines historical, geographical, and biological analysis with an assessment of existing legal controls, advocating for stronger measures to safeguard these unique ecosystems. Recommendations include declaring the Islands a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve or World Heritage Site, contingent on implementing prior reforms.

Keage, P. L. (1981). The conservation status of Heard Island and the McDonald Islands (Version 1) [University of Tasmania]. https://doi.org/10.25959/23233346.V1