The South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands are a group of islands that are located in the Atlantic Ocean. This group of islands has been deemed a territory of the United Kingdom and is overseen by a Commissioner. These islands have no residents but they do have government offices that abide there. They are very remote islands that are encompassed with snow all year long. The islands do offer many species of abundant wildlife. A person will find birds, reindeer, whales, and seals on these islands and in the Atlantic Ocean that surrounds these islands.
Reindeer
Although reindeer are not native to South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, there are several that roam there now. These huge animals were brought to the islands to help feed the whalers that once were there. Even though these whalers have long left these islands, the reindeer have remained and increased. Reindeer have taken over in population and have affected these islands in adverse ways. The UK government is considering thinning out these reindeer herds to keep their population down. They want to keep the reindeer's affect on the island to a minimum.
Whales
The common rorqual or
fin whale as they are called is a very unique whale that has made the area of the South Georgia Islands their home. It is considered a Baleen whale and it holds second place in being the largest whale in the entire world. Whalers once killed these types of whales in enormous numbers but now they are considered endangered. There are many other whales who live on these islands. These include the beak whale, pilot whale, and the
killer whale.
Seals
There are various seals that swim and live on the South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. One such seal was named after a well known person by the name of James Weddell who went on sealing expeditions. They named this seal the
Weddell Seal. This seal is very adaptable to its environment. These seals have their babies on the ice and they can eat while they are swimming underwater. Weddell Seals can chew through the ice that is above them so there is no danger of them being trapped under the ice.
Natural habitats are being set up and maintained by the conservation department of the South Georgia Islands. They are in collaboration with many other conservation departments. Their aim is to ensure there are habitats and safety for the animals on these islands.