Geographical Location

Heard Island (53°06'S, 73°30'E) and the McDonald Islands (53°03'S, 72°36'E) are a World Heritage Site in the southern Indian Ocean, on the Kerguelen Plateau, 4,100 kilometers (km) south-west of the Australian continent and 1,500 km north of Antarctica. Heard Island and the McDonald Islands lie 40 km apart, the McDonald Islands to the west of Heard Island.

Date and History of Establishment

Heard Island, Australia. (Source: Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks)

There are no specific protected area designations. Australian control was formalized under the Heard Island and McDonald Islands Act, 1953 (amended 1957 and 1963), when the islands were designated part of Australian External Territory. Statutory Ordinances may be made under the provisions of the Act for the administration and protection of the Islands. Laws of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) may apply, and the Governor-General is empowered to enact ordinances for the Territory. The Environment Protection and Management Ordinance, 1987 prohibits entry to the Territory without a permit, and prohibits a wide range of activities which would be potentially harmful to natural and cultural environments. The Criminal Procedure Ordinance, 1993 provides mechanisms for law enforcement in the territory. Commonwealth laws are also expressed to extend to the External Territories. In 1983, Heard and McDonald Islands were listed on the Register of the National Estate, established under the Australia Heritage Commission Act, 1975. This places an obligation on the Australian government to ensure that natural and cultural heritage values are preserved. Inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1997.

Area

Heard Island covers approximately 36,800 hectares (ha), the McDonald Islands 1,800 ha, and the territory nominated for World Heritage Site includes the adjacent offshore rocks and shoals. The area includes all territorial waters to a distance of 12 nautical miles.

Land Tenure

Government of Australia.

Altitude

Heard Island rises from sea level to 2,745 meters (m) (Mawson Peak), while the highest point in the McDonald Islands is 230 m.

Physical Features

McDonald Island, Australia. (Source: Global Volcanism Program)

Heard Island and the McDonald Islands are limestone and volcanic accumulations located on the Kerguelen Plateau, a submarine plateau which rises some 3,700 m above the adjacent deep sea floor. The islands are two of three areas (with Iles Kerguelen) which are the only aerial expressions of the Kerguelen Plateau or the broader Gaussberg-Kerguelen Ridge. Heard Island is notable among oceanic islands because its basement is middle Eocene to early Oligocene limestone of marine origin, and the volcanic piles that form the island sit on this.

The main body of Heard Island is roughly circular, with a diameter of about 25 km. Topography is dominated by Big Ben massif, with the volcanically active Mawson Peak (the only active volcano in Australia territory). Both karst and volcanic features occur. A mountainous headland, Laurens Peninsula, extends approximately 10 km to the north-west connected to the main island by a ridge little more than 100 m wide. The peninsula is also volcanic in origin, and features extensive areas of lava tunnels. To the east, a narrow sand and shingle spit extends approximately 10 km out into the Southern Ocean. This spit is now being broached. There are numerous outlying islets, rocks and reefs, the largest, Shag Island, lying some 10 km north of Heard Island.

About 80% of Heard Island is glaciated, with ice up to 150 m deep and glaciers extending from 2,745 m to sea level. Ice cliffs form a high percentage of the coastline. The glaciers appear to be fast-flowing as a result of the steep slope and high precipitation, and are likely to be particularly sensitive to climatic fluctuations. Measurements between 1947 and 1980 suggest that glacial retreat has been marked on Heard Island, particularly on the eastern flanks. This has been associated by Allison and Keage (1986) with changes in weather patterns. There is little soil development, and ice-free areas available for terrestrial life are widely separated and mostly confined to low-lying coastal areas.

The McDonald Island group comprises McDonald Island (100 ha), with several small rocky islets (notably Flat Island and Meyer Rock). The islands, all of which are ice-free, are composed of basaltic lava and tuffaceous material, resulting from eruptions of volcanic vents near sea level. The rocks are compositionally distinct from those of Heard Island. McDonald Island consists of two sections; a northern sloping plateau and a southern steep-sided hill (Maxwell Hill), both bounded by steep cliffs, and joined by a narrow isthmus. There is little soil.

Climate

The islands lie to the south of the Antarctic Convergence and have a cool maritime climate with strong westerly winds prevailing. Climatic observations have only been made on Heard Island (at Atlas Cove). Records show a mean annual temperature of 1 degree Celsius (°C), with a summer mean of 3.2°C and a winter mean of 0.1°C. Precipitation is about 1400 millimeters per year (mm/yr) with snow or rain on 75% of days, and frequent extensive cloud cover. Snowfall occur throughout the year with a maximum frequency in winter and spring.

Vegetation

The principal vegetation communities on Heard Island are tussock grassland, herbfield, and feldmark, with smaller areas of meadow, pool complex and cushion carpet. Short tussock grass Poa cookii, with cushions of the herb Colobanthus kerguelensis are present in coastal areas, with Kerguelen cabbage Pringlea antiscorbutica and Azorella selago cushions in established moraines and valleys up to 200 m. Dwarf shrub Acaena magellanica occurs in sheltered areas. Above 200 m, mosses and lichens dominate ice-free regions and are also important components of the flora at lower regions. Kelp (principally Macrocystis antarctica) is abundant along the coastline. The isolation of plant communities, in combination with increasing habitat availability resulting from glacial retreat, makes Heard Island significant for the study of plant colonization.

On the McDonald Islands, tussock grass Poa cookii is common on eastern slopes and lower parts of the plateau, while cushions of Azorella selago cover higher areas, with Kerguelen cabbage Pringlea antiscorbutica, and dwarf shrub Acaena magellanica.

Eleven species of vascular plant occur on Heard Island (seven herbs, four grasses), forty-two species of moss have been identified so far, and there are likely to be as many as 50 lichen species. Five species of vascular plant, at least six of moss and an as yet as undetermined number of lichens occur on the McDonald Islands (all also found on Heard Island). There are no trees. The grass Poa annua appears to be newly introduced to Heard Island (first seen 1986/87), although its introduction by human activity seems unlikely.

Fauna

The macaroni penguin Eudyptes chrysolophus is the most common of penguin species, so they are quite populous on Heard Island and McDonald Island, on which penguins are the most abundant of all bird species. (Source: Australian Antarctic Division)

Five species of true seals (Phocidae) and two species of eared seals (Otariidae) occur on the islands. Large populations of southern elephant seal Mirounga leonina occur on Heard Island, principally on the eastern spit, although numbers have decreased significantly in recent years. Winter, non-breeding population of Leopard seal Hydrurga leptonyx is estimated to be at around 1,000 individuals. HIMI is an important breeding location for Antarctic fur seal Arctocephalus gazella. Numbers of this species are rising significantly. Weddell seal Leptonychotes weddelli, Ross seal Ommatophoca rossi and crabeater seal Lobodon carcinophagus are occasionally present on Heard Island (at the extreme northern limit of their pelagic ranges), while subantarctic fur seal A. tropicalis was first recorded on Heard Island in 1987/88. On the McDonald Islands southern elephant seal and Antarctic fur seal breed, while leopard seal occurs. Fur seal from the McDonald Islands has probably recolonized Heard Island after severe exploitation of the latter populations in the 1800s.

Thirty-four bird species have been recorded at HIMI, of which 19 species breed on Heard Island and 11 of these also breed on the McDonald Islands. Penguins are by far the most abundant of all bird species present, with populations of macaroni penguin Eudyptes chrysolophus (by far the commonest species) reaching two million pairs within the islands, 16% of the total world totals. Gentoo penguin Pygoscelis papua is present year round on the islands, and its breeding population at Heard Island represents about six percent of the world population. Other breeding bird species are: black-browed albatross Diomedea melanophris (600-700 breeding pairs), light-mantled albatross Phoebetria palpebrata (200-500), southern giant petrel Macronectes giganteus (3,000 pairs on Heard Island and an estimated 1,400 to 1,600 pairs on McDonald Island), cape petrel Daption capense, Antarctic prion Pachyptila desolata, fulmar prion P. crassirostris, Wilson's storm petrel Oceanites oceanicus, South Georgian diving petrel Pelecanoides georgicus, common diving petrel P. urinatrix, Heard Island cormorant Phalacrocorax atriceps nivalis (an {C}endemic {C}subspecies with a population of less than 100 pairs), Antarctic tern Sterna vittata, subantarctic skua Catharacta lonnbergi, kelp gull Larus dominicanus and lesser sheathbill Chionis minor nasicornis (an endemic subspecies). Wandering albatross Diomedea exulans was reported breeding for the first time in 1980. Most bird populations are reported as stable, with those of king penguin and black-browed albatross increasing. Woehler (1991) summarizes published and unpublished data on the status and {C}conservation of the 19 breeding species.

The number of terrestrial {C}invertebrate species recorded from HIMI stands at 127. Some of these are endemic and others are restricted to the Heard-Kerguelen region. In one study, four species previously unknown to science were described, along with several sub-species endemic to the Island. On Heard Island, nearly all non-parasitic {C}insects are associated with Azorella selago, Poa cookii and Pringlea antiscorbutica, the most common {C}vascular plant species.

The {C}fish {C}fauna around Heard Island and the McDonald Islands is virtually identical to that around Iles Kerguelen. Frequently occurring fish around Heard Island are icefish Champsocephalus gunnari and Channichthys rhinoceratus, Antarctic cods Notothenia squamifrons and Dissostichus eleginoides, and rays Bathyraja spp. Fifteen species of fish have been recorded from trawls at depths of greater than 170 m and nine species from inshore waters.

Cultural Heritage

The first sighting of Heard Island is attributed to the British captain, Peter Kemp, in 1833, although discovery is also attributed to the American captain Heard of the Oriental in 1853, who first published information on the island's geography and location. The McDonald Islands were discovered in 1854 by Captain McDonald of the British sealing vessel Samarang. Sealing gangs occupied Heard Island almost continuously for 20 years following the first landing in 1855, thereafter sporadically until 1929. Elephant seal, fur seal, and penguin (particularly king penguin) were exploited on Heard Island, and to a lesser extent on the McDonald Islands. The sealers' sites on Heard Island are the best preserved in the region.

Heard Island was annexed to {C}Australia from Britain in 1947, when the Australian government also assumed sovereignty of the McDonald Islands. A research station on Heard Island was operated from 1947 to 1954 by {C}Australian National Antarctic Research Expedition (ANARE), later shifting activities to bases on the Antarctic mainland. The building remains are significant, representing constructions spanning 50 years. The first comprehensive survey of historic sites on Heard Island was carried out 1986-87 after an initial survey in 1985.

Local Human Population

There is no permanent habitation.

Visitors and Visitor Facilities

Heard Island is visited infrequently, and the McDonald Islands very rarely.

Scientific Research and Facilities

Heard Island was visited by several scientific expeditions in the 1800s and early 1900s, beginning with a visit by scientists from HMS Challenger in 1874. A research station was operated from 1947 to 1954 by {C}Australian National Antarctic Research Expedition (ANARE), later shifting activities to bases on the Antarctic mainland. Further ANARE activities occurred in 1963, 1969, 1971, and 1980, and have more recently occurred in 1985, 1986-87, 1987-88 and 1990. An active, although spasmodic, research program is conducted which covers both {C}biological and {C}earth sciences, and cultural remains. Research on the McDonald Islands has been very limited, landings on the islands having been made only in 1971 and 1980 (when a four day biological survey was made). In 1985, an improved 1:50,000 scale map of the whole territory was produced, and in 1986/7 an extensive aerial photographic survey of {C}ice-free sites was completed.

Conservation Value

Heard Island and the McDonald Islands are a classic example of a subantarctic {C}island group with low species diversity, but huge populations of certain {C}species. The islands show volcanic, glacial and {C}karst features, as well as typical coastal features. The condition of the islands is reported to be excellent, and the islands have suffered far fewer impacts on their ecosystems than other subantarctic islands. There are no {C}introduced species, and as a result Heard Island is an important location for burrowing {C}birds such as petrels. Population levels of most species of seabird and marine {C}mammal {C}breeding in the islands are reported to be stable. However, changes in populations of certain {C}key species, and the observed {C}glacial retreat (opening new areas for colonization) indicate valuable research opportunities. The linking of these changes to possible shifts in {C}weather patterns is of particular significance given current concern about climate change. The nominated area includes an extensive marine area in order to ensure {C}ecological integrity as virtually all species which inhabit the island are dependent on the marine {C}environment for their survival.

Conservation Management

The Heard and McDonald Islands Act, 1953 and the Environment Protection and Management Ordinance, 1987 are administered by the Antarctic Division of the Federal Department of the Arts, Sport, the Environment, Tourism and Territories. Interim guidelines for visitors have been followed for several years and these deal with administrative, safety, and {C}environmental protection measures. Under these it is prohibited to: interfere with {C}fauna or {C}flora; introduce any {C}animal, {C}plant, parasite, or {C}disease; collect samples, except for bona fide scientific reasons; use motorized vehicles; light {C}fires; erect permanent structures; or carry or use firearms.

A management plan for HIMI was instituted in February 1996. It outlines protective measures that are in force which prohibit entry to the {C}island without a permit, and prohibits activities which would be potentially harmful to the natural and cultural environment. The plan the major proportion of HIMI to be wilderness area and provides guidelines for management of the islands expressed in goals, objectives and strategies.

Management Constraints

Populations of {C}seals and {C}penguins on Heard Island (particularly Antarctic {C}fur seal, southern elephant seal, and king penguin) are recovering from heavy exploitation in the 19th and early 20th centuries, and the immediate area around the ANARE station on Heard Island has been slightly modified. Otherwise most of Heard Island is unaffected by man, and no alien {C}plants or {C}animals are present - sheep Ovis aries were introduced with the first Australian National Antarctic Research Expedition (1947), but did not become established. One exception may be the impact of stranded {C}fishing debris and other artefacts, and several fur seals have been seen entangled at Heard Island. The McDonald Islands are unmodified by man, and there are no alien plants or animals.

One of the principal management constraints is the problem of formulating management standards and practice given the limited scientific understanding, and the general susceptibility of island ecosystems to disturbance. Also, while {C}geographical isolation has been a key factor in the {C}conservation of the islands, it also presents a problem when trying to manage a site so remote from the {C}Australian mainland. These two factors, and the need to keep the islands free of introductions, are likely to feature prominently in the management plan being drafted.

Staff

No staff position is solely dedicated to management of HIMI. However, in meeting its responsibilities the Australian Antarctic Division draws on the skills and knowledge of some 15 permanent members of staff for policy, planning, environmental, legal, operational and public information/education concerns, each of whom has a watching brief on HIMI matters.

Budget

Administration and management of HIMI is funded from the Australian government's appropriation to the Australian Antarctic Division. Estimated budget amounts to a total of about US$234,000 per annum.

IUCN Management Category

• HIMI Protected Area Ia (Strict Nature Reserve)
• Natural World Heritage Site - Criteria i, ii

Further Reading

• Allison, I.F. and Keage, P.L. (1986). Recent changes in the glaciers of Heard Island. Polar Record 23(144): 255-271.
• Budd, G.M. (1972). Breeding of the fur seal at McDonald Islands, and further population growth at Heard Island. Mammalia 36: 423-7.
• Clarke, I., McDougall, I. and Whitford, D.J. (1983). Volcanic evolution of Heard and McDonald Islands, Southern Indian Ocean. In: Oliver, R.L., James, P.R. and Jago, J.B. (Eds), Antarctic earth science, Proceedings of the Fourth International Symposium on Antarctic Earth Sciences, held at the University of Adelaide, South Australia, 16-20 August 1982. Australian Academy of Science, Canberra. Pp. 631-635.
• Clarke, M.R. and Dingwall, P.R. (1985). Conservation of Islands in the Southern Ocean: A review of the protected areas of Insulantarctica. IUCN, Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge, UK.
• Commonwealth of Australia (1985). Heard Island including McDonald Islands, 1:50,000 Map. Produced by the Division of National Mapping, Department of Resources and Energy. Commonwealth Government Printer, Canberra.
• Commonwealth of Australia (1996). Heard Island and McDonald islands. Nomination by the Government of Australia for inscription on the World Heritage list. 79 pages + Annexes. [contains a comprehensive bibliography]
• DASETT (1990). Nomination of Subantarctic Heard Island and McDonald Islands by the Government of Australia for inclusion in the World Heritage List. Prepared by the Department of the Arts, Sports, the Environment, Tourism and Territories. [Contains a comprehensive bibliography]
• Department of Lands and Survey (1983). Management plan for the Campbell Islands Nature Reserve. New Zealand Department of Lands and Survey, Wellington. 77 pp.
• Green, K. (1990). Heard Island 1990 ANARE Report. Antarctic Division, Hobart, Tasmania.
• Horne, R.S.C. (1983). The distribution of penguin breeding colonies on the Australian Antarctic Territory, Heard Island, the McDonald Islands and the Macquarie Island. ANARE Research Notes 9.
• Hughes, J.M.R. (1987). The distribution and composition of vascular plant communities on Heard Island. Polar Biology 7(3): 153-162.
• Keage, P.L. (1981). The conservation status of Heard Island and the McDonald Islands. University of Tasmania. Environmental Studies Occasional Paper 13. 100 pp.
• Keage, P.L. (1987). Additional protective measures for Heard Island and the McDonald Islands. In: Dingwall, P.R. (Ed.), Conserving the Natural Heritage of the Antarctic Realm. IUCN, Gland, Switzerland. Pp. 86-105
• Keage, P.L., Burton, H.R. and Stanhope, J. (1986). Environmental protection and management of Heard Island and the McDonald Islands. Presented at SCAR/IUCN workshop, 12-14 September 1986. Department of Science, Kingston, Tasmania.
• Kirkwood, R.J., Woehler, E.J. and Burton, H.R. (1989). Heard Island 1987/1988 ANARE Report. Antarctic Division, Hobart, Tasmania.
• Law, P.G. and Burstall, T. (1953). Heard Island. ANARE Publications 12. 32 pp.
• Scott, J.J. (1987). Distribution and dynamics of vegetation in reaction to natural disturbance factors, Heard and McDonald Islands. 1986-87 Australian Antarctic research program. Initial field reports. Antarctic Division, Hobart, Tasmania. Pp. 70-72.
• Seppelt, R.D. and Hughes, J.M.R. (1987). Contrasts in vegetation patterns: Heard Island and Macquarie Island. CNFRA 58: 171-175.
• Shaughnessy, P.D. and Shaughnessy, G.L. (1987). Birds of Heard Island: a review of recent literature. Cormorant 14(12): 57-59.
• Shaughnessy, P.D., Shaughnessy, G.L. and Keage, P.L. (1988). Fur seals at Heard Island: recovery from past exploitation? Marine mammals of Australasia - field biology and captive management. Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales, Sydney. Pp. 71-77.
• Slip, D. J. and Burton, H.R. (1991). Accumulation of fishing debris, plastic litter, and other artefacts, on Heard and Macquarie islands in the Southern Ocean. Environmental Conservation 18(3): 249-254.
• Smith, J.M.B. and Simpson, R.D. (1985). Biotic zonation on rocky shores of Heard Island. Pacific Insects Monograph 23: 291-292.
• Veenstra, C. and Manning, J. (1980). Expedition to the Australian Territory of Heard and McDonald Islands. Technical Report 31. Division of National Mapping.
• Williams, R. (1983). The inshore fishes of Heard and McDonald Islands, Southern Indian Ocean. Journal of Fish Biology 23: 283-292.
• Woehler, E.J. (1991). Status and conservation of the seabirds of Heard Island and the McDonald Islands. In: Croxall, J.P. (Ed.), Seabird Status and Conservation: A Supplement. ICBP Technical Publication No. 11. International Council for Bird Preservation, Cambridge, UK.