From the rugged shores to the windswept landscapes, the Falkland Islands are a true sanctuary for biodiversity. The islands are home to a rich variety of ecosystems that support unique species and wildlife, making them a global conservation treasure. These diverse habitats range from coastal cliffs and rocky shores to grasslands and wetlands, each playing host to incredible flora and fauna.

The Falklands are particularly renowned for their birdlife, including five species of penguins, the endemic flightless Falkland steamer duck, and some of the largest colonies of black-browed albatrosses on the planet. The islands are also a haven for marine mammals, with southern elephant seals, sea lions, and a variety of whale species frequently found along the coastlines. Additionally, the Falklands boast a wealth of marine biodiversity, with pristine waters that sustain thriving populations of fish, krill, and other marine life.

Four pillars elaborated:

Land Management

The Falkland Islands, spanning approximately 12,000 km² (4,633 mi²), are a unique and vital hub for biodiversity conservation. Nearly 33 protected areas encompass significant portions of the islands, including terrestrial, marine, and coastal zones, with Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) identified to preserve critical wildlife habitats. These protected areas are essential for the conservation of various species, from seabirds and marine mammals to the rich marine life in the surrounding waters.

The islands’ marine ecosystems are particularly important, with around 4 designated marine protected areas (MPAs) safeguarding vast sections of the coastal waters. These MPAs play a crucial role in protecting marine biodiversity, including fisheries and habitats that sustain both commercial species and vital components of the Southern Ocean food web. Sustainable management practices in fisheries aim to maintain ecological balance while supporting the local economy.

Threats to Biodiversity

The Falkland Islands’ species face a relatively low risk of extinction, with consistent conservation efforts helping to maintain biodiversity stability. According to data from recent assessments, around 65 bird species, including 14 endemic subspecies, breed on the islands, and efforts to protect vulnerable species are ongoing. The islands’ terrestrial and marine ecosystems benefit from a strong network of protected areas, with around 33 designated zones, ensuring critical habitats are preserved for wildlife such as seabirds, penguins, and marine mammals.

However, like many remote regions, the Falklands’ marine ecosystems are facing challenges. Fisheries management is critical, as some marine populations require careful monitoring and improved conservation strategies to avoid overexploitation. The Falkland Islands government has implemented strict regulations to safeguard marine biodiversity and ensure sustainable practices in their fishing industry, which is vital to both the economy and ecological balance.

Capacity and Governance

The Falkland Islands Government manages its territorial waters, extending 12 nautical miles from the coast, and the exclusive economic zone, which reaches 200 nautical miles. This management primarily involves regulating industrial activities through licensing conditions, with no fishing currently allowed within 3 nautical miles of the coast. However, this restriction is not legislated and can be lifted at the discretion of the Director of Natural Resources, meaning it cannot be applied to international agreements.

In 2014, the Falkland Islands Government began exploring the management of its marine resources through a marine spatial planning process. As of September 2021, this initiative has resulted in the development of a Marine Managed Areas (MMAs) proposal, focusing on the inshore environment. The proposed MMAs overlap with identified Key Biodiversity Areas (KBA) and will help guide necessary conservation and management actions for species within these areas.

Future Trends

The Falkland Islands Government is dedicated to safeguarding the unique biodiversity of the islands, as outlined in the Biodiversity Framework 2016-2030. This framework is designed to address key environmental threats and establish priorities for preserving the broader ecosystem of the Falklands. It sets forth an environmental vision for the islands: “We will conserve and enhance the natural diversity, ecological processes, and heritage of the Falkland Islands, in harmony with sustainable economic development.”

Biodiversity

The Falkland Islands are biogeographically part of the Antarctic zone, with strong ecological ties to the flora and fauna of Patagonia in mainland South America. The majority of the islands’ birdlife consists of land birds, with two endemic species: the flightless Falkland steamer duck and Cobb’s wren. A total of 63 bird species breed on the islands, including 14 endemic subspecies.

The islands also boast rich arthropod diversity, and their flora includes 163 native vascular plant species, along with over 400 species of lichens and lichen-dwelling fungi. The Falklands’ only native terrestrial mammal, the warrah, was hunted to extinction by European settlers.

Marine mammals, such as southern elephant seals and South American fur seals, are common around the islands, along with various cetacean species. The offshore islands are home to rare species like the striated caracara, and the Falklands host five penguin species and some of the largest albatross colonies in the world. Native fish around the islands primarily belong to the genus Galaxias. The islands’ vegetation is treeless and dominated by wind-resistant dwarf shrubs.

Much of the Falklands is used as pasture for sheep farming. Introduced species, such as reindeer, hares, rabbits, Patagonian foxes, brown rats, and cats, have impacted the native flora and fauna, with efforts underway to control or eradicate harmful species like foxes, rabbits, and rats. Endemic animals, particularly birds, have been severely affected by these introductions, with some species disappearing from the larger islands. The full extent of human impact on the Falklands’ ecosystems remains unclear due to limited long-term data on habitat changes.