Wildlife in the Falkland Islands
The Falklands Islands are an exceptional place for wildlife where nature is still in charge both on land and in the surrounding seas. There are spectacular seabird colonies, rare plants and insects, and two endemic birds. There are no native trees, but tussac grass grows up to three metres (10ft) tall and provides nesting sites for 30 species of birds and shelter for sea lions and elephant seals. You will find information on the best time to see birds and marine mammals and on wildlife habitats in the section About Falklands Wildlife. For information on nature reserves and protected areas visit Wildlife Places . For legislation protecting wildlife of the Islands go to Wildlife and the Law.

State of the Environment
The Falkland Islands State of the Environment Report 2008 (4928kb PDF) provides detailed information on the current knowledge of the Falklands’ environment, including its wildlife, both on land and at sea, including geology, meteorology, ecology and biology. It also describes the human population, social infrastructure and commercial and recreational activities undertaken within land and marine habitats. It highlights processes that threaten the Islands’ wildlife and identified policies to mitigate these. It reports that the Islands are unlikely to experience any global warming because of melting of Antarctic ice which will probably result in cooler temperatures, increased cloud cover and levels of rainfall.

Falkland Birds
At least 200 species of birds have been recorded, of which more than 60 breed in the Islands, including the Falkland Flightless Steamer Duck and Cobb's Wren which are unique to the Falklands and found no-where else. Visit the sections Penguins and Albatross and Petrels to find out more about these very special Falkland birds. For all other species and a complete Falklands check list go to Birds.

Plants
More than 160 native flowering plants grow in the Islands, 14 of which are endemic. For a complete check list and information on particular species go to Plants.

Insects and Invertebrates
Many unique insects including the rare and beautiful Queen of the Falklands Fritillary butterfly are found in the Islands. You will find a guide to Falkland Insects and further news of our Invertebrates Project at Insects & Invertebrates.

Marine Life
The rich seas surrounding the Falklands Islands contain a wealth of wildlife which is highlighted in the Shallow Marine Survey. Coastal waters are home to many species of whales and dolphins, seals and sea lions listed in the Marine Mammals check list.

Freshwater Life
Here is information about wildfowl, the two freshwater fish species native to the Islands: zebra trout and the Falklands minnow, and summary of freshwater invertebrates.