Wildlife of the Falkland Islands
The waters around the Falkland Islands sustain many animals, including a large number of marine mammals.
Introduced animals are having a detrimental effect on native wildlife, which is now mainly restricted to smaller offshore islands.
[3] Strong connections exist with the flora and fauna of Patagonia in South America,[4] especially to those in Tierra del Fuego.
[4] The soil types in the island vary, due to the relative dryness of the west compared to the east and differences in altitude.
In the areas with high nutrient levels, the lowlands can support turf,[6] however most peat is very shallow and lies on top of clay.
However, a 2009 DNA study by scientists at UCLA suggested that the warrah arrived on the islands long before humans migrated to the New World.
[13] Inland, upland and ruddy-headed geese live near small freshwater ponds, along with silver teal, Chiloé wigeon, and white-tufted grebe.
[5] Introduced brown trout, have been established in many freshwater streams and have also formed sea-runs resulting in an increase in body size.
Due to the need for high humidity and salty air, tussac grass is not found more than 300 m (1,000 ft) from the coast, causing it to form bands around larger islands.
The dead leaves that accumulate in these areas make them highly fertile, although few other species can grow due to the density of the grass.
The most common grass species is whitegrass (Cortaderia pilosa) which covers the majority of the main islands.
In the feldmark environments formed on exposed ridges and higher areas, cushion plants such as balsam bog (Bolax gummifera).
[13] There is little long-term data on habitat changes, so the extent of human impact is unclear, although threats such as invasive species and camp burning are recognised.
[4] Vegetation such as tussac grass, fachine, and native box have been heavily affected by introduced grazing animals.
Many breeding birds similarly live only on offshore islands, where introduced animals, such as cats and rats, are not found.
[9] South American gray foxes were introduced and are having a detrimental impact on birds that nest on the shores, as are feral cats.
Having trees in place to disrupt the cold winds of the islands would positively impact sheep farming, improving lamb survival rates and help with recovery from stress.
[27] A 1983 study determined that it may be possible to plant trees for wind shelter, although imported stock would have to be used as it was impractical to raise sufficient numbers on the islands.
A small number of sizeable plots exist, but they are largely confined to sites near houses and gardens.
[7] There are a small number of significant stands of introduced trees on the islands, primarily the Monterey cypress.
The 1982 Memorial Wood 51°41′40″S 57°50′46″W / 51.6945°S 57.846°W / -51.6945; -57.846) at Port Stanley contains 255 trees (one for each UK serviceman killed in the Falklands War.
There is also a stand of Monterey cypress and New Zealand cabbage palms at Port Patterson on Carcass Island.
