Aerial view of Redonda Island. Antigua and Barbuda. Credit: Ed Marshall.
– With an area of just 1.6 square kilometres, the uninhabited island of Redonda may be small in size but is a giant in terms of biodiversity. Located southwest of Antigua and Barbuda, this volcanic island provides nesting sites for thousands of seabird species and boasts several unique plants, some of which are found nowhere else in the world. Its steep cliffs offer a dramatic backdrop to the crystal-clear waters below, making Redonda a paradise for divers and snorkelers. However, the island has been facing numerous challenges and threats over the years. Invasive species, such as rats and feral goats, have wreaked havoc on the island’s native flora and fauna, leading to habitat degradation and loss, as well as soil erosion.
In a landmark decision, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda recently declared the entire island a protected area.
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