Pitcairn Island is the only inhabited island of the
Pitcairn Islands, of which many inhabitants are descendants of mutineers of
HMS ''Bounty''.
Geography
The island is of volcanic origin, with a rugged cliff coastline. Unlike many other South Pacific islands, it is not surrounded by coral reefs that protect the coast. The only access to the island is via a small pier on
Bounty Bay.
Adamstown is the sole settlement.
Pawala Valley Ridge is the island's highest point at 346 m above sea level.
The volcanic soil and tropical climate with abundant rainfall make the soil productive.
The average temperature ranges from 19 to 24°C. The annual rainfall is 1,800 mm.
As there are no rivers or lakes, drinking water is collected from the rain with cisterns.
Fauna
Indigenous fauna consists of insects and lizards. Since their introduction, rats have become an
invasive species
An invasive species otherwise known as an alien is an introduced organism that becomes overpopulated and harms its new environment. Although most introduced species are neutral or beneficial with respect to other species, invasive species adv ...
.
A large number of seabirds nest along the steep shorelines.
Due to the absence of coral reefs, fishing is offshore. Sharks,
sea bream, barracudas and tuna are all abundant. Whale migrations are seen yearly.
History and population
Gallery
Pitcairn_-_Church_of_Adamstown.jpg, Church
Pitcairn_Longboats.jpg, longboats
Adamstown1.jpg, view of Adamstown
Pitcairn_John_Adams_Grab.jpg, John Adams
John Adams (October 30, 1735 – July 4, 1826) was an American statesman, attorney, diplomat, writer, and Founding Fathers of the United States, Founding Father who served as the second president of the United States from 1797 to 1801. Befor ...
's grave
Pitcairnlanding.jpg, pier
Stpaulspoint.jpg, St Pauls Point (east coast)
Pitcairnvegetation.jpg, indigenous vegetation at Garnets Ridge
Pitc-sw.jpg, southwest
St_Pauls_Pool_-_panoramio.jpg, St Pauls pool
References
{{Reflist
External links
Pacific Union College ''History of Pitcairn Island''
Islands of the Pitcairn Islands
Volcanic islands