The 158
ha island has been designated an
Antarctic Specially Protected Area (ASPA No.115) because of its relatively diverse flora and fauna, which is typical of the southern
Antarctic Peninsula region. The vegetation consists of abundant stands of the continent's only two flowering plants,
Antarctic hair grass and
Antarctic pearlwort, as well as well-developed
communities of
mosses and
lichen. The rich
invertebrate fauna includes the
wingless midge Belgica antarctica, for which the island is one of its southernmost sites. There are also
colonies of
Adélie penguins and
Antarctic shags. ==Important Bird Area==