The island received its name for the little penguin (
Eudyptula minor) burrows which were mistaken for rabbit holes and the island has also been historically referred to as
Rabbit Island. In 1936 and 1938, the penguins of Mistaken Island became victims of deliberately lit fires. Following the latter event, some were discovered with their feet "burned off". As of 2011, the penguin colony on Mistaken Island is the subject of scientific study. ==References==