Pitcairn Island is the only inhabited island of the Pitcairn Islands, in the southern Pacific Ocean, of which many of the 40 inhabitants are descendants of mutineers of HMS Bounty.

Geography

thumb | right | alt=Pitcairn Island’s rocky shoreline: a steep shore is seen with large waves crashing into it | Pitcairn Island’s rocky shoreline

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 above sea level.

The volcanic soil and tropical climate with abundant rainfall make the soil productive.

The average temperature ranges from . The annual rainfall is .

Fauna

Indigenous fauna consists of insects and lizards. Since their introduction, rats have become an invasive species.

A large number of seabirds nest along the steep shorelines.

As coral reefs are absent, fishing is offshore. Sharks, sea bream, barracuda, and tuna are all abundant. Whale migrations are seen yearly.

See also

  • History of the Pitcairn Islands
  • Mutiny on the Bounty
  • In the Wake of the Bounty (1933 film)
  • Pitcairn Radio Station<!--- place here for now; if future "Media" section, move there --->

References

  • Pacific Union College History of Pitcairn Island