ÃŽle Fourchue, also known as ÃŽle Fourche is an island between
Saint-Barthélemy and
Saint Martin, belonging to the Collectivity of Saint Barthélemy. The island's inside is privately owned. It is located about 5 km north-west of the island of Saint Barthelemy. Previously, Fourchue Island was called ''Five Islands'' because of prominent five peaks visible from the distance. The highest point is 103 meter above sea level. It is situated within
Réserve naturelle nationale de Saint-Barthélemy.
History
Fourchue Island is known as the retreat of Balthazar Biguard, an immigrant from
Marseille
Marseille (; ; see #Name, below) is a city in southern France, the Prefectures in France, prefecture of the Departments of France, department of Bouches-du-Rhône and of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Regions of France, region. Situated in the ...
fleeing the
French Revolution, Saint-Barthélemy being at that time Swedish territory. He ended up acquiring
Swedish citizenship, living apart from the rest of the world until he died in 1827 at the age of 85. He is buried on this island.
Important Bird Area
Petite Islette, a 1.3 ha, 33 m high, islet at the western end of Fourchue, has been recognised as an
Important Bird Area (IBA) by
BirdLife International
BirdLife International is a global partnership of non-governmental organizations that strives to conserve birds and their habitats. BirdLife International's priorities include preventing extinction of bird species, identifying and safeguarding i ...
because it supports a
breeding colony of
brown boobies. Three species of reptiles are present: the
Lesser Antillean iguana (endemic of the Lesser Antilles),
Anguilla anole and
Caribbean ameiva.
[ ]
References
Important Bird Areas of Saint Barthélemy
Environment of Saint Barthélemy
Seabird colonies
Islands of Saint Barthélemy
Uninhabited islands of France
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