Weddell Island
| Weddell Island | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Waters | South Atlantic |
| Archipelago | Falkland Islands |
| Geographical location | 51 ° 53 ′ S , 61 ° 0 ′ W |
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| length | 27 km |
| width | 21 km |
| surface | 254 km² |
| Highest elevation | Mount Weddell 383 m |
| main place | Weddell Settlement |
Weddell Island ( Spanish name Isla San José ) is the third largest of the Falkland Islands with 254 km² . It is located in the southwest of the archipelago. Until the late 19th century, the island was still known under the name Swan Island (German: Schwaneninsel ). Its current name goes back to the British whaler and explorer James Weddell . The population lives in the village of Weddell on the east coast and lives mainly from sheep farming.
Like most of the Falkland Islands, Weddell is known for its unspoiled nature. Penguins , maned seals , dolphins and many sea birds are resident here. Since the 1930s, however, skunks , rheas , parrots , guanacos and Patagonian foxes have also been introduced.