Climate change in the UKOTs an overview of the ... - JNCC - Defra
Climate change in the UKOTs an overview of the ... - JNCC - Defra
Climate change in the UKOTs an overview of the ... - JNCC - Defra
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22<br />
Atl<strong>an</strong>tic, ly<strong>in</strong>g 912 km east <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> coast <strong>of</strong> North Carol<strong>in</strong>a<br />
<strong>Climate</strong>: The warm<strong>in</strong>g effect <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Gulf Stream makes Bermuda <strong>the</strong> most nor<strong>the</strong>rly<br />
group <strong>of</strong> coral isl<strong>an</strong>ds <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> world.<br />
Topography: The limestone isl<strong>an</strong>ds sit on <strong>the</strong> largest <strong>of</strong> three volc<strong>an</strong>ic seamounts<br />
formed about 110 million years ago.<br />
Biodiversity: About 250 <strong>of</strong> more th<strong>an</strong> 8,000 pl<strong>an</strong>t <strong>an</strong>d <strong>an</strong>imal species known from<br />
Bermuda are unique. M<strong>an</strong>y <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se are found <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> extensive network <strong>of</strong> submerged<br />
caves <strong>an</strong>d, like <strong>the</strong> Bermuda petrel (Pterodroma cahow), locally known as <strong>the</strong> cahow<br />
are end<strong>an</strong>gered or, <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> case <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Bermuda sk<strong>in</strong>k (Eumeces longirostris), critically<br />
end<strong>an</strong>gered. 3<br />
Ma<strong>in</strong> economic activities: The major <strong>in</strong>dustries are <strong>in</strong>sur<strong>an</strong>ce, re-<strong>in</strong>sur<strong>an</strong>ce,<br />
<strong>in</strong>ternational f<strong>in</strong><strong>an</strong>ce, tourism, <strong>an</strong>d light m<strong>an</strong>ufactur<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
O<strong>the</strong>r <strong>in</strong>formation: Population - 64,000 (2007 estimate).<br />
Anguilla<br />
Size: An archipelago <strong>of</strong> 22 isl<strong>an</strong>ds, <strong>the</strong> ma<strong>in</strong> isl<strong>an</strong>d<br />
is 26 km long <strong>an</strong>d a maximum <strong>of</strong> 5 km wide,<br />
compris<strong>in</strong>g a total <strong>of</strong> 90 sq km.<br />
Location: The isl<strong>an</strong>d is <strong>the</strong> most nor<strong>the</strong>rly <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Leeward Isl<strong>an</strong>ds <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Eastern Caribbe<strong>an</strong>.<br />
<strong>Climate</strong>: A tropical, but relatively dry climate,<br />
temperatures moderated by nor<strong>the</strong>ast trade w<strong>in</strong>ds.<br />
Topography: A low <strong>an</strong>d flat corall<strong>in</strong>e isl<strong>an</strong>d formed from limestone <strong>an</strong>d marls<br />
developed on old limestone rocks. The coastl<strong>in</strong>e has s<strong>an</strong>dy beaches <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> south <strong>an</strong>d<br />
rocky cliffs <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> north. Offshore <strong>the</strong>re are extensive coral reefs <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> 17 km<br />
long coral reef along <strong>the</strong> south east coast.<br />
Biodiversity: The unique ecosystems <strong>of</strong> Anguilla <strong>an</strong>d its <strong>of</strong>fshore cays are home 21<br />
species <strong>of</strong> reptile. These <strong>in</strong>clude <strong>the</strong> endemic black lizard (Ameiva corv<strong>in</strong>a) on<br />
Sombrero Isl<strong>an</strong>d, <strong>the</strong> harmless Anguill<strong>an</strong> racer snake (Alsophis rijersmai) <strong>an</strong>d <strong>the</strong><br />
Lesser Antille<strong>an</strong> igu<strong>an</strong>a (Igu<strong>an</strong>a delicatissima). About 139 bird species <strong>an</strong>d more th<strong>an</strong><br />
550 pl<strong>an</strong>t species have been recorded, with <strong>the</strong> Anguilla bush (Rondeletia<br />
<strong>an</strong>guillensis) classified as <strong>an</strong> endemic. 4<br />
Ma<strong>in</strong> economic activities: The major <strong>in</strong>dustries are tourism, construction,<br />
government service, b<strong>an</strong>ks <strong>an</strong>d <strong>in</strong>sur<strong>an</strong>ce.<br />
O<strong>the</strong>r <strong>in</strong>formation: Population - 13,600 (2005 estimate).<br />
The British Virg<strong>in</strong> Isl<strong>an</strong>ds (BVI)<br />
Size: The BVI comprise more th<strong>an</strong> 60 isl<strong>an</strong>ds, islets <strong>an</strong>d cays (some little more th<strong>an</strong><br />
rocks). A total l<strong>an</strong>d area <strong>of</strong> only 153 sq km scattered over some 3,458 sq km <strong>of</strong> sea.<br />
Location: Adjacent to <strong>the</strong> US Virg<strong>in</strong> Isl<strong>an</strong>ds (USVI) <strong>an</strong>d 96 km east <strong>of</strong> Puerto Rico<br />
3 UK Overseas Territories Conservation Forum, n.d. Promot<strong>in</strong>g Biodiversity Conservation <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> UK’s Overseas Territories.<br />
United K<strong>in</strong>gdom: UKOTCF.<br />
4 Ibid.<br />
Anguilla
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