Beaver Island (Antarctica)

Beaver Island is a small island located in Marguerite Bay, off the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. It lies approximately 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) west of Léonie Island, in the group of islands known as the Léonie Islands.

The island is characterized by its rocky terrain and typically covered in ice and snow for most of the year. Its size is relatively small, not exceeding a few hundred meters in length.

Due to its remote location and harsh climate, Beaver Island is uninhabited by humans. Wildlife present is limited to the species adapted to the Antarctic environment, potentially including seabirds such as skuas and penguins that may use the island for nesting or resting. Seals could also be present in the surrounding waters.

Beaver Island was charted and named by the British Graham Land Expedition (BGLE) under John Rymill, which operated in the area between 1934 and 1937. The name likely references the ship Beaver, which served as a supply vessel for the expedition.

Scientific research on Beaver Island itself is likely infrequent, although studies are conducted in the broader Marguerite Bay area concerning glaciology, marine biology, and climate change. The island's proximity to other islands and the mainland makes it part of a larger ecosystem that is studied in relation to regional environmental changes.

The island is subject to the Antarctic Treaty System, which promotes international cooperation in scientific research and protects the Antarctic environment. There are no permanent research stations located on Beaver Island specifically.