In the South Atlantic Ocean, the United Kingdom oversees some of the world’s most remote islands, notably Gough and Inaccessible Islands. These territories, dependencies of Tristan da Cunha, remain uninhabited due to their challenging terrains and isolation.
Gough Island, situated approximately 400 kilometers southeast of Tristan da Cunha, is renowned for its rugged cliffs and absence of mammals. Instead, it serves as a sanctuary for seabirds like the gallinule and the Gough rowettie. The island hosts a weather station maintained by the South African National Antarctic Programme since 1956, making it one of the most remote locations with a continuous human presence.
Inaccessible Island, located about 31 kilometers southwest of Tristan da Cunha, lives up to its name. Its steep sea cliffs and limited access points have deterred permanent human settlement. The island is home to the Inaccessible Island rail, the world’s smallest flightless bird, and eight unique plant species. Despite attempts by explorers, such as Captain d’Etchevery of the French ship Etoile du Matin, who failed to land and subsequently named it “Inaccessible,” the island remains uninhabited.
Both islands are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites, celebrated for their pristine ecosystems within the cool temperate zone. Their isolation has preserved unique wildlife, making them critical areas for conservation and scientific research.