Serpent Island is 19ha and the most northerly of the northern group of islets. It is 2.5km north of Round Island.

Serpent is a volcanic cone, which reaches 162 m in elevation and has mostly steep sides. It is largely covered by bare rock, used by the seabirds for nesting.

Compared with the other Northern Islets, Serpent has a very different seabird fauna, including; the sooty tern, the masked booby, the brown noddy, lesser noddy and the red tailed tropicbird. Total seabird numbers are approximately 250 – 350,000.

There are populations of Bojer’s skink, as well as reports of large centipedes, unidentified large “tarantula” spiders and the Serpent Island Night Gecko; the last two of these species may be confined only to Serpent Island.

The islet is one of the few “untouched” islets and has immense value as an area to protect a unique blend of species. It has no other value other than conservation.

Due to the fishing pressures in the region, it is proposed that seabird numbers should be monitored every 3 years.

It is proposed that a 1km Marine Buffer Zone should be set up around the islet, to minimize disturbance and aid enforcement authorities. This could be extended to encompass Round Island in the future.

Access to the islet should be totally restricted by the statutory agency excepting expeditions which will have considerable scientific value and long-term conservation management applications.

When technological developments have improved it is proposed that a solar powered web-cam unit be set up on the islet, this would have three benefits:

Provide a remote monitoring system for the seabirds.

Provide a remote system for enforcing the 1km Marine Buffer Zone.

Provide a direct link to the educational centre in the Islets National Park, which is planned for Ile d’Ambre, in which a description of the unique system on the islet can be enhanced by live views of Serpent Island.

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