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Context

A massive wildfire has engulfed over 55% of Amsterdam Island, a remote French territory in the Indian Ocean, threatening rare wildlife and disrupting scientific research.

About Amsterdam Island

• Situated in southern Indian ocean, it is a small French island territory.
• It is part of the French Southern and Antarctic Territories.
• Located roughly midway between Australia, Antarctica, Madagascar.
• The island is about 3,200 km away from neighboring territories.
• Also called Nouvelle Amsterdam.
• Volcanic in nature.
• Elliptical-shaped Island.
• Area of around 55 sq. km, length of 10 km, width of 7 km.
• Formed between 400000 and 200000 years ago.
• There is no permanent human population living here. However, there is a small scientific research station.
• The endemic Amsterdam albatross is one of the world’s rarest species of avifauna, found only on Amsterdam Island.
• Amsterdam Island is the only French sub-Antarctic isle that supports a native tree, Phylica nitida.

Sources:

BBC