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Carcass Island lies to the northwest of West Falkland and takes its name from HMS Carcass, which visited in the late 18th century. The 1,894 ha (4,680 acre) island was established as a sheep farm in the late 1800’s by legendary Danish seaman and sealer Charles Hansen. Hansen built the settlement, fenced areas for livestock and planted large areas of tussock to provide a winter grazing area for his animals. The presence of this tussock plantation and a historical absence of cats, rats and mice on this island has resulted in large populations of small birds. Peale’s dolphins, Commerson’s dolphins and rock cormorants are also often seen in the bay. Carcass Island is presently owned by Rob and Lorraine McGill, who have lived on the island for over 30 years. During summer, however, the island’s population may swell to four people.

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