Subtropical islet in the South Pacific, administrationally part of New Zealand
L'Esperance Rock, formerly known as French Rock and Brind Rock,[1](named after William Brind) is the southernmost islet in the Kermadec Islands, to the north of New Zealand. It is 80 km (50 mi) south of Curtis Island and 600 km (370 mi) northeast of East Cape on New Zealand's North Island. The smaller L'Havre Rock lies 8 km (5 mi) to the north-west of L'Esperance; it is a reef that barely reaches the surface. L'Esperance Rock is 250 m (820 ft) in diameter with an area of 4.8 ha (12 acres). It rises to a height of 70 m (230 ft).
Important Bird Area
The island forms part of the Kermadec Islands Important Bird Area, identified as such by BirdLife International because it is an important site for nesting seabirds.[2] It is the site of a substantial breeding colony of grey noddies. Masked boobies have also been recorded breeding there.[3]
Flora
As well as other plants, there is an endemic conifer on the rock, Senecio esperensis.[4]
See also
References
