Savage Islands | archipelago, marine park

 archipelago, marine park

The Savage Islands (Portuguese: Ilhas Selvagens), is a small Portuguese archipelago in the North Atlantic, nearly midway between Madeira and the Canary Islands.
The archipelago comprises two major islands and several islets of varying sizes, comprising two areas: one on Selvagem Grande and the second on Selvagem Pequena. The archipelago is administered by the Portuguese municipality of Funchal, and pertains to the Madeiran civil parish of Sé, and is the southernmost point of Portugal.
It has been designated a natural reserve in 1971, recognizing its role as a very important nidification point for several species of birds. Since then, the decreasing bird populations (namely Cory's Shearwater) and nearby waters have been more closely protected by the Portuguese government. Given its status, remoteness and few available fresh water sources, it is inhabited only by reserve staff, scientists conducting research on its wildlife, a Portuguese family and by a small Portuguese Navy detachment.
The self-sustaining status of the islands is disputed by Spain.