Aves (Bird) Island is a small, isolated island in the Caribbean Sea belonging to Venezuela. It is located to the north of Veneuzuela and to the west of Guadeloupe and Dominica. The island is only a few metres above sea level, consisting mostly of sand with some vegetation. It is important for wildlife, such as birds and turtles. There is a Venezuelan platform on the island, with the military maintaining a presence on the island. Aves (Bird) Island could sink benetah the waves in the near future, which would lose Venezuela its large exlcusion zone in the Caribbean Sea. Venezuelan sovereignty of the island is disputed by several Caribbean states.

History

The island was discovered by Avaro Sanzze in 1584 and claimed for Spain, though it was not settled. It was subsequently claimed for Britain, Spain, Portugal and the Netherlands . From 1878 to 1912 the island was occupied by American guano miners until supplies were eventually exhausted.

External Links

• Images and information about the island
• Page on the island, with maps and images
• A page on the island