Ile aux Macaques Island is an uninhabited island located in the Saint Lawrence River in Quebec, Canada. It is part of the Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier. The island is swampy and has a small number of trees and shrubs, as well as a few lakes. Archaeological evidence suggests that the island was used by First Nations people for hunting, fishing, and trapping.
History
Ile aux Macaques Island was first mentioned in a map dated 1686. It may have been used by First Nations people for hunting, fishing, and trapping. In 1903, the island was purchased by the Quebec government from a private owner. The island became part of the Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier in 1978. Discovery and Exploration
In 1972, the island was visited by a surveyor looking for fish trawlers at night. The next summer, it was explored in detail by three scientists: Jacques Lecours of Université du Québec à Rimouski, Richard Blouin of Centre de recherches sur les blaireaux (a white-winged shoveler research facility) in Carleton–sur-Mer, and Rolly St Jean of Radio Canada. They discovered balsam fir trees that grew on separate branches to indicate eel spawning grounds as well as several eel holes and eelgrass beds.
The island was declared a nature reserve on October 28, 1978, under the name Ile aux Macaques Island Scientific Reserve R-6b. The island has been used by the Institut de recherche pour le développement (a research institute) since 1981 for their white-winged shoveler studies along with radio transmitter monitoring in eels during breeding season.
Climate
The island has a humid, subarctic climate. To preserve the eel population, a temporary enclosure was placed around the island to keep eels from migrating too far. In winter, when ice forms on Ile aux Macaques Island, an opening is left in it and so that a small number of adult shumacks can leave their spawning area through this gap all summer round.
The island has been declared being protected as a Canadian Important Bird Location by Birds Canada (BSC-ANI) since 1985 because juvenile white winged shovelers are believed to be endangered there due to waves washing over other shallow sites in order for them survive there and grow.
Culture
The island is home to the Ile aux Macaques people, a Vachon- speaking First Nation. Their main camp consists of 10 houses, as well as a porcupine bush used to dye eels. Resident eel population since 2013 has been around 400.
Major threats faced include the eels being highly preyed upon by white-winged shag, herring gulls, common loons and black ducks among other things due to their dwindling numbers as well as having a severe loss in breeding stock over a period of several years.
Before these events occurred, a great number of eels used to come from Ile aux Macaques island every year on their way back home after nesting season until four weeks before leaving where most were found dead or disappeared such that there was no return for eels to light their nests this season.
Politics
Ile aux Macaques Island is part of Vachon Regional County Municipality in Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais region, Quebec, Canada. Its population as of the Canada 2011 Census was 680, including 274 visible minorities, 290 Aboriginal identities and 383 non-Aboriginal origins.
Ile aux Macaques island is part of a multiple-named complex called “Ile aux Macaques Island”. The island uses the Vachon design and seal, depicting a white eel facing a red sunstone with two wings sprouting from its tail.
Government services
The island is serviced by a post office and the Ile aux Macaques Mi’kmaq First Nation has a health clinic. The island has a volunteer fire department, and there is no public transportation. Transport is limited to island resident by island vehicles, and private sector.
Tourism
The island attracts kayakers, picnickers, and bird watchers. Blue heron, eagles, and osprey nests are in the island’s high marsh area. A large white eel hangs from a tree on Ile aux Macaques Island when it catches a fish, 1/3 of which can be sold to river eels wholesalers on Île Bizard and Colombiere island.
The island’s main attraction is teeming with waterfowl, wild turkey and other birds including blue herons lines up at feeder stations put out by bird watchers that visit from all over the world every summer, who come equipped with cameras for maximum photographic opportunities.
Large eels, including six-footers, still are caught per season on all sides of the island and many small eel eines can be seen resting side by side in their lit pond during daylight hours.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for an idyllic getaway, Ile aux Macaques Island should be at the top of your list. Nestled off the coast of Madagascar, this island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to over 1,000 wild Macaques. If you’re lucky enough to spot one of these primates in its natural habitat, you’ll be in for a treat.
Not only are they cute as can be, but their curious personalities and intelligence make them fascinating creatures. Whether you want to take a hike through the forest or watch the monkeys play in the water, Ile aux Macaques Island has something for everyone.
FAQs
1 . What Is The Climate Like On Ile Aux Macaques Island?
The island has a tropical climate, with temperatures averaging around 25 degrees Celsius year-round. However, since it’s located off the coast of Madagascar, there are variations in temperature depending on season.
- Is It Safe To Visit Ile Aux Macaques Island?
Yes, visitors to Ile aux macaques island should be aware that there are no personal safety concerns and that wild animals can potentially occur at any time. Visitors should take all necessary precautions when exploring the island’s forest or lakeside areas!
3 . What Are The Transportation Options Available To Get To Ile Aux Macaques Island?
The island is located about 290 kilometers off the coast of Antananarivo, and there are no public transportation options currently available. However, visitors can fly into Mananara Airport and take a taxi or bus to the island. Alternatively, they can hire a private boat or cycle taxi from Antananarivo.
4 . Is There Any Food Or Drink Available On Ile Aux Macaques Island?
There is limited food and beverage availability on the island, with mainly cafes and restaurants serving local food items. Visitors should bring their own snacks and water bottles if they plan on spending a significant amount of time on the island!
5 . What Is The Cost Of Visiting Ile Aux Macaques Island?
The island is not currently open to visitors, so pricing information for upcoming trips has not been released. However, it is expected that the island will be more expensive than other tourism destinations in Madagascar.
Leave a Reply