Ilha dos Lobos: A Coastal Wildlife Sanctuary

Ilha dos Lobos, a protected wildlife refuge, lies approximately 1.8 kilometers (1.2 miles) off the coast of Torres, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. This small island, the only coastal island in the state, plays a crucial role in the lives of various marine species. The island gets its name from the sea lions (lobos marinhos) and fur seals that frequent its shores, especially between July and November, seeking warmer waters for resting and mating. Designated as a Refúgio de Vida Silvestre (Wildlife Refuge), Ilha dos Lobos aims to safeguard its natural ecosystems, enabling research and controlled environmental education, recreation, and ecotourism activities. While landing on the island is forbidden to preserve its delicate environment, boat tours offer visitors the chance to observe the island's beauty and its inhabitants from a safe distance. These tours provide opportunities to witness the diverse fauna, including various bird species, sea turtles, fish, and marine invertebrates. The island's rocky structure, formed from volcanic activity around 150 million years ago, adds to its unique appeal. Although small in size, with its highest point only 2 meters (6 ft 7 in) above sea level, Ilha dos Lobos has been a navigational hazard, causing shipwrecks during storms. Today, it mainly attracts those interested in observing marine life and, recently, has garnered attention from surfers, although surfing is prohibited due to its conservation status.