Culture and History
The Cocos (Keeling) Islands have held a special place in the literature on coral atolls because they represent the only atoll that Charles Darwin visited, and they played a central role in his discussion of his theory of coral reef development.
The park's most outstanding feature is its intact coral atoll ecosystem. With the widespread global decline of similar coral island habitats and their associated reefs due to various human causes, the conservation and protection of the park and its wildlife is internationally critical.
On the reef off the southern end of the Island lies the wreck of the First World War German raider, SMS Emdem, listed and protected under the Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976.
- North Keeling Island history
- Pulu Keeling National Park history
- Cocos (Keeling) Islands history
- Southern Atoll Residents
See also
Key
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