The Windy Barrow Island And 408

The highest wind record was registered during the passage of Tropical Cyclone Olivia on 10 April 1996 on Barrow Island, Australia. The wind gust was measured at 408 km/h. Barrow Island’s rich array of flora and fauna led to it being recognized as a nature reserve in 1910.

Thanks to its separation from the mainland and the low incidence of introduced species, the island is home to over 20 endemic (found nowhere else) species of mammals, reptiles and birds, like the black-flanked rock-wallaby, boodie, spectacled hare-wallaby, golden bandicoot, white-winged fairy wren; as well as subterranean fauna such as the blind subterranean fish, eel and snake.