Skellig Michael classified as a Special Protection Area in 1986, when they were recognised for containing both an usually large variety and population of birds. It is known as an eyrie for Peregrine Falcon. Other birds of interest include Fulmar, Manx shearwater ("Puffinus puffinus"), Storm petrel, Gannet, Kittiwake, Guillemot and Atlantic Puffin. A herd of goats lived on the island until recently, and it supports a population of rabbits and house mice, both relatively recent introductions, probably introduced in the 19th century by lighthouse attendants. Grey Seal haul out on the island's ledges. The word "Skellig" derives from the old Irish word
Summerland Peninsula Bird Area. It is home to one of the largest Little Penguin ("Eudyptula minor") breeding colonies in Australia, the second largest breeding colony of Australian Fur Seals ("Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus") in the world, one of the largest breeding colonies of Greater crested terns ("Sterna bergii") in Victoria and an important breeding ground for Short-tailed shearwaters ("Puffinus tenuirostris"). Several plants regarded as rare or threatened in either Victoria or Australia have been recorded on the peninsula, including River Swamp Wallaby-grass ("Amphibromus fluitans") listed as vulnerable in Australia. The peninsula was significantly modified by agricultural, residential and recreational developments until the 1980s