Hirsholmene. 02/09/77; Region Norjylland; 3,714 ha; 57°28'50N 010°34'25E. Scientific Sanctuary, Natura 2000 (SAC, SPA); Nature Conservation Area, Wildlife Reserve. Following a boundary extension in 2011, the site covers not only the group of small, rocky, coastal islands and shallow waters but also the surrounding sea territory. Only the main island, Hirsholm, is inhabited. The submerged limestone formations support rich communities of algae and littoral lichens; the habitat of stony islets with northern Atlantic seabird colonies is very rare in Denmark, and the "bubbling reefs" are unique in the country. The site is internationally important for numerous species of wintering and staging waterbirds. It is also one of the most important breeding areas in Denmark for the gulls Larus ridibundus and Larus canus, the Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis, Black Guillemot Cepphus grylle, and Rock Pipit Anthus spinoletta. The site is important for marine biology research. Rats, which destroyed the breeding colony of Kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla) in 1968, have been exterminated, and sheep have been introduced to keep the vegetation low. Ramsar site no. 147. Most recent RIS information: 2012.