Shepherd Islands

The Shepherd Islands (coordinates 16°48′S 168°30′E / 16.8°S 168.5°E / -16.8; 168.5) are a group of islands lying between the larger islands of Epi and Éfaté, in the Shefa province of Vanuatu.^[1] The aggregate land area is 88 square kilometres (34 square miles). They were named by Captain Cook after Anthony Shepherd, a British astronomer and friend of Cook.

From north to south, the principal islands are: Laika, Tongoa (Kuwaé), Buninga (Mbining), Ewose, Falea, Tongariki (Atong), Émaé (Mai), Makura (Emwae), Mataso (Matah), and Monument (Étarik). Émaé and Tongoa are the largest islands in the group.^[2]

The region includes two submarine volcanoes, Kuwae and Makura. The islands are principally in the outlines of the calderas of these volcanoes. The highest of the islands is Émaé, at 644 metres (2,113 feet) above sea level, Tongariki is also above 500 metres (1,640 feet).