evidence: Tromelin Island is a small island located in the Indian Ocean. It lies about 450 kms to the east of Madagascar and is sometimes considered to be a part of the Scattered Islands in the Indian Ocean. It is an overseas territory belonging to France and covers an area of 1 sq km. [...] Tromelin Island has a low lying flat relief and is sandy in nature. The presence of volcanic rocks has led scientists to conclude that it may be a part of a submerged volcanic seamount. The highest point on the island rises to 7 meters. The entire island is covered by scattered bushy vegetation. The island is surrounded by coral reefs. The major importance of the Tromelin Island lies in the fact that it serves as a sanctuary and breeding ground for the sea turtles. It is also an important sanctuary for sea birds, especially for the Masked Boobies and the Red-footed Boobies. The island has been declared to be an Important Bird Area (IBA) in view of the ecological importance of the bird population here.