Akpatok Island (11268)
Canada, North America
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: D1a
Year of last assessment: 2022
National site name: Akpatok Island
Central coordinates: Latitude: 60.4200, Longitude: -68.1300
System: terrestrial, marine
Elevation (m): 0 to 300
Area of KBA (km2): 1052.31466
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Aktapok Island is located approximately 70 km from the mainland of northern Quebec near the centre of Ungava Bay. Steep cliffs rise approximately 250 metres from the sea to a mostly flat-topped plain that is vegetated by sparse upland tundra. The bedrock is mostly limestone of Ordovician origin. In addition to being important for colonial seabirds, the waters surrounding the island are important for many marine mammals including walruses and seals. The island is also thought to be an important summer retreat and possible maternity denning area for Polar Bears.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: Akpatok Island was initially identified as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area. Recent analysis shows that this site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of global significance for one aggregating bird species (Thick-billed Murre).
Manageability of the site: Akpatok Island currently does not intersect or contain any protected areas.
Delineation rationale: This site encompasses the entire Akpatok Island and a 1km buffer around it.
Habitats
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Grassland | 25 | |
| Marine Coastal/Supratidal | 25 |
Threats
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Ongoing | ||
| Pollution | Industrial & military effluents | Ongoing |