Jaco Island (15792)
Timor-Leste, Asia
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2007
National site name: Pulau Jaco
Central coordinates: Latitude: -8.4500, Longitude: 127.3333
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 100
Area of KBA (km2): 10.87211
Protected area coverage (%): 99.99
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Jaco (or ‘Jako’) is a small island (12 km2) dominated by tropical dry deciduous forest, coastal strand vegetation, beaches and rock platforms in the far east of Timor-Leste. Sandlund et al. (2001) recently observed: “Jaco Island is covered with well developed forest. There is a radio mast on the island, but we did get the impression that the forest on the island has not been exploited. The forest on the island may therefore be quite well preserved primary forest. Jaco Island is relatively flat, surrounded by sandy beaches except in the south where there are some low cliffs”.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance because it meets one or more previously established criteria and thresholds for identifying sites of biodiversity importance (including Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas, Alliance for Zero Extinction sites, and Key Biodiversity Areas)
Additional biodiversity: Eight restricted-range species have been recorded in this IBA (Thompson et al. 1974, Trainor et al. 2004), but given its limited isolation (only 900 m from the mainland) it is anticipated that more of these species will be found there in the future.
Delineation rationale: 2015-06-11 (BL Secretariat): the KBA Nino Konis Santana (SitRecID 44944) covers the three IBAs Lore (SitRecID 15790), Monte Paitchau (SitRecID 15791) and Jaco Island (SitRecID 15792) (which remain as IBAs).
Habitats
Summary of habitats in KBA: Sandlund et al. (2001) recently observed: “Jaco Island is covered with well developed forest. There is a radio mast on the island, but we did get the impression that the forest on the island has not been exploited. The forest on the island may therefore be quite well preserved primary forest. Jaco Island is relatively flat, surrounded by sandy beaches except in the south where there are some low cliffs”.
Land use: forestry | nature conservation and research
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Forest | 100 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Local communities harvest turtles, mostly Green Sea Turtle Chelonia mydas, and rubbish is a problem along the beaches. Forest habitats are under little pressure. The island has cultural and spritual significance for local communities which imposes limits on permitted activities such as staying there overnight.