Frailes del Sur Islands (19300)
Panama, Central America
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2007
National site name: Islas Frailes del Sur
Central coordinates: Latitude: 7.3333, Longitude: -80.1333
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 10
Area of KBA (km2): 0.01099
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The Frailes del Sure are two small precipitous rocky islets seven km off the south coast of the Azuero Peninsula near Venado Beach. The larger is about 200 m long. The islets have little vegetation. Sea conditions and the steep cliffs make landing difficult.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance that was identified using previously established criteria and thresholds for the identification of Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) and for which available data indicate that it does not meet global KBA criteria and thresholds set out in the Global Standard.
Additional biodiversity: This is the only known nesting site in Panama for Sooty Tern (3000 pairs), Bridled Tern (50 pairs) and Brown Noddy (50 pairs). The site is estimated to contain more than 1% of the global population of Bridled Tern. The terns may not breed here on an annual basis, since although many were present in February 1956 and some in March 1962, none were seen in February 1957 (Wetmore 1965, Olson 1997). Peregrine Falcon also occurs. Non-bird biodiversity: None known.
Delineation rationale: Type 1 marine IBA: suitable for the seaward extension approach.
Habitats
Summary of habitats in KBA: The islets are rocky with sparse scrubby vegetation.
Land use: not utilised
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Marine Coastal/Supratidal | 100 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The islets are too small, remote and exposed to be suitable for a fishing camp or other use. There is little tradition of exploitation of seabird colonies in Panama, and there are no known threats.
Additional information
References: Angehr, George R. 2003. Directorio de areas importantes para aves en Panama. Directory of important bird areas in Panama. Panama: Sociedad Audubon de Panama. Angehr, George R. and James A. Kushlan. Seabird and colonial wadingbird nesting in the Gulf of Panama. Submitted to Waterbirds.