Rotuma (20324)
Fiji, Oceania
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: B2
Year of last assessment: 2007
National site name: Rotuma
Central coordinates: Latitude: -12.5833, Longitude: 177.1667
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 260
Area of KBA (km2): 42.09528
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The IBA consists of the main island of Rotuma and associated small satellite islets. The main island is a shield volcano divided into two parts by a sandy isthmus, with coastal terraces, a central plateau (30-60m asl) and steep volcanic cones.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance that meets the thresholds for at least one criterion described in the Global Standard for the Identification of KBAs. KBA identified in the CEPF Ecosystem Profile of the Polynesia-Micronesia Hotspot (2007). Taxonomy, nomenclature and threat status follow the 2003 IUCN Red List.
Additional biodiversity: The total world populations of the Rotuman Myzomela and the Rotuman subspecies of Polynesian Starling A. t. rotumae and Lesser Shrikebill C. v.wiglesworthi occur in this IBA. Rotuma also supports isolated outlying populations of Crimson-crowned Fruit-dove and Polynesian Triller. The offshore islets of Ha’atana, Hofliua and Hatawa have nationally significant seabird colonies. A1 (globally threatened species) * [Bristle-thighed Curlew (VU) – non-breeding visitor in unknown but probably very small numbers] * Rotuman Myzomela (VU) – common to abundant across the island A2 (restricted-range species) Five species (compared to 35 on the main Fiji group). Non-bird biodiversity: Rotuma has one other endemic vertebrate, the Rotuman Forest Gecko, and two other lizards endemic to Fiji, the Green Tree Skink and Barred Tree Skink.
Other site values: The island’s physical isolation has led to a powerful and relatively traditional local government. The land is Native Tenure administered through a specific Act.
Habitats
Summary of habitats in KBA: Rotuma has a wet tropical climate with about 3,350 mm of rain annually, and lowland rainforest as climax vegetation. Most of the land has been cultivated at some time in the past, and the forest is mostly a mosaic of forest in various stages of succession. The myzomela also visits the limited areas of mangrove, but most of the coast is rocky, with some sandy-mud bays, and a barrier reef. Rotuma is inhabited by an island people, closely related to both Polynesians and Fijians, who speak their own language. About 2,500 Rotumans live on the island and the population has been stable for many years with migration draining off the net population increase.
Land use: agriculture
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Marine Intertidal | 5 | |
| Forest | 95 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Agriculture - Alien Invasive Species
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Invasive & other problematic species, genes & diseases | Invasive non-native/alien species/diseases | Named species | Only in the future |
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Annual & perennial non-timber crops | Scale Unknown/Unrecorded | Ongoing |
| Climate change & severe weather | Storms & flooding | Only in the future |
Additional information
References: CLUNIE,F.(1984) Birds of the Fiji bush. Suva: Fiji Museum. CLUNIE,F.(1985) Notes on the bats and birds of Rotuma. Domodomo 3: 153–160. WATLING, D. in litt. (2005) ZUG, G. R., SPRINGER, V. G., WILLIAMS, J. T. AND JOHNSON, G. D. (1989) The vertebrates of Rotuma and surrounding waters. Atoll Research Bulletin 316: 1–25.