Rairaimatuku Highlands (20331)
Fiji, Oceania
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: B2
Year of last assessment: 2007
National site name: Rairaimatuku Highlands
Central coordinates: Latitude: -17.7667, Longitude: 178.0000
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 610 to 930
Area of KBA (km2): 291.31276
Protected area coverage (%): 2.42
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The Rairaimatuku Highlands forms part of Viti Levu's large central plateau. Some of the area receives partial protection as a watershed for Fiji’s largest hydro-electric dams.
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 montane forests from Rairaimatuku to the Greater Tomaniivi IBA are the best hope for survival of Red-throated Lorikeet but ongoing surveys are yet to confirm its current status. The species was reportedly 'well known to everyone in Nadrau' in 1979 and there are a few records in the Nadrau area until 1993. The IBA is nationally important for the numbers of Pacific Black Duck on Monasavu reservoir, where a maximum of 120 have been seen, and Peregrine Falcons probably breed. A1 Globally threatened species * [Red-throated Lorikeet (CR) – last known site (last sighting in 1993); may still occur] * Long-legged Warbler (EN) – one of only two known populations; at least two pairs * Friendly Ground-dove (VU) – uncommon * Pink-billed Parrotfinch (VU) – uncommon * Black-faced Shrikebill (VU) – fairly common * Masked Shining Parrot (NT) – uncommon at this altitude A2 Restricted-range species 24 species (out of 25 known from Viti Levu), including all three endemic to Viti Levu. Non-bird biodiversity: The Rairaimatuku area is the only known site for the endemic Montane Tree Skink although this species is likely to occur elsewhere in montane Viti Levu. Other endemic species include Fijian Tree Frog (NT) and Green Tree Skink, but the plants and other biodiversity are poorly known.
Other site values: The forested watershed is owned by local land-owners but is not leased or managed by FEA, even though the FEA relies on the catchment for an uninterrupted supply of water for its hydropower. The land tenure is mostly Native Lands except for three Crown Lands totalling about 1,490 ha.
Habitats
Summary of habitats in KBA: Rairaimatuku is part of Viti Levu’s large central plateau. The majority of the IBA is high-altitude lowland rainforest, with areas of montane forest at higher altitudes, especially in exposed locations on steep slopes. Extensive areas of unlogged forest remain but much of the road-side forest on flatter gradients has been logged and, in some places, logging roads extend far from the public highways. There are a number of small villages in the area, surrounded by small areas of agriculture, forestry plantations and secondary forest. Patchy and degraded forest extends west to Greater Tomaniivi and, much more patchily, south to Sovi Basin. Monasavu Dam and associated smaller dams power a series of hydro-electric generators, providing the majority of Fiji’s electricity. Forest has been flooded to create these reservoirs and small areas have been cleared or degraded around these sites. The dam is owned by the Fiji government and leased by the Fiji Electricity Authority (FEA).
Land use: agriculture | forestry | water management
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial - Aquatic | 33 | |
| Forest | 67 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Forestry; Agriculture
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Invasive & other problematic species, genes & diseases | Invasive non-native/alien species/diseases | Named species | Ongoing |
| Energy production & mining | Renewable energy | Ongoing | |
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Work & other activities | Ongoing |
Additional information
References: BIRDLIFE INTERNATIONAL Fiji Programme IBA project field reports Nos 2, 33 and 42. CLUNIE, F. (1979) Rough notes on the birds of Nadrau, Central Viti Levu. Heritage [Newsletter of the Fiji Museum, Suva]. HOLYOAK, D. T. (1979) Notes on the birds of Viti Levu and Taveuni, Fiji. Emu 79: 7–18. SWINNERTON, K. AND MALJKOVIC, A. (2002) The Red-throated Lorikeet Charmosyna amabilis in the Fiji Islands. Suva: National Trust for Fiji and World Parrot Trust. Unpublished report. WATLING, D. in litt. 2005