Seagull Island (Tiwi Islands) (22105)
Australia, Australasia
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: B1, D1a
Year of last assessment: 2009
National site name: Seagull Island (Tiwi Islands)
Central coordinates: Latitude: -11.1173, Longitude: 130.3333
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 10
Area of KBA (km2): 3.91591
Protected area coverage (%): 10.27
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Seagull Island is a large sand island mostly covered by grass and vines, about 4 km off the north-western coast of Melville Island, north of Darwin. Island ref S009 in Chatto (2001).
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.
Additional biodiversity: Small numbers of Silver Gulls (maximum 800 birds) also nest, and possibly Roseate and Bridled Terns. Large numbers of migrant Little and Common Terns use the island for roosting, as do smaller numbers of Brown Boobies and frigatebirds. Non-bird biodiversity: Important Olive Ridley Turtle nesting site (Chatto 2001).
Other site values: Tiwi ALT. This IBA is on Traditionally Owned land.
Habitats
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Marine Coastal/Supratidal | 100 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Support the monitoring of the egg harvest and occasional counts of the colony. Ensure that exotic weeds do not colonise the island. Investigate the level of natural predation on tern eggs and chicks.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biological resource use | Hunting & collecting terrestrial animals | Intentional use (species being assessed is the target) | Only in the past and unlikely to return |
| Invasive & other problematic species, genes & diseases | Problematic native species/diseases | Named species | Ongoing |
| Invasive & other problematic species, genes & diseases | Invasive non-native/alien species/diseases | Named species | Ongoing |
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Recreational activities | Ongoing | |
| Climate change & severe weather | Storms & flooding | Only in the future | |
| Pollution | Garbage & solid waste | Ongoing | |
| Climate change & severe weather | Habitat shifting & alteration | Only in the future |
Additional information
References: Chatto, R. (2001) The distribution and status of colonial breeding seabirds in the NT. Technical Report 70. Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory, Palmerston. Dutson, G. (2006) Crested Terns at Seagull Island, Tiwis, NT. Unpublished report. Harrison, L., McGuire, L., Ward, S. Fisher, A., Pavey, C., Fegan, M. and Lynch, B. (2009) An inventory of sites of international and national significance for biodiversity values in the Northern Territory. Department of Natural Resources, Environment, the Arts & Sport, Darwin, NT. Ward, S. and Harrison, L. (2009) Recognising sites of conservation significance for biodiversity values in the Northern Territory. Department of Natural Resources, Environment, the Arts & Sport, Darwin, NT. Watanabe, Y. (1999) The breeding biology of Crested Tern Sterna bergii on Seagull island, Northern Territory, in relation to egg harvest by Aboriginal people. Northern Territory University.
Contributors: Cyril Kalippa gave permission and Jack Long, Caji Dunn, Kate Hadden and the Tiwi Land Council kindly arranged a visit to the island by Guy Dutson. Nomination endorsed by Tiwi LC in 2006.