Sandy Island and Low Rock (Gulf of Carpentaria) (23449)
Australia, Australasia
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: D1a
Year of last assessment: 2009
National site name: Sandy Island and Low Rock (Gulf of Carpentaria)
Central coordinates: Latitude: -14.4282, Longitude: 135.8747
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 1
Area of KBA (km2): 0.51572
Protected area coverage (%): 38.81
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: These are two neighbouring islands south-west of Grooyte Eylandt. Sandy Island is a series of three islands (joined by sand and exposed reef at low tide) about 20 km from the mainland. Most birds nest on the central island, which is vegetated with grass, vines and the occasional shrub. Low Rock is 25 km distant and about 30 km from the mainland. Low Rock is a sand, coral rubble and rock island surrounded by a rocky reef and with a stand of tall mangroves in the centre.
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: Chatto (2001) made nine visits to Sandy Island and recorded up to 10,000 Crested Terns and small numbers of Silver Gulls (max 100 birds). This island may also be important for roosting of various seabirds including Pied Cormorant, Brown Booby and Roseate Tern. A roost of 3000+ Roseate Terns was counted on one visit. In seven visits to Low Rock, 150 Pied Cormorants, 1000 Bridled, 800 Black-naped and 440 Lesser Crested Terns were recorded nesting. Non-bird biodiversity: Flatback turtles nest on Low Rock and marine turtles nest on Sandy Island.
Other site values: Arnhemland ALT. Traditionally-owned land.
Habitats
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Marine Coastal/Supratidal | 100 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: No known threats. The numbers of nesting seabirds should be monitored.
Additional information
References: Chatto, R. (1999) Seabird islands. No. 244. Low Rock, south-west Gulf of Carpentaria, Northern Territory. Corella 23: 72-74. 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. 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.