East Makira (23640)
Solomon Islands, Australasia
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: A1e, B2
Year of last assessment: 2018
National site name: East Makira
Central coordinates: Latitude: -10.6920, Longitude: 162.0230
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 1040
Area of KBA (km2): 1825.50356
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The Bauro Highlands of central Makira contain some of the countries last extensive lowland forest tracts. The site stretches from the southern coastline of rocky cliffs inland to the montane forest on some of the islands highest peaks at 1200m.
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. Alliance for Zero Extinction (2018): site confirmed as an AZE site during the AZE project (2015-2018). Taxonomy, nomenclature and Red List category follow the IUCN 2016 Red List.
Additional biodiversity: 13 island endemic species of which 11 were recently recorded in this site as well as 5 other globally threatened species. The 2 remaining, Makira Moorhen and thick-billed ground dove, haven't been seen for over 50 years. Non-bird biodiversity: Five Restricted Range bats and a potential new species of endemic giant rat (Solomys sp). 2 spp of fig have been identified as being endemic.
Delineation rationale: 2015-06-10 (BL Secretariat): site area changed from 98 ha to 182550 ha, following 2012 CEPF Ecosystem Profile.
Habitats
Summary of habitats in KBA: A dramatic southern coastline of rocky cliffs reach inland to the montane forest on some of the island's highest peaks at 1200m, encompassing full transitional gradients of forest zones. The Raro and Warihito River catchments are bounded by steep-sided wide valleys, with numerous streams and waterfalls and small perched floodplains as high as 400m in elevation. While this spectacular landscape provides some of the most dramatic rainforest vistas in the Solomons, it is the area's unusual ecology, influenced by its separation from the rest of the Solomons archipelago by deep water which results in its international significance.
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Logging Population growth Invasive species.
Additional information
References: Fjeldsa, J. F. Danielsen, C. Filardi, K. A. Jonsson, n. Drabbe, J. B. Kristensen, R. G. Moyle, P. Pikacha, A. D. Poulsen, M. K. Poulsen. 2007. An assessment of the biodiversity of the Bauro Highlands of Makira, Solomon Islands, with suggestions for integration of conservation and local development. Draft report submitted to MCCF.