Ilots rocheux de Rapa et Marotiri (23757)
French Polynesia, Oceania
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: A1a, A1c, B1, D1a
Year of last assessment: 2016
National site name: Ilots rocheux de Rapa et Marotiri
Central coordinates: Latitude: -27.6333, Longitude: -144.3333
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 105
Area of KBA (km2): 0.40195
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Ensemble d'îlots rocheux basaltiques au large de l'île principale de Rapa composé de Karapoo iti, Karapoo rahi, Tarakoi, Rarapai, Rapa iti, Tauturau et de Marotiri (Bass rocks) à 46 miles nautiques aux sud-est de Rapa (28°S, 143°30'W). Marotiri comprend quatre ilôts principaux dont le plus haut culmine à 100 mètres et des récifs.
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.
Delineation rationale: 2012-12-17 (BL Secretariat): original polygon clipped to hi-res coastline following identification in October 2012 of new marine IBA offshore this site; site area consequently changed from 20 ha to 60 ha.
Habitats
Land use: rangeland/pastureland
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Savanna | 33 | |
| Marine Coastal/Supratidal | 67 |
Threats
| 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 |
Additional information
References: Thibault, J.-C., Varney, A. 1991. Breeding seabirds of Rapa (Polynesia): numbers and changes during the 20th century. Bull. B.O.C. 111(2): 70-77. Fosberg, J. R. 1972. Marotiri (bass rocks) Austral islands. Atoll Res. Bull 162: 9-10. Seitre, R., Seitre, J. 1990. SPREP occasional paper series N°8, Causes de dispariton des oiseaux terrestres de Polynésie Française. South Pacific Regional Environment Programme, South Pacific Commission, Noumea, New Caledonia : 92pp.