Jervis Bay (23840)
Australia, Australasia
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: A1a, B1
Year of last assessment: 2009
National site name: Jervis Bay
Central coordinates: Latitude: -35.0965, Longitude: 150.7157
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 100
Area of KBA (km2): 158.32828
Protected area coverage (%): 52.92
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The peninsular from Huskisson south to St Georges Basin includes Jervis Bay NP, Booderee NP and patches of public/private land at Vincentia, Hyams Beach, Jervis Bay and Wreck Bay. It consists of coastal heath and eucalypt woodlands in patchy mosaics around some developed areas. It contains a sub-population of Eastern Bristlebird, isolated from those in the Budderoo NP/Barren Grounds NR and Nadgee NP (see relevant IBAs). The northern and western boundaries are unclear as bristlebirds disperse out, but the viability of any range extensions is unknown. The area also contains significant numbers of Ground Parrots. Beecroft Peninsula is a release site of birds from this area in an attempt to repopulate the area after devastating fires as Currambeen Creek and the urban development is a barrier preventing natural re-population between the two areas.
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: The IBA also supports about 200 Ground Parrots, and up to 20 Sooty Oystercatchers on Bowen Island. 3000 Chestnut Teal were recorded at Lake Windermere in 2001 (Atlas of Australian Birds database). Over 200 bird species have been recorded. Non-bird biodiversity: 26 native terrestrial mammal species have been recorded in Booderee National Park, though more are expected to occur there, and 13 marine mammal species. In addition to 17 species of terrestrial reptiles, two species of marine turtle and one sea snake species have been recorded. There are also 15 amphibian species.
Other site values: Booderee National Park is jointly managed by Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community and Environment Australia. Jervis Bay NP is managed by NSW NPWS. Beecroft Peninsula is managed by the Dept of Defence. The IBA also includes areas owned by the Wreck Bay Aboriginal community.
Habitats
Land use: military | nature conservation and research | urban/industrial/transport
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Marine Neritic | 5 | |
| Forest | 20 | |
| Shrubland | 75 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Implement the management plan aim 'to manage fire within the Park to protect life and property and to maintain, conserve and enhance the biological diversity of species and habitats' with special regard to the Eastern Bristlebird, and 'Park staff will prepare and implement monitoring and conservation programs for the Eastern Bristlebird, in accordance with the EPBC Act and recovery plans under the Act'.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural system modifications | Fire & fire suppression | Trend Unknown/Unrecorded | Ongoing |
| Invasive & other problematic species, genes & diseases | Invasive non-native/alien species/diseases | Named species | Ongoing |
Additional information
References: Baker J. (1996) Strategy for Conservation and Management of the Ground Parrot & Eastern Bristlebird Populations at Nadgee Nature Reserve, NSW Jervis Bay. Baker, J. (1997) The decline, response to fire, status and management of the Eastern Bristlebird. Pacific Cons. Biology 3: 235-243. Baker, J. (1998) Eastern Bristlebird Recovery Plan 1997-2002. NSW NPWS, Sydney. National Park and Beecroft Peninsula. Report to NSW NPWS and ANCA. Booderee National Park Board of Management and Director of National Parks (2002) Booderee National Park management plan.
Contributors: The nomination was prepared by Chris Brandis for the Illawarra Bird Observers Club with consultation with Jack Baker, Dept. of Environment and Conservation, NSW, and with Les Mitchell and Ford Kristo of NSW NPWS. David Bain and John Harvey provided contact with the Wreck Bay Aboriginal community.