Lacepede Islands (23920)
Australia, Australasia
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: B1, D1a
Year of last assessment: 2009
National site name: Lacepede Islands
Central coordinates: Latitude: -16.8575, Longitude: 122.1255
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 5
Area of KBA (km2): 1.6402
Protected area coverage (%): 99.99
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The IBA consists of the four islands - West Island, Middle Island, East Island and Sandy Island- that comprise the Lacepede Islands, these being located about 120 km north of Broome, 55 km west of Beagle Bay and about 25 km off the coast of northern Western Australia. The Lacepede Islands receive, on average, about 750 mm of rainfall per year. The islands are formed of coarse sand and coral rubble deposited atop a large platform reef. The islands are treeless but support scattered, low vegetation.
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 Lacepede Islands are also used for breeding by Masked Booby, Australian Pelican, Eastern Reef Egret, Silver Gull, Lesser Crested Tern and Crested Tern. Species that have been recorded in good numbers but do not meet criteria based on available data include Lesser Frigatebird (2700 pairs in 1982, 2000 birds in 1993, 1497 birds in 1998, 1500+ birds in 2001 and 2000 birds in 2006), Grey-tailed Tattler (397 birds in 1998, 900 birds in 1999, 300 birds in 2001 and 300 birds in 2006), Ruddy Turnstone (1050 birds in 1997, 1015 birds in 1998 and 1900 birds in 1999), Great Knot (1025 birds in 1998 and 1055 birds in 1999), Pied Oystercatcher (58 birds [including 28 pairs] in 1998 and 31 birds [including 12 pairs and one chick] in 1999), Sooty Oystercatcher (43 birds [including 19 pairs] in 1998 and 36 birds [including 14 pairs, two juveniles and two chicks] in 1999), Greater Sand Plover (637 birds in 1998), Lesser Crested Tern (500 to 1000 birds in 1989, 327 birds in 1999, 500 birds in 2001 and 300 birds in 2006), Crested Tern (1300 birds in 1999 and 600 birds in 2006), Bridled Tern (3210 birds in 1998, 585 birds in 1999, 3000+ birds in 2001 and 4000 birds in 2006) and Common Noddy (counts of 12,300 birds in 1998, 30,000 birds in 1999, 30,000 birds in 2001 and 20,000 birds in 2006) (Burbidge et al. 1988; Wilson & Hassel 1998; Atlas of Australian Birds Database; Department of Environment and Conservation Seabird Database; C. Hassell unpublished data; Kimberley Birdwatching unpublished data). Non-bird biodiversity: The Lacepede Islands are the most significant breeding ground in Western Australia for the nationally vulnerable Green Turtle.
Other site values: Western Australian State Government with responsibility for management with the Department of Environment and Climate Change. Permission to visit should be obtained from DEC.
Habitats
Land use: nature conservation and research (100%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Marine Coastal/Supratidal | 100 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Conduct regular monitoring of seabird numbers. Investigate disturbance of seabird colonies by visitors and introduce protection measures, potentially including the exclusion of visitors from critical sites during the breeding period. Monitor for presence of exotic fauna (especially rats), flora and pathogens.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Invasive & other problematic species, genes & diseases | Invasive non-native/alien species/diseases | Named species | Only in the future |
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Recreational activities | Ongoing |
Additional information
References: Burbidge, A.A., Fuller, P.J., Lane, J.A.K. and Moore, S.A. (1987) Counts of nesting boobies and Lesser Frigate-birds in Western Australia. Emu 87, 128-129. Wilson, J.R. and Hassell, C. (1998) Wader counts on the Lacepede Islands, Western Australia. Stilt 33, 49-50.
Contributors: The nomination was prepared by Andrew Burbidge in consultation with DEC, Mike Carter and George Swann. Susan Forbes and Amelia Tandy kindly provided data.