Wiya Swiftlet Cave (24534)
Micronesia, Federated States of, Oceania
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: B2
Year of last assessment: 2007
National site name: Wiya Swiftlet Cave
Central coordinates: Latitude: 5.3687, Longitude: 162.9985
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 200
Area of KBA (km2): 0.6967
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The swiftlet cave holds the largest breeding population of the Island Swiftlet on Kosrae. It is also featured in local legends.
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 swiftlet cave holds the largest breeding population of the Island Swiftlet on Kosrae.
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 50 ha (original, non-GIS) to 70 ha (new, GIS-based).
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: A quarry has been sited next to the cave. The cave is near the main road and developed areas, so further encroachment could pose a future threat.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy production & mining | Mining & quarrying | Only in the future |