Yela River Watershed (24535)
Micronesia, Federated States of, Oceania
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2007
National site name: Yela River Watershed
Central coordinates: Latitude: 5.3228, Longitude: 162.9540
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 400
Area of KBA (km2): 6.09245
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The Yela River Watershed holds one of the finest examples of mature native Terminalia forest found in Micronesia (Engbring et al., 1990) and is the focus of numerous research and conservation programs. The Kosrae Conservation and Safety Organization (KCSO) is active in working towards conservation of the site. Currently it is remote and most easily accessed by boat. The FSM NBSAP (2002) lists Yela-Okat Terminalia/Mangrove area as a potential conservation area. The Micronesia Conservation Trust (MCT, 2007) lists the area as a current conservation area.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance because it meets one or more previously established criteria and thresholds for identifying sites of biodiversity importance (including Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas, Alliance for Zero Extinction sites, and Key Biodiversity Areas)
Additional biodiversity: Non-bird biodiversity: Conservation targets in the watershed include (NBSAP, 2002): • Terminalia Swamp Forest • Mangrove Forests • Kosrae Flying Fox • Low-elevation Broadleaf Forest
Delineation rationale: 2012-12-17 (BL Secretariat): original polygon clipped to hi-res coastline (marine areas removed) following identification in October 2012 of new marine IBA offshore this site; site area consequently changed from 600 ha (original, non-GIS) to 609 ha (new, GIS-based).
Habitats
Summary of habitats in KBA: The Yela River Watershed holds one of the finest examples of mature native Terminalia forest found in Micronesia.
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: While the area is currently inaccessible by vehicle and thus development is limited, there are varied plans to build a connecting road that would go through the watershed and open up the area to development.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transportation & service corridors | Roads & railroads | Only in the future |