Key Biodiversity Areas

Polle Island (24538)
Micronesia, Federated States of, Oceania

Site overview


KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: A1aB1B2
Year of last assessment: 2007
National site name: Polle Island
Central coordinates: Latitude: 7.3265, Longitude: 151.5887
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 20 to 200
Area of KBA (km2): 5.02848
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes

Site details


Site description: The Polle Island IBA includes an area of freshwater swamp, part of which is listed as a potential conservation area in the FSM NBSAP (2002). Engbring et al. (1990) writes that these wetlands are important for migrating birds as well.
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. KBA identified in the CEPF Ecosystem Profile of the Polynesia-Micronesia Hotspot (2007). Taxonomy, nomenclature and threat status follow the 2003 IUCN Red List.
Additional biodiversity: Non-bird biodiversity: Conservation targets in the area include (NBSAP, 2002): • Coastal Freshwater Marsh • Chuuk Flying Fox • Low-elevation Broadleaf Forest
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 500 ha (original, non-GIS) to 503 ha (new, GIS-based).

Threats


Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Satellite imagery shows that development surrounds the area, thus habitat loss from agriculture and development may pose a threat. Hunting may also pose a threat.
Threat level 1Threat level 2Threat level 3Timing
Agriculture & aquacultureAnnual & perennial non-timber cropsAgro-industry farmingOnly in the future
Residential & commercial developmentHousing & urban areasOnly in the future