Yap Island (24543)
Micronesia, Federated States of, Oceania
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: B2, D1a
Year of last assessment: 2012
National site name: Yap Island
Central coordinates: Latitude: 9.5395, Longitude: 138.1167
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 150
Area of KBA (km2): 54.3797
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Yap Island houses the airport and the main administrative center of Colonia. However, the population is around 6,000 and sparsely settled. Parts of the IBA are listed as potential conservation areas by the FSM NBSAP (2002) and as a current conservation area by the Micronesia Conservation Trust (MCT, 2007).
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: Engbring et al. (1990) wrote that the wetlands on the island were of particular importance as sites for species of local concern and migratory birds. Non-bird biodiversity: Conservation targets in the area include (NBSAP, 2002): • Mangrove Forests • High Island Nearshore Marine • Upland Broadleaf Forest • Yap Flying Fox
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 10000 ha (original, non-GIS) to 5438 ha (new, GIS-based).
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Fire and other forest clearing may result in bare areas and expansion of savanna.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Invasive & other problematic species, genes & diseases | Invasive non-native/alien species/diseases | Named species | Ongoing |
| Pollution | Excess energy | Light pollution | Ongoing |
| Biological resource use | Hunting & collecting terrestrial animals | Intentional use (species being assessed is the target) | Ongoing |
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Annual & perennial non-timber crops | Agro-industry farming | Ongoing |
| Climate change & severe weather | Storms & flooding | Only in the future |