Eilean na Muice Duibh, Islay (2465)
United Kingdom, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2007
National site name: Eilean na Muice Duibh, Islay
Central coordinates: Latitude: 55.7227, Longitude: -6.2573
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 15 to 30
Area of KBA (km2): 5.75816
Protected area coverage (%): 99.86
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The site is bounded by the Rivers Duich and Laggan and two roads, and comprises a relatively undisturbed expanse of patterned mire with scattered peaty pools and lochs. These include deep watershed pools, a feature normally associated with more northerly blanket mires. In some areas the vegetation is modified by the trampling and nutrient input of gulls. The IBA is important as a roost especially in winter, and as a night feeding area for Anser albifrons flavirostris. Branta leucopsis are from the Greenland breeding population.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance that was identified using previously established criteria and thresholds for the identification of Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) and for which available data indicate that it does not meet global KBA criteria and thresholds set out in the Global Standard.
Delineation rationale: First identified in 1989; no significant changes to the boundary since then. SPA boundary used from JNCC; digitised at 1:10,000 scale.
Habitats
Land use: nature conservation and research
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Shrubland | 33 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 33 | |
| Grassland | 33 |
Threats
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Livestock farming & ranching | Small-holder grazing, ranching or farming | Ongoing |