Nikumaroro (Gardner Island) (27452)
Kiribati, Oceania
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2008
National site name: Nikumaroro (Gardner Island)
Central coordinates: Latitude: -4.6780, Longitude: -174.5195
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 10
Area of KBA (km2): 4.27694
Protected area coverage (%): 100.00
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The atoll forms an elongated structure enclosing a narrow lagoon. There are two passes that split the rim into three sections.
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.
Additional biodiversity: The island supports substantial seabird populations. Non-bird biodiversity: Coconut Crab is present in reasonable densities on the island.
Delineation rationale: The whole island is included as part of the IBA. 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 810 ha (non-GIS) to 428 ha (GIS).
Habitats
Summary of habitats in KBA: A low lying coral atoll, much of the land is thickly vegetated with a Forest of Pisonia grandis and Cordia subcordata and interspersed with plantations of Cocus nucifera.
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Invasive species poses a threat. Pacific Rats are present on the island. Both cats and dogs were recorded from the island in the 1960s but no evidence could be found on a search in 2006.
| 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 |
Additional information
References: Pierce et al 2006. Phoenix Islands Conservation Survey and assessment of restoration feasibility: Kiribat. Unpublished report for Conservation International Samoa, and Pacific Islands Initiative. Mueller-Dombois and Fosberg FR 1998. Vegetation of the Tropical Pacific Islands. Springer-Verlag, New York.