Orona Atoll (Hull Island) (27454)
Kiribati, Oceania
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: D1a
Year of last assessment: 2012
National site name: Orona Atoll (Hull Island)
Central coordinates: Latitude: -4.5150, Longitude: -172.1767
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 10
Area of KBA (km2): 7.41705
Protected area coverage (%): 100.00
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Orona Atoll is a narrow ribbon of land that surrounds a sizeable lake.
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: The Atoll is a significant seabird nesting site.
Delineation rationale: Whole atoll currently. 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 390 ha to 742 ha (GIS).
Habitats
Summary of habitats in KBA: The island is currently uninhabited although periods of occupation have resulted in the planting of over 20,000 coconut palms. Elsewhere scrub forest dominated by Pisonia.
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Invasive species are the most serious current threat. Cats are still present on the most recently inhabited island within the atoll and the two adjacent islets to the west, and are predating the sooty terns. Eradication is technically feasible. Pacific rats may have been eradicated recently, while dogs and pigs, both formerly present in numbers are now not present.
| 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