Rawaki (Phoenix Island) (27456)
Kiribati, Oceania
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: A1a, A1c, D1a
Year of last assessment: 2012
National site name: Rawaki (Phoenix Island)
Central coordinates: Latitude: -3.7208, Longitude: -170.7117
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 10
Area of KBA (km2): 7.383
Protected area coverage (%): 100.00
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Rawaki is a low coral island surrounded by a raised beah crest with the interior of the island forming a saucer-like depression. Within the central depression there is a hyper-saline lake of around 20ha and a number of small fresh water pools.
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: An important seabird colony
Supersedes another site: 31023
Delineation rationale: This boundary includes the original colony area with an additional 1km marine foraging buffer. These buffers were redefined and are now more appropriate for the trigger species (Lesser Frigatebird).
Habitats
Summary of habitats in KBA: The island is a low coral island vegetated with grasses and low shrubs.
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The island has been colonised by rabbits, resulting in degredation of vegetation. An attempt at eradication has been proposed for 2008.
| 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)