Tabuaeran (Fanning Island) (27458)
Kiribati, Oceania
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: A1a
Year of last assessment: 2012
National site name: Tabuaeran (Fanning Island)
Central coordinates: Latitude: 3.8752, Longitude: -159.3235
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 3
Area of KBA (km2): 42.38227
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Tabuaeran is a large oval-shaped atoll formation of the northern Line Islands. The atoll consists of a broad reef rim with 3 large islands and several smaller islets and sand banks.
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 island holds a seabird colony. There is also a small colony of Rimatara Lorikeet on one of the islets. A sub-species of the Kiritimati Reed Warbler became extinct on the island in the early half of the 20th century (Garnett 1983).
Delineation rationale: Currently the perimeter of the atoll.
Habitats
Summary of habitats in KBA: Much of the island is covered by coconut plantations.
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The island is inhabited. Ship Rat (Rattus rattus) and feral cats were reported as abundant in the early 1980s (Garnett 1983), while cats, dogs and pigs are present around the settlements.