Starbuck Island (27463)
Kiribati, Oceania
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: B1, D1a
Year of last assessment: 2012
National site name: Starbuck Island
Central coordinates: Latitude: -5.6437, Longitude: -155.8857
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 10
Area of KBA (km2): 26.46528
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Starbuck Island is a low-lying island with a dry climate. The interior contains several dark-coloured saline lagoons which at times dry out completely. Starbuck rises from its reef fringed coast to a steep beach crest before descending into a slight interior depression.
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 is importantly primarily for its large sooty tern population. There is little information on other species present. Non-bird biodiversity: Green turtles may use the island for egg-laying, although there is no information on counts. An endemic plant, Bidens kiribatiensis has been identified from the island (Garnett 1983).
Delineation rationale: 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 2100 ha (non-GIS) to 2647 ha (GIS).
Habitats
Summary of habitats in KBA: A small scale phosphate mining industry took place at the end of the 19th Century, since when there has been no activity on the island. The island is vegetated with sparse atoll scrub, herbs and low grasses.
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Cats are present on the island, but at low densities, so may not be able to impact substantially on the sooty tern colony. Also pacific rats were reported in the 1970s.