Ambrym West (27487)
Vanuatu, Australasia
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: B2
Year of last assessment: 2012
National site name: Ambrym West
Central coordinates: Latitude: -16.2470, Longitude: 168.0450
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 1250
Area of KBA (km2): 219.63522
Protected area coverage (%): 15.59
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The north and north west coast of Ambrym comprises considerable areas of forest together with gardens around the inhabited areas. The island rises to 5 volcanic mountain peaks all around or above 1,000m asl.
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. KBA identified by the 2012 CEPF East Melanesia Ecosystem Profile process. Taxonomy and threat status follow the 2011 IUCN Red List.
Additional biodiversity: The site is selected primarily for its high density of Vanuatu Megapodes, both in terms of calling birds and the presence of the only known 3 figure nesting burrow colony at Buwoma Beach. Local information indicates that numbers of birds and/or numbers of eggs in this colony have been declining in recent years. Non-bird biodiversity: Coconut crab Birgus latro
Other site values: Chief Jessy Saksak and the Wakon Community own the Lake Fanteng Conservation Area.
Habitats
Summary of habitats in KBA: Primarily disturbed lowland rainforest with areas of gardens around the villages. Regular volcanic activity, combined with the impact of cyclones, explains the disturbed nature of the forest. Access is difficult, either from the sea, or long walks from the villages.
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Forest | 83 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Harvesting of megapode eggs continues - it is unclear whether a voluntary moratorium for 3 months per year,introduced in 2002, is still active. volcanic activity and cyclones provide an ever present danger. Little informatioin on the presence of alien invasives, although feral cats and pigs have previously been identified as megapode predators.