North-west Vella Lavella (27489)
Solomon Islands, Australasia
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: B2
Year of last assessment: 2012
National site name: North-west Vella Lavella
Central coordinates: Latitude: -7.6780, Longitude: 156.5390
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 760
Area of KBA (km2): 146.40723
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The aim of this site is to protect the Monarcha and Zosterops species that have resulted in considerable speciation in a very small area. The site includes forested tracks on Vella Lavella, Ranongga and Ghizo.
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: 3 spp of Zosterops are restricted to his island group - indeed individual species are restricted to one or two islands only, within this group. Other species may show the same level of speciation - but haven't currently been studied to the same extent. Non-bird biodiversity: No studies available.
Delineation rationale: Further survey work required to identify precise area to be included in IBA
Habitats
Summary of habitats in KBA: Lowland rain forest.
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Logging.