Mount Maetambe - Kolombangara River (27490)
Solomon Islands, Australasia
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: B2
Year of last assessment: 2014
National site name: Mount Maetambe - Kolombangara River
Central coordinates: Latitude: -7.0300, Longitude: 156.9320
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 800
Area of KBA (km2): 783.98455
Protected area coverage (%): 7.96
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Proposed boundaries of this site encompasses a coast to peak tract of intact forest on the southwestern coastline of Choiseul, spanning from sea level to 800 m, between the Sepa and Vurulato rivers. this is the best-preserved example of forest growing on kaarst limestone in the Solomons. The limestone has eroded over time, forming a landscape of caves and subterranean rivers. Mount Maetambae, an extinct volcano, supports distinctive forests inside and surrounding its crater.
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: Little survey data for this particular area, it is assumed that the site will support most of Choiseul's restricted range species. The form of frogmouth found in these forests has been tentatively suggested as a new genus - Rigidipenna inexpetatus. Non-bird biodiversity: Endemic frogs, butterflies and the endangered and endemic Poncelot's Giant Rat have recently been found in forests in Choiseul.
Delineation rationale: Site boundaries not yet defined.
Habitats
Summary of habitats in KBA: Intact rainforest from the coast to the summit, and including within the crater of the extinct volcano.
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Logging.