Aitutaki (28542)
Cook Islands, Oceania
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2014
National site name: Aitutaki
Central coordinates: Latitude: -18.8697, Longitude: -159.7760
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 124
Area of KBA (km2): 15.94709
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Aitutaki is one of the northernmost of the Southern Cook Islands and is classified as an 'almost-atoll', being composed of a volcanic cone and a ring of small coral islands encircling a lagoon. The entire main island is under cultivation or secondary growth, while the vegetation of the coralline islets is largely native forest.
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: Blue Lorikeet (VU) is resident on the island. Wintering site for Bristle-thighed Curlew (VU).
Delineation rationale: Whole island 21/10/2013 (OB): Area reduced from 6,100ha to 1,800ha, as the former measurement includes the reef - habitat totally unsuited to the Critical species at the site (but included as part of the KBA at the site).
Habitats
Summary of habitats in KBA: Deforested island with secondary growth vegetation. Human population of 2,035. Reef islets uninhabited and comprising atoll vegetation.
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Rats, cats and other invasive species. Habitat destruction. Over-harvesting.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Invasive & other problematic species, genes & diseases | Invasive non-native/alien species/diseases | Named species | Ongoing |
| Climate change & severe weather | Storms & flooding | Only in the future |