Devil Island (29410)
Antarctica, Antarctica
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2015
National site name: Devil Island
Central coordinates: Latitude: -63.8003, Longitude: -57.2888
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 150
Area of KBA (km2): 1.15096
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Devil Island is a low, ice-free island of ~2 km in length lying in a small cove ~1 km north of Vega Island, east of Trinity Peninsula. Several low hills rise to ~100 m. The IBA qualifies on the basis of the large concentration of seabirds (in particular Adélie Penguin (Pygoscelis adeliae)) and comprises the entire island. Flora is dominated by the lichen Xanthoria spp. on seaward-facing slopes, interspersed with patches of Caloplaca spp. Mosses and the alga Prasiola have also been observed (ATS Visitor Site Guidelines, Devil Island). The nearest permanent scientific station is Gregor Mendel (CZE), located on Vega Island ~30 km to the west and operated summer-only.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance that was identified using previously established criteria and thresholds for the identification of Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) and for which available data indicate that it does not meet global KBA criteria and thresholds set out in the Global Standard.
Additional biodiversity: Approximately 14 681 pairs of Adélie Penguin were counted from photographs acquired in December 2008 (Lynch et al. 2013). While the Antarctic Site Inventory (Lynch et al. 2013) counted only 7108 chicks in the 2010/11 season, in view of the size of the colony and interseasonal fluctuations in numbers, the IBA has been retained. South Polar Skuas (Catharacta maccormicki), Brown Skuas (C. antarctica), Kelp Gulls (Larus dominicanus) and Antarctic Tern (Sterna vittata) also breed on Devil Island (Naveen & Lynch 2011). While Snow Petrel (Pagodroma nivea) nests were recorded on the island in 1945/46 (Croxall et al. 1995), their continued presence on the island is unknown. Non-breeding species frequenting the site include Cape Petrel (Daption capense), Snowy Sheathbill (Chionis albus) and Wilson's Storm-petrel (Oceanites oceanicus) (Naveen & Lynch 2011). Non-bird biodiversity: None known.
Delineation rationale: Island coastline where island is ≤ 5 km2.
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Devil Island is a popular tourist destination, and an average of 2541 visitors (passengers, staff and crew) landed at the site annually from 2005-10 (IAATO Tourism Statistics, accessed: 06/08/2010). ATS Visitor Site Guidelines provide guidance for tourist visits, which are generally in organised groups supervised by expedition guides.
Additional information
References: Antarctic Treaty System Visitor Site Guidelines, Devil Island: URL http://www.ats.aq/siteguidelines/documents/Devil_e.pdf. Accessed: 10/05/2011. Croxall, J.P., Steele, W.K, McInnes, S.J. & Prince, P.A. 1995. Breeding distribution of the Snow Petrel Pagodroma nivea. Marine Ornithology 23: 69-99. Naveen, R. & Lynch, H. 2011. Compendium of Antarctic Peninsula visitor sites (3rd edition): A Report to the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Oceanites, Chevy Chase, MD.