Ferrier Peninsula / Graptolite Island (29451)
Antarctica, Antarctica
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: D1a
Year of last assessment: 2015
National site name: Ferrier Peninsula / Graptolite Island
Central coordinates: Latitude: -60.7217, Longitude: -44.4256
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 250
Area of KBA (km2): 2.35858
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Ferrier Peninsula and Graptolite Island lie at the southeastern extremity of Laurie Island at Fitchie Bay. The IBA qualifies on the basis of the Adélie Penguin (Pygoscelis adeliae) colony present and the high concentration of seabirds (in particular Adélie and Chinstrap Penguins (Pygoscelis antarctica)). The IBA comprises the ice free area on Ferrier Peninsula extending from the permanent ice cap on Laurie Island to Cape Dundas, and includes nearby Graptolite Island and the intervening marine The nearest research station is Orcadas (ARG) which is located ~15 km to the west. Orcadas operates year-round with around 45 personnel present in summer and 14 in winter (COMNAP, Antarctic Facilities, accessed 01/09/2010).
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: Approximately 61 000 pairs of Adélie Penguin were recorded breeding on Ferrier Peninsula in 1983, most of which were nesting on the northern coast, and approximately 30 000 pairs were breeding on Graptolite Island (Poncet & Poncet 1985). Coria et al . (2011) reported 35 858 pairs breeding on Ferrier Peninsula and a further 16 300 breeding pairs on Graptolite Island in 2004/05. Chinstrap Penguins breed on both the northern and southern coasts of Ferrier Peninsula, comprising 14 200 pairs in 1983. Gentoo Penguins ( Pygoscelis papua ) were also recorded breeding on Ferrier Peninsula in 1947 (Poncet & Poncet 1985). Non-bird biodiversity: None known.
Delineation rationale: Shortest perimeter around island groups and/or ice-free areas ≤ 5 km2, including marine areas as appropriate.
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: None known.
Additional information
References: Poncet, S. & Poncet, J. 1985. A survey of penguin breeding populations at the South Orkney Islands, Antarctica. British Antarctic Survey Bulletin 68: 71-81.