Stonington Island (29470)
Antarctica, Antarctica
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2015
National site name: Stonington Island
Central coordinates: Latitude: -68.1833, Longitude: -67.0000
System: marine, terrestrial
Area of KBA (km2): 4.64748
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Stonington Island is located approximately 2 km north of Neny Island, Neny Fjord, on the Fallièrs Coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. The IBA qualifies on the basis of the Imperial Shag (Phalacrocorax [atriceps] bransfieldensis) colony present and comprises a 500 ha circular area centred on the geographic position of the nesting site as reported in Lynch et al. (2008) (68°11' S, 67°0' W). Stonington Island is small with relatively flat areas of boulders interspersed with rocky outcrops (ATS Visitor Site Guidelines: Stonington Island). The site supports at least seven lichen species and two moss species. Two former stations are located on Stonington Island: Base E (GBR) built in 1946, and East Base (USA) established in 1940. Base E was closed in 1975 and is now designated as Historic Site No. 64 under the Antarctic Treaty for its historical value in early exploration of the region. East Base is designated as Historic Site No.55 to protect buildings and artefacts in the area. The nearest permanent scientific station is San Martín (ARG) located approximately 7 km to the northwest on Barry Island in the Debenham Islands.
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: Imperial Shags breed on Stonington Island and 135 chicks were recorded in February 2007 (Lynch et al. 2008). IBA qualification is based on an assumption of ~1 chick per pair, although since clutch sizes may often be larger, more data are desirable. South Polar Skuas (Catharacta maccormicki), Kelp Gulls (Larus dominicanus) and Antarctic Terns (Sterna vittata) are also confirmed breeders at the site, with Adélie Penguins occasional visitors (Naveen & Lynch 2011). Non-bird biodiversity: None known
Delineation rationale: 1.26 km radius around point.
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: ATS Visitor Site Guidelines provide guidance for visitors to Stonington Island. Visitors numbered from a minimum of 389 to a maximum of 1136 (inclusive of tourists, staff and crew) between 2006/07 and 2009/10 (IAATO Tourism Statistics, accessed: 06/08/2010).
Additional information
References: Antarctic Treaty System Visitor Site Guidelines: Stonington Island. URL: http://www.ats.aq/siteguidelines/documents/Stonington_island_e.pdf. Accessed 06/08/2010. Lynch, H., Naveen, R. & Fagan, W. 2008. Censuses of Penguin, Blue-eyed Shag Phalacrocorax atriceps and Southern Giant Petrel Macronectes giganteus populations on the Antarctic Peninsula, 2001-2007. Marine Ornithology 36: 83-97. 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.