Key Biodiversity Areas

Miti'aro Island (30043)
Cook Islands, Oceania

Site overview


KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2014
National site name: Miti'aro Island
Central coordinates: Latitude: -19.8712, Longitude: -157.7117
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 11
Area of KBA (km2): 24.49592
Protected area coverage (%): 0.87
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes

Site details


Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance because it meets one or more previously established criteria and thresholds for identifying sites of biodiversity importance (including Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas, Alliance for Zero Extinction sites, and Key Biodiversity Areas)
Additional biodiversity: Rimatara Lorikeet (EN) and Cook Islands Warbler are resident. Wintering site for Bristle-thighed Curlew (VU).

Habitats


Summary of habitats in KBA: Upraised limestone island with natural lakes and swampland in centre. Population of 189 living on the western side of the island. Outer ring of makatea mostly undeveloped

Threats


Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Invasive species, Habitat destruction
Threat level 1Threat level 2Threat level 3Timing
Invasive & other problematic species, genes & diseasesInvasive non-native/alien species/diseasesUnspecified speciesOngoing