Milford Sound Piopiotahi (31258)
New Zealand, Australasia
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: A1b, D1a
Year of last assessment: 2014
National site name: Milford Sound Piopiotahi
Central coordinates: Latitude: -44.6232, Longitude: 167.9120
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 60
Area of KBA (km2): 0.46689
Protected area coverage (%): 100.00
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
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: IBA Trigger species: Fiordland Crested Penguin Note - Weka, Kaka and Kea (all VU) are also present at this site. Weka are likely to be breeding, Kaka and Kea are likely to be visitors. Ornithological information: Besides the trigger species the following species are confirmed or likely to be breeding: Little Penguin, Sooty Shearwater, Black Shag, Pied Shag, Little Shag, White-faced Heron, Reef Heron, Paradise Shelduck, Mallard, Grey Duck, NZ Scaup, NZ Falcon, Variable Oystercatcher, Spur-winged Plover, Southern Black-backed Gull, Red-billed Gull, White-fronted Tern, NZ Pigeon, Shining Cuckoo, Long-tailed Cuckoo, Morepork, NZ Kingfisher, NZ Pipit, Brown Creeper, Grey Warbler, South Island Fantail, South Island Tomtit, Silvereye, Bellbird, Tui, Hedge Sparrow, Blackbird, Chaffinch, Redpoll, Yellowhammer. Other species recorded: Grey-backed Storm Petrel, White Heron.
Habitats
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Marine Intertidal | 25 | |
| Marine Coastal/Supratidal | 25 | |
| Forest | 25 | |
| Shrubland | 25 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Human disturbance – Yes - Overall disturbance to birds on land will be minimal due to inaccessibility of sites to most visitors, however landings by kayakers may present a problem. Also, approaches by small boats and kayaks close to shore can disturb penguins, although in general tour guides will control activity. Predation by alien species – Yes - Stoats, rats, possibly possums. Habitat loss or degradation – No Contamination – Yes - A recent oil spill in the Milford Sound boat harbour (not within the IBA) and the high volume of boat traffic operating within Milford Sound highlights the potential for adverse impact an oil spill would have on marine fauna. Natural disaster – No Other – No
Additional information
References: Harper, P. 2012. Rare penguins on show in Milford Sound. Article in NZ Herald 14 September 2012 McLean, I.G., Russ, R.B. 1991. The Fiordland crested penguin survey, Stage 1: Doubtful to Milford Sounds. Notornis 38: 183-190