Western Chain (44636)
New Zealand, Australasia
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: A1b, B1, D1a
Year of last assessment: 2014
National site name: Western Chain
Central coordinates: Latitude: -48.0538, Longitude: 166.5032
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 45
Area of KBA (km2): 0.23301
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: Snares Penguin, Salvin's Albatross, Buller's Albatross (Southern Buller's Albatross), Chatham Albatross. Besides the trigger species the following species are confirmed or likely to be breeding: Snares Cape Petrel, Mottled Petrel, Sooty Shearwater, Fairy Prion, Fulmar Prion, Broad-billed Prion, Common Diving Petrel, Brown Skua, Southern Black-backed Gull, Red-billed Gull, Antarctic Tern. Black-browed Albatross (n=3) and White-capped Albatross (n=2) have been observed on the ground or flying over islands. Other species recorded: Little Penguin, Erect-crested Penguin, Black Shag, Mallard, White-fronted Tern, Song Thrush.
Habitats
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Marine Intertidal | 31 | |
| Grassland | 6 | |
| Marine Coastal/Supratidal | 63 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The islands are pest and disease-free with access is strictly limited and difficult. However, invasion is a threat from the occasional landing party. Human disturbance – No Predation by alien species – No Habitat loss or degradation – No Contamination – No Natural disaster – No Other – No
Additional information
References: Baker, B.G., Jensz, K., Sagar, P. 2015. 2014 Aerial surveys of Salvin's albatross at The Snares, Western Chain. Report prepared by Latitude 42 for the New Zealand Department of Conservation, Wellington. 9p. Miskelly, C.M.1984. Birds of the Western Chain, Snares Islands 1983-84. Notornis 31: 209-223. Miskelly, C. M. 1997. Biological notes on the Western Chain, Snares Islands, 1984/85 and 1985/86. Conservation Advisory Science Notes No. 144, Department of Conservation, Wellington. Miskelly, C.M., Sagar, P.M., Tennyson, A.J.D., Scofield, R.P. 2001. Bir5ds of the Snares Islands, New Zealand. Notornis 48: 1-40 Sagar, P. M., Charteris M. R., Carroll J. W. A., & Scofield R. P. (2011). Population size, breeding frequency and survival of Salvin's albatrosses (Thalassarche salvini) at the Western Chain, The Snares, New Zealand. Notornis 58: 57-63 Sagar, P.M.; Charteris, M.; Scofield, P. 2014. Salvin's albatross population size and survival at the Snares Western Chain. NI-WA Client Report CHC2014-119