Northern Peleliu Lkes (sandflats) (45287)
Palau, Oceania
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: D1a
Year of last assessment: 2015
National site name: Northern Peleliu Lkes
Central coordinates: Latitude: 7.0658, Longitude: 134.2808
System: marine, terrestrial
Area of KBA (km2): 3.0942
Protected area coverage (%): 99.25
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The coastal wetlands surrounding the islets of Belualasmau, Ngeuall and Ngedebus are primary feeding habitats for a range of shorebird species, while the islands themselves are primary roosting sites for these species. The islands themselves also host the Palau subspecies of the globally endangered Micronesian megapode. The area includes sandflats, mangroves, seagrass bed and a distant island with a gravel bar that is used as a secondary roost.
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: A range of shorebird species, small in number by global standards, but high concentration of Grey-tailed Tattler and very high numbers and diversity for the Micronesian region, also for Oceanic islands in general. Also a regular site for Great Knot, Red-necked Stint and Far Eastern Curlew. Substantial numbers of resident waterbirds including herons, cormorants, terns, present at higher numbers at this site than recorded anywhere else within the main island group of Palau. The islands also host the Palau subspecies of the globally threatened Micronesian megapode.
Delineation rationale: Draft polygon identified. Secondary high tide roost outwith polygon.
Habitats
Summary of habitats in KBA: Tidal flats around small isolated islands with low sandbars near to high tide roosts. A small limestone island used as a high tide roost by whimbrels cormorants and egrets and a non-contiguous distant, secondary, roost.
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Marine Neritic | 33 | |
| Marine Coastal/Supratidal | 33 | |
| Marine Intertidal | 33 |
Threats
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Climate change & severe weather | Habitat shifting & alteration | Only in the future | |
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Recreational activities | Ongoing | |
| Residential & commercial development | Commercial & industrial areas | Only in the future |