Liverpool Land coast and mouth of Scoresby Sund (56)
Greenland (to Denmark), Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: B1, D1a
Year of last assessment: 2000
National site name: Liverpool Land coast and mouth of Scoresby Sund
Central coordinates: Latitude: 71.0000, Longitude: -21.6667
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 600
Area of KBA (km2): 1349.05739
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A rocky coastline with cliffs and small offshore islands (Raffles Ø and Rathbone Ø), extending from 70°30'N to 71°30'N. Scoresby Sund is the mouth of a wide fjord between Liverpool Land coast and Kap Brewster (IBA 042), which remains ice-free for much of the year due to strong tidal currents (i.e. a polynya). The nutrient-rich waters provide excellent feeding for seabirds. Subsistence hunting takes place.
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: The area is internationally important for Alle alle, which is present in extremely large numbers on all islands and headlands. Other breeding auks include Uria lomvia (at least 2,000 individuals on Raffles Ø), Cepphus grylle, and possibly Fratercula arctica.
Habitats
Land use: hunting
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Marine Coastal/Supratidal | 67 | |
| Marine Neritic | 33 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: With the exception of local disturbance caused by hunting, no serious threats are known at the site.