Tiran island (6202)
Egypt, Africa

Site overview

KBA status: confirmed

Year of last assessment: 2001

National site name: Tiran island

Central coordinates: Latitude: 27.9333, Longitude: 34.5500

System: marine, terrestrial

Elevation (m): 0 to 524

Area of KBA (km²): 63.62586

Protected area coverage (%): 100.00

KBA classification: Regional

Legacy site: Yes

Site details

Site description: A large, crescent-shaped island situated at the mouth of the Gulf of Aqaba. The northern part of the island is flat, while the southern, larger part is fairly hilly. A fairly large stand of mangrove Avicennia is found on the northern shore of the southern part of the island. Extensive coral reefs fringe the island on the north and east, while the western shore overlooks the Straits of Tiran.

Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance that was identified using previously established criteria and thresholds for the identification of Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) and for which available data indicate that it does not meet global KBA criteria and thresholds set out in the Global Standard.

Additional biodiversity: See Box for key species. Seven waterbird species are known to breed on Tiran island: Egretta gularis, Butorides striatus, Platalea leucorodia, Larus leucophthalmus, Sterna repressa, Sterna bengalensis and Sterna caspia. In addition, Pandion haliaetus is a widespread breeder. Tiran’s population of this species (15–20 pairs) is the largest in the country. Three or four pairs of Falco concolor also breed on the island. Non-bird biodiversity: Reptiles: Chelonia mydas (EN) has bred on the island. Mammals: The shallow waters east of Tiran are said to have sea-grass beds that are important grazing habitat for Dugong dugon (VU).

Delineation rationale: Type 1 marine IBA: suitable for the seaward extension approach.

Habitats

Land use: military | nature conservation and research | tourism/recreation

Threats

Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Tiran is part of the Ras Mohammed National Park, which was declared by Prime Ministerial Decree 1068/1983, adjusted by Prime Ministerial Decree 2035/1996. Oil pollution from passing vessels is a serious threat to the birds of Tiran, particularly during the breeding season, when chicks of Larus leucophthalmus and other seabirds typically congregate along shores where they become exposed to contamination by floating oil. Growing tourist activity in the vicinity of Tiran is threatening to increase disturbance on the island and to degrade its habitats. However, the presence of landmines on some parts of the island deters many from visiting. Military personnel stationed on the islands are reported to have introduced feral cats that could potentially prey on fledging seabirds.

Additional information