Zabargad island (6205)
Egypt, Africa

Site overview

KBA status: confirmed

Global KBA criteria: A1b, D1a

Year of last assessment: 2001

National site name: Zabargad island

Central coordinates: Latitude: 23.6167, Longitude: 36.2000

System: marine, terrestrial

Elevation (m): 0 to 235

Area of KBA (km²): 4.66555

KBA classification: Global

Legacy site: Yes

Site details

Site description: Zabargad (or St John) is small triangular island rising abruptly from deep water in the Red Sea to about 235 m, some 60 km south-east of Ras Banas. It is geologically unique, amongst the Red Sea islands, in being composed of uplifted mantle and lower crustal metamorphic rocks. Vegetation is scant and mainly limited to halophytic flora.

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: See Box for key species. Eight bird species have been found breeding: Sula leucogaster, Platalea leucorodia, Falco concolor, Larus leucophthalmus, Sterna caspia, Sterna bengalensis, Sterna anaethetus and Sterna repressa. In October 1994, about 150 pairs of Falco concolor were found breeding on the island, representing a significant proportion of the world population. Non-bird biodiversity: Marine life: The island is surrounded by some of the most spectacular coral reefs in the Egyptian Red Sea. Reptiles: Remains of ‘hundreds’ of marine turtles were found in December 1997, which probably come to the island to nest, most likely involving Chelonia mydas (EN).

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

Habitats

Land use: nature conservation and research | tourism/recreation

Threats

Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Zabargad is part of the Elba National Park, which was declared by Prime Ministerial Decree 450/1986, adjusted by Prime Ministerial Decree 1186/1986 and Prime Ministerial Decree 642/1995. The number of tourists visiting this island and its surrounding reefs increased dramatically in the past few years and started to degrade the coral reefs in the area and increase disturbance to nesting birds on the island. This led the EEAA, in collaboration with the coast guard, to close the area to visitors for about a year until better controls on human activities were in place.

Additional information