Siyal islands (6206)
Egypt, Africa

Site overview

KBA status: confirmed

Year of last assessment: 2001

National site name: Siyal islands

Central coordinates: Latitude: 22.7833, Longitude: 36.1833

System: marine, terrestrial

Elevation (m): 0 to 5

Area of KBA (km²): 0.3201

KBA classification: Regional

Legacy site: Yes

Site details

Site description: Three small, flat, sandy, coralline islands, the largest of which is Siyal El Kabir. Coral reefs and shallow waters surround the islands.

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. Five bird species have been found breeding: Pandion haliaetus, Larus leucophthalmus, Larus hemprichii, Sterna caspia and Sterna repressa. Non-bird biodiversity: Reptiles: Eretmochelys imbricata (CR) and Chelonia mydas (EN) breed in significant numbers on Siyal El Kabir island. Dermochelys coriacea (EN) might also breed locally.

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

Habitats

Land use: nature conservation and research

Threats

Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The islands are 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. Local fishermen collect turtle eggs, and probably do the same with bird eggs.

Additional information