Rawabel islands (6207)
Egypt, Africa

Site overview

KBA status: confirmed

Year of last assessment: 2001

National site name: Rawabel islands

Central coordinates: Latitude: 22.4167, Longitude: 36.5333

System: marine, terrestrial

Elevation (m): 0 to 5

Area of KBA (km²): 1.6613

Protected area coverage (%): 100.00

KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD

Legacy site: Yes

Site details

Site description: Two small, flat, coralline islands with scattered salt-tolerant vegetation, including shrubs of Nitraria and Tamarix. The islands are surrounded by coral reefs and shallow waters.

Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance because it meets one or more previously established criteria and thresholds for identifying sites of biodiversity importance (including Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas, Alliance for Zero Extinction sites, and Key Biodiversity Areas)

Additional biodiversity: See Box for key species. Four bird species have been found breeding: Pandion haliaetus, Larus leucophthalmus, Larus hemprichii and Sterna caspia. Non-bird biodiversity: Reptiles: Eretmochelys imbricata (CR) or Chelonia mydas (EN) probably breed.

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.

Additional information