Tillabéri roost (6724)
Niger, Africa
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2001
National site name: Tillabéri roost
Central coordinates: Latitude: 14.1833, Longitude: 1.4833
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 200 to 200
Area of KBA (km2): 11.44198
Protected area coverage (%): 100.00
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The Tillabéri roost occupies a Eucalyptus woodlot in an area of irrigated rice on the flood-plain of the Niger river near Daikaina, just east of Tillabéri. The woodlot is managed by the irrigation authority, ONAHA (Office National des Aménagements Hydro-Agricoles). Some of the trees were felled in early 1997 and, as a result, the birds temporarily moved to a wooded area 1.0–1.5 km to the south. More recently, however, the birds have moved back to the woodlot.
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. The first site was counted in February 1995–1998 while counts of the alternative roost, following its relocation as a result of human disturbance, took place in April 1997. In total, 35 species of waterbird have been observed at the roost and in immediately surrounding areas. Notable counts, in addition to those listed below, include 1,132 Phalacrocorax africanus in February 1996 and 5,581 Bubulcus ibis, 333 Nycticorax nycticorax and 506 Threskiornis aethiopicus in February 1995. In March 1998, 14 Ixobrychus minutus were seen. Total numbers counted were 11,868, 10,762, 5,667 and 3,541 in February 1995–1998, respectively. Non-bird biodiversity: None known to BirdLife International.
Habitats
Land use: forestry
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The main roost-site was completely abandoned in 1997 for a short while as a result of the felling. Both the original roost and the alternative, another wooded area 1.0–1.5 km further south, need to be given immediate protection. For unknown reasons, some species appeared to have been declining in numbers even before the first roost-site was disturbed. These include Ardeola ralloides and Egretta garzetta. Because the site is so close to an urban centre, is sensitive to human activity and is important, for example, for the migratory Plegadis falcinellus, its conservation could be made to have a significant impact in raising public awareness. The Département de la Faune, de la Pêche et de la Pisciculture has formulated a project proposal for this.