Boudeuse Island (6794)
Seychelles, Africa

Site overview

KBA status: confirmed

Year of last assessment: 2001

National site name: Boudeuse Island

Central coordinates: Latitude: -6.0833, Longitude: 52.8833

System: marine, terrestrial

Elevation (m): 0 to 3

Area of KBA (km²): 0.18573

Protected area coverage (%): 100.00

KBA classification: Regional

Legacy site: Yes

Site details

Site description: The site lies c.320 km south-west of Mahé on the western edge of the Amirantes group. It is a small, sandstone platform island, with no resident human population. There is a small sandy beach, but it is difficult to land due to heavy swells even during calm weather. There are no trees. The island may be one of the most pristine cays in the western Indian Ocean, with no introduced vegetation.

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. This is one of the last two strongholds of Sula dactylatra in Seychelles. In addition, c.500 pairs of Puffinus pacificus breed. Non-bird biodiversity: The turtles Chelonia mydas (EN) and Eretmochelys imbricata (CR) nest and may be taken by poachers.

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 island is protected under the Wild Birds Protection (Nature Reserve) Regulations 1966. However, enforcement of the law is extremely difficult as the island has no human presence to report the activities of poachers. In 1976 a large number of Sula dactylatra were killed and many rings recovered. Rats are not present on the island.

Additional information