Data Zone
Country/territory: Antarctica
IBA criteria met: A4ii (2015)
For more information about IBA criteria, please click here
Area: 431 ha
Site description (2015 baseline)
Muskegbukta is a small bay situated to the west of the Fimbul Ice Shelf, Princess Martha Coast, Dronning Maud Land. An Emperor Penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri) colony breeds on fast ice that forms in cracks along the western coast of the Fimbul Ice Shelf.
The IBA qualifies on the basis of the Emperor Penguin colony present and is entirely marine.
There are no research stations in the near vicinity. The closest permanent station is Sanae IV (ZAF) situated ~190 km to the southwest.
Key biodiversity
Analysis of a satellite image acquired 28 Oct 2009 (Fretwell et al. 2012) indicated that approximately 3193 Emperor Penguins were present at the colony. Fretwell et al. (2012) referred to this colony as ‘Sanae' in reference to the nearest research station. No other birds are known to breed in the area.
Non-bird biodiversity: None known.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Muskegbukta (Antarctica). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/muskegbukta-iba-antarctica on 22/11/2024.