• Summary
• Text account
• Data table and detailed info
• Map
• Reference and further resources

Site description (2006 baseline)
Bull Point, at the southernmost tip of East Falkland, is low lying. The habitat is varied, comprising maritime heath in the higher areas, with a variety of rocky and sandy beaches on the coast. There are extensive dune systems covering much of the southern point. Wide areas of coastal greens interspersed with permanent and seasonal pools provide habitat for wading birds and waterfowl. There is scattered Tussac at Porpoise Point and also on small islands immediately offshore. The site is managed as part of a working farm and it has been grazed for many years. The tip of the point has recently been completely cleared of stock, and fencing improved to prevent accidental access. This has undoubtedly led to an improvement in the quality and diversity of the fl

Key biodiversity
The pool areas are particular favourites with birdwatchers, who have recorded many rare and visiting species, such as the Coscoroba Swan, Ashy-headed Goose, Cinnamon Teal and breeding Black-necked Swan. Chiloe Wigeons and all resident duck species are frequently seen. At the southernmost tip, where a ring of dunes surrounds the central green areas, the density of penguins and geese during the summer months is extremely high. This is also a good place to see juvenile Striated Caracaras. The Tussacbird is present but probably not breeding due to the presence of rats and cats. Bull Point has extensive beach and dune areas where White-rumped Sandpipers congregate in large numbers with local Two-banded Plovers, Rufous-chested Dotterels and the two species of oystercatcher. Magellanic Snipe and Brown-hooded Gulls probably breed. Endemic sub-species recorded here include the White-tufted/Rolland’s Grebe, Upland Goose, Shorteared Owl, Falkland Grass Wren, Dark-faced Groundtyrant, Falkland Pipit, Falkland Thrush and the Long-tailed Meadowlark. This is also a site of special interest for watching seabirds passing by the point.

Non-bird biodiversity: There is a small breeding colony of Southern Sea Lions on the far eastern point, which produces fewer than five pups each year. The area is also a major haul-out site for Southern Sea Lions and Southern Elephant Seals. The plants have been fairly well surveyed: 101 species were recorded, including Dusen’s Moonwort Botrychium dusenii, a vulnerable and legally protected native fern that is only known to occur in two other localities in the Falklands. Another interesting plant is Southern Dock Rumex magellanicus. In addition there are four endemic plants here: Clubmoss Cudweed Chevreulia lycopodioides, Lady’s Slipper Calceolaria fothergillii, Coastal Nassauvia Nassauvia gaudichaudii, and Vanilla Daisy Leucheria suaveolens.

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Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Bull Point, East Falkland (Falkland Islands (Malvinas)). Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/bull-point-east-falkland-iba-falkland-islands-(malvinas) on 22/12/2024.