Country/territory: Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
IBA criteria met: A1, A2, A4ii (2006)
For more information about IBA criteria, please click here
Area: 1,500 hectares (15.00 km2)
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.
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 23/12/2024.