Current view: Text account
Site description (2015 baseline):
Site location and context
Ferrier Peninsula and Graptolite Island lie at the southeastern extremity of Laurie Island at Fitchie Bay. The IBA qualifies on the basis of the Adélie Penguin (
Pygoscelis adeliae) colony present and the high concentration of seabirds (in particular Adélie and Chinstrap Penguins (
Pygoscelis antarctica)). The IBA comprises the ice free area on Ferrier Peninsula extending from the permanent ice cap on Laurie Island to Cape Dundas, and includes nearby Graptolite Island and the intervening marine
The nearest research station is Orcadas (ARG) which is located ~15 km to the west. Orcadas operates year-round with around 45 personnel present in summer and 14 in winter (COMNAP, Antarctic Facilities, accessed 01/09/2010).
Approximately 61 000 pairs of Adélie Penguin were recorded breeding on Ferrier Peninsula in 1983, most of which were nesting on the northern coast, and approximately 30 000 pairs were breeding on Graptolite Island (Poncet & Poncet 1985). Coria
et al . (2011) reported 35 858 pairs breeding on Ferrier Peninsula and a further 16 300 breeding pairs on Graptolite Island in 2004/05. Chinstrap Penguins breed on both the northern and southern coasts of Ferrier Peninsula, comprising 14 200 pairs in 1983. Gentoo Penguins (
Pygoscelis papua ) were also recorded breeding on Ferrier Peninsula in 1947 (Poncet & Poncet 1985).
Non-bird biodiversity: None known.
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
None known.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Ferrier Peninsula / Graptolite Island (Antarctica). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/ferrier-peninsula--graptolite-island-iba-antarctica on 28/11/2024.
