Current view: Text account
Site description (2007 baseline):
Site location and context
The Guam National Wildlife Refuge IBA contains several portions of the larger Guam National Wildlife Refuge, including the USFWS-owned Ritidian Point and much of the US Air Force Overlay Refuge. The IBA includes known populations of the Mariana Crow and a snake-free enclosure with Guam Rails.
The IBA includes known populations of the Mariana Crow and a snake-free enclosure with Guam Rails. Micronesian Starlings were also observed in the IBA in 2005 (GDAWR, 2005). Additionally, the refuge is known to hold important habitat for the Guam subspecies of the Micronesian Kingfisher. Recovery plans for the kingfisher include reintroduction of the bird from captive breeding programs (USFWS, 2004b).
Non-bird biodiversity: Additional species known to occur in the proposed IBA include (Wesley, 2007):
• Mariana Fruit Bat
• Moth Skink
• Green Sea Turtles
• Serianthes nelsonii
• Native tree snails
• Coconut crabs
• Land crabs
• Native skinks, geckos
• Native insects
The IBA consists of a vegetated coastal plain and sheer limestone cliffs. Major habitat types in the IBA include coastal and back strand forest, limestone forest, and some savanna.
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
Control of the Brown Tree Snake remains the largest conservation concern. There is one small snake-free area. Expansion of military activities may pose additional threats as the US military continues to expand operations in Guam.
Conservation responses/actions for key biodiversity
The refuge is managed in cooperation by the USFWS and the US Air Force, with particular emphasis on Brown Tree Snake management.
The IBA contains several portions of the larger Guam National Wildlife Refuge, including the USFWS-owned Ritidian Point and much of the US Air Force Overlay Refuge.
The IBA is on land owned by the US Government, including the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the US Military.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Guam National Wildlife Refuge (Guam (to USA)). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/guam-national-wildlife-refuge-iba-guam-(to-usa) on 23/12/2024.
