Data Zone
Country/territory: Northern Mariana Islands (to USA)
Subnational region(s): Guguan Island
IBA Justification: A1, A2, A4i, A4iii (2012)
Area: 412 hectares (4.12 km2)
| Conservation status of the Important Bird Area (IBA) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year of assessment (most recent) | State (condition) | Pressure (threat) | Response (action) |
| 2012 | not assessed | high | medium |
Site description (2007 baseline)
The proposed Guguan Island IBA is uninhabited and protected by CNMI law as a Wildlife Conservation Area. The volcanic island is free of large introduced mammals. The coast is bordered by steep basaltic rock with gables of high ridges which contain deep, rain-eroded gorges.
Key biodiversity
The entire island of Guguan is proposed as an IBA under A4i and A4iii criteria. The island qualifies as an IBA under A4i criteria for Grey-backed Terns and Sooty Terns. The island qualifies under A4iii criteria for its total seabird population. Guguan is also home to Micronesian Megapodes, White-throated Ground-Doves, Micronesian Starlings, Collared Kingfishers, and Micronesian Honeyeaters (DFW, 2007b).
Non-bird biodiversity: Additional rare and endangered species on the island include Mariana Fruit Bat.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2025) Important Bird Area factsheet: Guguan Island (Northern Mariana Islands (to USA)). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/guguan-island-iba-northern-mariana-islands-(to-usa) on 13/01/2025.