Data Zone
Country/territory: Greenland (to Denmark)
IBA criteria met: A4ii, A4iii, B1ii (2000)
For more information about IBA criteria, please click here
Area: 150,000 hectares (1,500.00 km2)
Site description (2000 baseline)
A rocky coastline with cliffs and small offshore islands (Raffles Ø and Rathbone Ø), extending from 70°30'N to 71°30'N. Scoresby Sund is the mouth of a wide fjord between Liverpool Land coast and Kap Brewster (IBA 042), which remains ice-free for much of the year due to strong tidal currents (i.e. a polynya). The nutrient-rich waters provide excellent feeding for seabirds. Subsistence hunting takes place.
Key biodiversity
The area is internationally important for Alle alle, which is present in extremely large numbers on all islands and headlands. Other breeding auks include Uria lomvia (at least 2,000 individuals on Raffles Ø), Cepphus grylle, and possibly Fratercula arctica.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Liverpool Land coast and mouth of Scoresby Sund (Greenland (to Denmark)). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/liverpool-land-coast-and-mouth-of-scoresby-sund-iba-greenland-(to-denmark) on 27/12/2024.