Data Zone
Country/territory: Solomon Islands
IBA criteria met: A1, A2 (2014)
For more information about IBA criteria, please click here
Area: 78,398 hectares (783.98 km2)
Site description (2010 baseline)
Proposed boundaries of this site encompasses a coast to peak tract of intact forest on the southwestern coastline of Choiseul, spanning from sea level to 800 m, between the Sepa and Vurulato rivers. this is the best-preserved example of forest growing on kaarst limestone in the Solomons. The limestone has eroded over time, forming a landscape of caves and subterranean rivers. Mount Maetambae, an extinct volcano, supports distinctive forests inside and surrounding its crater.
Key biodiversity
Little survey data for this particular area, it is assumed that the site will support most of Choiseul's restricted range species. The form of frogmouth found in these forests has been tentatively suggested as a new genus - Rigidipenna inexpetatus.
Non-bird biodiversity: Endemic frogs, butterflies and the endangered and endemic Poncelot's Giant Rat have recently been found in forests in Choiseul.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Mount Maetambe - Kolombangara River (Solomon Islands). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/mount-maetambe--kolombangara-river-iba-solomon-islands on 22/12/2024.