Current view: Text account
Site description (2010 baseline):
Site location and context
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.
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.
Intact rainforest from the coast to the summit, and including within the crater of the extinct volcano.
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
Logging.
Conservation responses/actions for key biodiversity
THe AMNH-CI Solomon Islands Community Conservation Partnership has recently commenced a set of initiatives in the Maetambae area, and WWF Solomons has identified the area as a focus within their forest Strategy for the Solomons.
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.
