PW011
Northern Peleliu Lkes (sandflats) This is an IBA in Danger! 


Site description (2015 baseline):

Site location and context
The coastal wetlands surrounding the islets of Belualasmau, Ngeuall and Ngedebus are primary feeding habitats for a range of shorebird species, while the islands themselves are primary roosting sites for these species.  The islands themselves also host the Palau subspecies of the globally endangered Micronesian megapode.  The area includes sandflats, mangroves, seagrass bed and a distant island with a gravel bar that is used as a secondary roost.

Key biodiversity
A range of shorebird species, small in number by global standards, but high concentration of Grey-tailed Tattler and very high numbers and diversity for the Micronesian region, also for Oceanic islands in general.  Also a regular site for Great Knot, Red-necked Stint and Far Eastern Curlew.  Substantial numbers of resident waterbirds including herons, cormorants, terns, present at higher numbers at this site than recorded anywhere else within the main island group of Palau. The islands also host the Palau subspecies of the globally threatened Micronesian megapode.  

Habitat and land use
Tidal flats around small isolated islands with low sandbars near to high tide roosts.  A small limestone island used as a high tide roost by whimbrels cormorants and egrets and a non-contiguous distant, secondary, roost.

Protected areas
Adjacent to a MPA.


Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Northern Peleliu Lkes (sandflats) (Palau). Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/northern-peleliu-lkes-(sandflats)-iba-palau on 23/12/2024.