Data Zone
Country/territory: Vanuatu
Subnational region(s): Sanma
IBA Justification: A1, A2 (2010)
Area: 168,360 hectares (1,683.60 km2)
| Conservation status of the Important Bird Area (IBA) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year of assessment (most recent) | State (condition) | Pressure (threat) | Response (action) |
| 2021 | favourable | high | low |
Site description (2010 baseline)
This site comprises the mountain chain running down the western side of Espiritu Santo. It encompasses the five highest mountain peaks in the country, Mt Tabwemasana, Mt Kotamtam, Mt Tawaloala, Mt Santo and Mt Lolohoe.
Key biodiversity
Both the endangered Sant Cruz Ground Dove and the Vulnerable Santo Starling have been reported at this site, but rarely, in the last 40 years. Both the vulnerable Palm Lorikeet and Vanuatu Imperial-pigeon are present in good numbers inthe mountain range, and are more common above 500m - hence the lower altitudinal limit.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2025) Important Bird Area factsheet: Santo Mountain Chain (Vanuatu). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/santo-mountain-chain-iba-vanuatu on 15/01/2025.