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Site description (2008 baseline):
Site location and context
The South Barnard Islands are in the inner Great Barrier Reef, 6 km off the north Queensland coast, about 26 km south-east of Innisfail. The group consists of two high forested islands, Stephens and Sisters, joined by intertidal sand. Sisters is 2.5 ha, mostly low dense rainforest with a mangrove fringe. Most terns nest on the 0.3 ha eastern islet, which is dominated by grasses. Stephens is a 12 ha rainforest island surrounded by cliffs. There are relatively few surveys from many other neighbouring islands, which may also qualify for inclusion within the IBA, especially as Lesser Crested Terns often move breeding sites between years.
120 pairs and 700 adult Roseate Terns in 1985; up to 1000-1500 non-breeding Black-naped Terns.
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
Investigate whether human disturbance (e.g. for picnics) is limiting successful nesting of terns. Monitor numbers and breeding success of seabird colonies. Raise awareness of likely impacts of sea-level rise and sea warming.
Barnard Island Group National Park.
Australian Federal Government with management the responsibility of GBRMPA.
Paul O'Neill provided advice and access to the GBR seabird database. The nomination was prepared in consultation with Mike Short.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: South Barnard Islands (Australia). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/south-barnard-islands-iba-australia on 23/12/2024.
