Data Zone
Country/territory: Egypt
IBA criteria met: A1, A4i (1999)
For more information about IBA criteria, please click here
Area: 3,100 hectares (31.00 km2)
Site description (2001 baseline)
A large, crescent-shaped island situated at the mouth of the Gulf of Aqaba. The northern part of the island is flat, while the southern, larger part is fairly hilly. A fairly large stand of mangrove Avicennia is found on the northern shore of the southern part of the island. Extensive coral reefs fringe the island on the north and east, while the western shore overlooks the Straits of Tiran.
Key biodiversity
See Box for key species. Seven waterbird species are known to breed on Tiran island: Egretta gularis, Butorides striatus, Platalea leucorodia, Larus leucophthalmus, Sterna repressa, Sterna bengalensis and Sterna caspia. In addition, Pandion haliaetus is a widespread breeder. Tiran’s population of this species (15–20 pairs) is the largest in the country. Three or four pairs of Falco concolor also breed on the island.
Non-bird biodiversity: Reptiles: Chelonia mydas (EN) has bred on the island. Mammals: The shallow waters east of Tiran are said to have sea-grass beds that are important grazing habitat for Dugong dugon (VU).
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Tiran island (Egypt). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/tiran-island-iba-egypt on 27/12/2024.