Data Zone
Country/territory: Vanuatu
IBA criteria met: A1, A2 (2012)
For more information about IBA criteria, please click here
Area: 14,851 hectares (148.51 km2)
| IBA conservation status | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year of assessment (most recent) | State (condition) | Pressure (threat) | Response (action) |
| 2012 | not assessed | high | very low |
| For more information about IBA monitoring, please click here | |||
Site description (2008 baseline)
Vanua Lava is the largest of the Bank Islands. The island contains two or three volcanic craters. The most recent volcanic activity was at Mt. Suretamatai which erupted in 1965. The island summit is denuded by recent volcanic activity, but the slopes and several lower peaks are vegetated with rainforest.
Key biodiversity
Key interest is the substantial population of Vanuatu Imperial Pigeon, continued presence of Palm Lorikeet and the recent discovery of Guadalcanal Thicketbird (only the 2nd site in Vanuatu for the species - if confirmed). More recently, a breeding colony of white-necked petrel of the subspecies known as Vanuatu Petrel, was found on the island - the first known breeding location for this subspecies.
Non-bird biodiversity: Coconut crabs and Banks Fruit Bat on the island. 2 Crocodiles reportedly present in the saline swamp areas.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Vanua Lava, Mount Sereama (Vanuatu). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/vanua-lava-mount-sereama-iba-vanuatu on 23/12/2024.