Current view: Text account
Site description (2014 baseline):
Snares Penguin, Salvin's Albatross, Buller's Albatross (Southern Buller's Albatross), Chatham Albatross.
Besides the trigger species the following species are confirmed or likely to be breeding: Snares Cape Petrel, Mottled Petrel, Sooty Shearwater, Fairy Prion, Fulmar Prion, Broad-billed Prion, Common Diving Petrel, Brown Skua, Southern Black-backed Gull, Red-billed Gull, Antarctic Tern.
Black-browed Albatross (n=3) and White-capped Albatross (n=2) have been observed on the ground or flying over islands.
Other species recorded: Little Penguin, Erect-crested Penguin, Black Shag, Mallard, White-fronted Tern, Song Thrush.
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
The islands are pest and disease-free with access is strictly limited and difficult. However, invasion is a threat from the occasional landing party.
Human disturbance – No
Predation by alien species – No
Habitat loss or degradation – No
Contamination – No
Natural disaster – No
Other – No
Snares Island - Nature Reserve - Protected area overlaps with site
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Western Chain (New Zealand). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/western-chain-iba-new-zealand on 26/12/2024.
