Data Zone
Country/territory: Palau
IBA criteria met: A1, A2 (2008)
For more information about IBA criteria, please click here
Area: 2,608 hectares (26.08 km2)
| IBA conservation status | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year of assessment (most recent) | State (condition) | Pressure (threat) | Response (action) |
| 2018 | good | medium | low |
| For more information about IBA monitoring, please click here | |||
Site description (2008 baseline)
This IBA includes the block of forest spanning a portion of west Babeldaob. It includes a strip of northern Ngaremlengui and southern Ngardmau that parallels the major river of the Diongradid watershed. The boundary of the Western Ridge IBA follows river tributaries to the north and south, the edge of the mangroves to the west, and the Compact Road to the east. A small section in the northeast boundary was redrawn to be consistent with boundaries of the proposed Ngardmau Free Trade Zone.
Key biodiversity
All of Palau’s restricted-range bird species, with the exception of the Giant White-eye, are found in the Western Ridge IBA.
Non-bird biodiversity: The Western Ridge IBA consists of volcanic upland forest, both primary and secondary. It also captures swamp forests, grasslands and savannas as well as freshwater streams and riverine areas. These habitats are home to many of Babeldaob’s native flora and fauna.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Western Ridge, Babeldaob (Palau). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/western-ridge-babeldaob-iba-palau on 23/12/2024.