Current view: Text account
Site description (2008 baseline):
Site location and context
This IBA consists of Wilson Reef in the Great Barrier Reef about 30 km north of Cape Melville on the Cape York Peninsula. Wilson Reef (4.5 ha) is a small coral reef with no significant islands except for some unnamed sand cays. There are numerous other similar reefs in this area, which may also support significant numbers of birds. Wilson Reef is in the habitat protection zone of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
Also 5000 pairs of Sooty Tern in 1995, 10,600 pairs in 1999 and 6350 pairs in 2000; and 6000 pairs Common Noddy at an un-named cay at -13.98 ºS, 144.44 ºE in 1988.
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
Monitor numbers and breeding success of booby colony. Raise awareness of likely impacts of sea-level rise and sea warming.
Australian Federal Government with management the responsibility of Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.
Paul O'Neill provided advice and access to the GBR seabird database.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Wilson Reef (Great Barrier Reef) (Australia). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/wilson-reef-(great-barrier-reef)-iba-australia on 23/12/2024.
