Marlborough Sounds Important Bird Areas facts for kids
The Marlborough Sounds Important Bird Areas are four special places in New Zealand. They are made up of several small, rocky islands. These islands are found near Cook Strait in the outer Marlborough Sounds, which is at the top of the South Island.
These areas are super important because they are the only known places where the rough-faced shag lives and has its babies. This bird is a "vulnerable species," meaning it needs our help to survive. BirdLife International has named these spots "Important Bird Areas" (IBAs) to help protect them.
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Special Bird Homes in Marlborough Sounds
The Marlborough Sounds are a beautiful part of New Zealand. But for birds, some small islands there are extra special. These places are called Important Bird Areas, or IBAs for short. They are like safe havens for birds that need protection.
The main bird that calls these places home is the rough-faced shag. It's also known as the New Zealand king shag. This unique bird is quite rare, and these four island groups are the only spots in the world where it builds its nests and raises its young.
Meet the Rough-faced Shag
The rough-faced shag is a type of seabird. It has a dark body and a white belly. You can often see them diving into the water to catch fish. They are very good swimmers! Because there are not many of them left, they are considered a "vulnerable species." This means their numbers are low, and they need special care to make sure they don't disappear.
These shags build their nests on rocky cliffs and ledges. They like places that are hard for people or predators to reach. The four areas in the Marlborough Sounds provide the perfect safe spots for them to live and raise their families.
The Four Important Bird Areas
There are four main sites that make up the Marlborough Sounds Important Bird Areas. Each one is a vital home for the rough-faced shag.
Duffers Reef
- Duffers Reef is a long rocky area near the entrance to Pelorus Sound. It's about 1 kilometer long and has rocky islands up to 30 meters high. In 2002, about 230 shags were counted here. This shows it's a popular spot for them!
Sentinel Rock
- Sentinel Rock is a single, isolated rock. It sits about 3 kilometers east of the Chetwode Islands. This lonely rock is a perfect, undisturbed place for the shags. In 2002, around 600 shags were found living on Sentinel Rock.
Trio Islands
- The Trio Islands are a group of three small islands. They are located about 5 kilometers east of D'Urville Island. These three islands provide plenty of space for the shags to nest. In 1997, 211 shags were counted on the Trio Islands.
White Rocks
- White Rocks is a small group of rocks that are often washed by waves. Even though they are small, they are still important for the shags. In 2002, 141 shags were counted at White Rocks.
These four areas are carefully watched and protected. This helps ensure that the rough-faced shag has a safe place to live and grow its population for many years to come.
