Important Bird Areas of the Falkland Islands

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The book describes 22 sites in the Falklands, which are of global importance for bird conservation. These Important Bird Areas are priorities for conserving the natural heritage of the Islands for generations to come.

The Falkland Islands are a remote sub-Antarctic archipelago in the South Atlantic particularly significant for their bird life. They are home to vast colonies of breeding seabirds, including albatross and penguins. They contain two endemic birds, found no-where else in the world (Cobb's Wren and the Falkland Steamer Duck). There are 13 Falkland races, or sub-species, and a number of other birds with their stronghold in the Islands and are rarely found elsewhere (the Striated Caracara in particular).

The 22 Important Bird Areas cover 717 sq km of the Falkland land area (5.9%). Only 5 are on the main islands, the other 17 consist of islands and island groups - altogether 186 islands and dependent islets. Most are in private ownership and many are uninhabited.

The book includes an up to date checklist of birds of the Falkland Islands, the Falklands Countryside Code, Environment Charter and Global Criteria for IBA selection.