Eight Important Bird Areas (IBAs) have been identified in Palau that have a total combined area of 216 km2. These IBAs cover about 47% of Palau’s total land area. Two of these sites, Fana and Helen, are in the Southwest Islands and are significant for their congregations of seabirds. The other six sites, Ngeriungs, Western Ridge, Middle Ridge, Ngerutechei, Rock Islands, and Peleliu, are located in the main archipelago and qualify for IBA designation for the presence of globally threatened species or restricted-range birds – those that are endemic to Palau and Micronesia.

Birds have been used as bio-indicators for overall biodiversity throughout the world. Areas that have a high diversity of birds have also been shown to harbor high diversity of other taxonomic groups. IBAs, then, tend to important places for birds and other flora and fauna. The IBA Program has been developed by BirdLife International and tested throughout the world.

IBA designation does not necessarily imply any legal restrictions. It simply identifies an area important for bird diversity and makes information available to landowners, communities, and other stakeholders. More effective conservation planning and action are hoped to be the long-term outcome of this approach. Indeed, PCS is working with its partners to formally designate and protect Palau’s IBAs

Located on Palau’s northern atoll state of Kayangel, Ngeriungs IBA is home to globally threatened birds, including Palau’s largest concentration of the Micronesian Megapode (Megapodius laperouse).

The central ridge of Babeldaob island hosts thick forest and is home to most of Palau’s endemic birds. Many other locally important species are found in this Middle Ridge IBA as well.

With much of this IBA inaccessible by car, Babeldaob’s Western Ridge IBA has thick, untouched forest and is home to all but one of Palau’s endemic birds.

The Ngerutechei IBA is the only IBA in Palau that includes significant mangrove habitat. This IBA is part of the larger Ngeremeduu Bay Biosphere Reserve and includes several historical sites.

Palau’s Rock Islands IBA includes habitat for all of Palau’s endangered and endemic birds. The Rock Islands, a nominee for World Heritage Site, are protected by Koror State.

Like the Rock Island IBA, the Peleliu Island IBA is home to all of Palau’s endangered and endemic birds. Peleliu is also famous for its World War II sites.

Fana Island, one of Palau’s far-flung Southwest islanids, is home to spectacular congregations of Black Noddies and White Terns. Fana Island IBA is the first formally designated IBA in Micronesia, and has been protected by its traditional leadership. Rodents were eradicated from Fana in 2008 in an effort to further protect the breeding birds there.

Tiny Helen Island IBA, Palau’s southernmost island, is home to thousands of breeding Black Noddies and Sooty Terns. This sandy atoll island is part of the larger Helen Reef Conservation Area. Climate change and invasive species are perpetual threats to this IBA and all others in Palau.