Skuvoy (Skúvoy and Skúgvoy). 31/05/12; Faroe Islands; 1,790 ha; 61º46'11"N 006º49'46"W. Important Bird Area. Grassy slopes and sea cliffs provide breeding habitat for large concentrations of up to 280,000 pairs of seabirds. The site hosts the Faroe Islands' largest colony of Manx Shearwater Puffinus puffinus with an estimated 10,000 pairs and Common Guillemot Uria aalge with 96,000 individuals. Moreover 12,000 pairs of Black-legged Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla, 50,000 pairs of Northern Fulmar Fulmarus glacialis, and 40,000 pairs of Atlantic Puffin Fratercula arctica can be found in the site. Bird species of European importance include the European Storm-petrel Hydrobates pelagicus and the Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria. Great Skua and Arctic Skua also feed along the coast. Human uses include hay making, agriculture, sheep pastures, fishing, research and tourism. Traditional seabird hunting and chick collection of Manx Shearwater is still practiced to some extent. Monitoring data indicate a decline in breeding success and bird numbers. Potential factors of threat include the possible introduction of rats to the island, tourism-related disturbance of bird colonies, as well as climate related ecological changes. Ramsar Site no. 2053. Most recent RIS information: 2012.

Sandoy