Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2015L01389:body:0:p91
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2015L01389
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 263202–266024

one of the few remaining pristine tropical islands in the Indian Ocean and is undoubtedly of unique importance to Indian Ocean birds, containing perhaps the widest variety of species in that ocean. A total of nineteen species have been recorded, eleven of which breed here. The herald petrel (Pterodroma arminjonia) may breed on the island. By far the most dominant bird species is the red-footed booby (Sula sula). Comprehensive population surveys in 1985 estimated current breeding populations at 34,000 pairs making it one of the largest colonies of red-footed boobies in the world. Of the sixteen original breeding populations only four remain, including North Keeling. The only land bird is the buff-banded rail (Rallus philippensis andrewsi) which is listed as endangered under the Japan Australia Migratory Birds Agreement (JAMBA) and is now virtually restricted to North Keeling Island. Lesser and great frigatebirds (Fregata arie and F. minor) also occur on the island in large numbers. Data from surveys (in 1987) indicate a population size of possibly 3,000 breeding pairs of lesser frigatebirds and a lesser number of great frigatebirds making it the second largest population of lesser frigatebirds in Australia and the Indian Ocean. Thirteen species of birds recorded on the island are listed in the JAMBA or the China Australia Migratory Birds Agreement (CAMBA) and are therefore protected. Two species of turtle listed as endangered in the IUCN red data book, the green turtle (Chelonia mydas) and the hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), nest on the beaches of the island. The introduced pantropical gecko (Lepidocatylus lugubris) is the only non-avian terrestrial vertebrate reported from North Keeling. It is one of the few remaining tropical islands to have avoided so far, the scourge of introduced rats and other vermin.
A declared historic shipwreck, that of the Emden, a World War I German light cruiser, is found on the southern reef of the island. The ship slipped off the reef on which it was run aground and is no longer visible. The wreck lies approximately 100 metres offshore in 3 metres to 9 metres of water on the southern shore of the island. Three graves lie amongst coconut palms just off the wreck site, marked with Cocos-Malay grave markers.
Condition and integrity
The island is generally in natural condition; human occupation has been sporadic and generally of low impact. Access is currently strictly controlled, however proposals for tourist access or access by Cocos-Malays for harvesting activities are cause for concern. SMS Emden: the wreck was subject to two salvage operations. One in 1915 and the other in the late 1930s. This has resulted in loss of all superstructure, but guns, propellers, engines etc remain, submerged.
Location
Comprises the whole of the island