Sovi Basin

Sovi Basin Protected Area
Map
LocationViti Levu, Fiji
Nearest citySuva
Coordinates17°59′1″S 178°10′56″E / 17.98361°S 178.18222°E / -17.98361; 178.18222
Area20 km2 (7.7 sq mi)[1]
Established2006
Governing bodyNational Trust of Fiji

The Sovi Basin is located in Naitasiri Province, on the island of Viti Levu, the largest island in Fiji. Covering approximately 19,600 hectares, the basin is blanketed by a well-preserved tropical lowland forest, which is Fiji's largest and most biologically diverse.[2] Sovi basin resides within the Polynesia/Micronesia biodiversity hotspot, one of 34 hot spots throughout the globe. The site is to be protected in a partnership between Fiji Water and Conservation International.[3] The rainforest, wilderness area and high scenic valley contribute to its national significance as outlined in Fiji's Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan.[4]

A 40,700 hectares (101,000 acres) area covering the basin is the Sovi Basin Important Bird Area. This area supports the largest protected populations of many of Fiji's restricted-range species, including the endangered Long-legged thicketbird, the vulnerable Pink-billed parrotfinch and Shy Ground-dove, and the near threatened Masked shining parrot.[5]

  1. ^ "Sovi Basin Protected Area | Protected Planet". www.protectedplanet.net. Retrieved 27 May 2017.
  2. ^ "Sovi Basin - UNESCO World Heritage Centre". whc.unesco.org. UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Retrieved 28 May 2017.
  3. ^ Fiji Water Announces Sustainable Growth Initiative With Commitment To Help Mitigate Global Climate Change
  4. ^ Ganilau, Bernadette Rounds (2007). Fiji Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (PDF). Convention on Biological Diversity. pp. 107–112. Retrieved 28 May 2017.
  5. ^ "BirdLife Data Zone: Sovi Basin". datazone.birdlife.org.