Letkokkon Islands
Location:
16°17'N, 95°57'E; off the eastern edge of the Irrawaddy Delta, opposite the mouth of the China Bakir River, Delta Forest Division.
Area:
388 ha.
Altitude:
Near sea level.
Biogeographical Province:
4.4.1
Wetland type:
02, 03, 06 & 08
Description of site:
A group of small islands and mudflats formed by the deposition of silt from the China Bakir River. The area is separated from the mainland by a long shallow inlet which dries out at low tide. The sea throughout the entire area is highly turbid and very shallow, being no more than 5.5m deep up to 28 km offshore. The tidal range is 2.0-2.5m.
Climatic conditions:
Monsoonal climate, with a mean annual rainfall of about 2,780 mm. The monsoon season extends from May to October.
Principal vegetation:
The area supports extensive reed beds with low scrub colonizing areas above the high-water mark.
Land tenure:
No information.
Conservation measures taken:
None.
Conservation measures proposed:
It has been proposed that the area be designated as a Wildlife Sanctuary (FAO, 1983c).
Land use:
Fishing. There is no permanent resident population on the islands.
Disturbances and threats:
Local fishermen may disturb the wildlife, and military personnel are reported to hunt in the area (FAO, 1985a).
Economic and social values:
No information.
Fauna:
An important area for a wide variety of resident and migratory waterfowl. Large numbers of herons, egrets, ducks, shorebirds, gulls and terns have been reported, but no details are available. Beaches on the seaward side of the island appear suitable as nesting sites for sea turtles.
Special floral values:
None known.
Research and facilities:
The area was surveyed in late 1982 (Salter, 1982).
References:
FAO (1983c & 1985a); IUCN (in prep); Salter (1982)
Criteria for Inclusion:
1b, 3b.
Source:
See references.