How do AZE sites relate to Important Bird Areas (IBAs)?
A total of 170 AZE sites have been identified on the basis of the presence of 216 bird species. All these sites qualify as IBAs, although the IBA identification process is not yet complete in some parts of the world, so only 80 of these have been officially designated so far. Many AZE sites identified for species other than birds also qualify as IBAs because of the restricted-range, biome-restricted, congregatory or other threatened bird species they support. Some 115 (26%) of the non-bird triggered AZEs have already been identified as IBAs, bringing the total number of AZE sites known to be IBAs to 264 (44%). Additional AZE sites will also be found to be IBAs as the inventory process is completed, and it is expected that 50-60% of all AZEs are likely to be IBAs. AZE sites may be thought of as the tip of the iceberg of IBAs, and among the highest priority sites for conservation action. The diagram below illustrates how AZE sites form subsets of IBAs and KBAs (Key Biodiversity Areas).
