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close| Location | Timor-Leste, Dili |
| Central coordinates | 125o 30.00' East 8o 34.00' South |
| IBA criteria | A2 |
| Area | 1,540 ha |
| Altitude | 0 - 403m |
| Year of IBA assessment | 2007 |
Ornithological information Fifteen restricted-range species have been recorded in this IBA (Trainor et al. 2004).
Site description A small catchment of near Dili with a variety of habitats including beach, grassland, mangrove, permanent saline lakes, and Eucalyptus alba savanna woodland along an altitudinal gradient. Tropical dry forest is developing in topographically protected gullies and on headwater ridges but is not extensive. Tasitolu literally means ‘three seas’ in the Timor-Leste Tetum language, and refers to the three permanent shallow saline lakes that comprise the Tasitolu wetlands. The area is of national cultural, social and historical significance being an important symbol of the East Timorese struggle for independence. Pope John Paul II held mass at the site in 1989 and it was the location for the restoration of independence celebrations on 20 May 2002.
Populations of IBA trigger species
| Species | Season | Period | Population estimate | Quality of estimate | IBA Criteria | IUCN Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Slaty Cuckoo-dove Turacoena modesta | - | 2007 | present [units unknown] | - | A2 | Near Threatened |
| Pink-headed Imperial-pigeon Ducula rosacea | - | 2007 | present [units unknown] | - | A2 | Near Threatened |
| Olive-headed Lorikeet Trichoglossus euteles | - | 2007 | present [units unknown] | - | A2 | Least Concern |
| Olive-shouldered Parrot Aprosmictus jonquillaceus | - | 2007 | present [units unknown] | - | A2 | Near Threatened |
| Streaky-breasted Honeyeater Meliphaga reticulata | - | 2007 | present [units unknown] | - | A2 | Least Concern |
| Plain Friarbird Philemon inornatus | - | 2007 | present [units unknown] | - | A2 | Least Concern |
| Yellow-eared Honeyeater Lichmera flavicans | - | 2007 | present [units unknown] | - | A2 | Least Concern |
| Red-rumped Myzomela Myzomela vulnerata | - | 2007 | present [units unknown] | - | A2 | Least Concern |
| Plain Gerygone Gerygone inornata | - | 2007 | present [units unknown] | - | A2 | Least Concern |
| Fawn-breasted Whistler Pachycephala orpheus | - | 2007 | present [units unknown] | - | A2 | Least Concern |
| Olive-brown Oriole Oriolus melanotis | - | 2007 | present [units unknown] | - | A2 | Least Concern |
| White-bellied Bushchat Saxicola gutturalis | - | 2007 | present [units unknown] | - | A2 | Near Threatened |
| Red-chested Flowerpecker Dicaeum maugei | - | 2007 | present [units unknown] | - | A2 | Least Concern |
| Flame-breasted Sunbird Nectarinia solaris | - | 2007 | present [units unknown] | - | A2 | Least Concern |
| Timor Sparrow Padda fuscata | - | 2007 | present [units unknown] | - | A2 | Near Threatened |
Protected areas
| Protected area | Designation | Area (ha) | Relationship with IBA | Overlap with IBA (ha) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tasitolu | National Park | 700 | is identical to site | 700 |
Habitats
| IUCN habitat | Habitat detail | Extent (% of site) |
|---|---|---|
| Savanna | minor | |
| Wetlands (inland) | Saline lakes; Sand dunes and beaches | major |
| Grassland | minor | |
| Forest | minor |
Land use
| Land-use | Extent (% of site) |
|---|---|
| tourism/recreation | minor |
| nature conservation and research | major |
| agriculture | minor |
| urban/industrial/transport | major |
Management considerations This IBA is very close to the capital city of Dili and under threat from intensive human use. The known threats to the site include timber collection (of mangrove and Eucalyptus), rubbish dumping, extraction of rock and sand, annual horse racing events and learner drivers using the seasonally dry saltpans. It is currently being used as a base by the international military Peace Keeping Forces.
Protection status This IBA has not previously been identified as a site of significant conservation value. However, it was announced by the Timor-Leste government as a Peace Park on Restoration of Independence Day (20 May 2002) because of its historical and social importance.
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Recommended citation BirdLife International (2013) Important Bird Areas factsheet: Tasitolu Peace Park. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 25/05/2013
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