Pangavini Island (Kisiwa cha Pangavini, in Swahili) is a protected, uninhabited island under the Dar es Salaam Marine Reserve with the IUCN category II located within Kinondoni District of Dar es Salaam Region in Tanzania. The island reserve measures around 2.13 km2. Pangavini is the smallest island in the group, only about 250 m long; it has a rocky coastline without beaches. To the west of the island is Kunduchi ward and to the north is Mbudya Island. To the south of the island is Bongoyo Island.Levine, Arielle. (2010). Local Responses to Marine Conservation in Zanzibar, Tanzania. Journal of International Wildlife Law and Policy. July–December 2004. 183-202. 10.1080/13880290490883241
Overview The island protects a variety of vital tropical habitats and biological diversity, including seagrass beds, coral reefs, and several fish species. The beauty of Pangavini Island is that it is both the nightly and nesting habitat for the majority of the birds that huddle above Dar es Salaam metropolis during the day. Additionally, migratory birds can use the reserve as a rest stop on their way south during the winter. A variety of rats, birds, and reptiles use Pangavini Island as a breeding, resting, and feeding ground. Due to the excellent diving and snorkelling conditions and the abundance of sea grass beds within the reserve area, the region is special. The island is home to endangered coconut crabs. Caro, Tim, et al. "A case study of the coconut crab Birgus latro on Zanzibar highlights global threats and conservation solutions." Oryx 55.4 (2021): 556-563. See also Tanzania Marine Parks and Reserves Unit List of protected areas of Tanzania
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