Eastern Cape Sable Island (11224)
Canada, North America
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: D1a
Year of last assessment: 2022
National site name: Eastern Cape Sable Island
Central coordinates: Latitude: 43.4300, Longitude: -65.6000
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 20
Area of KBA (km2): 33.61966
Protected area coverage (%): 0.55
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Cape Sable Island is the southernmost accessible point of Nova Scotia. It is a large, fairly flat and often foggy island with roads frequently situated close to the shoreline. Sand beaches, extensive mud flats, and salt marshes are the predominant shoreline habitat types. Inland on acidic soils are alder thickets, and low forests containing Black Spruce and several heath plants, as well as residential gardens. Sheep grazing commonly occurs inland.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: Eastern Cape Sable Island was initially identified as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area. Recent analysis shows that this site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of global significance for three aggregating bird species (Semipalmated Plover, Semipalmated Sandpiper, and Short-billed Dowitcher). In addition to global significant bird species, this site also supports nationally significant populations of two canadian threatened bird species (Piping Plover and Roseate Tern) and three aggregating bird species (Dovekie, Northern Gannet, and Sanderling).
Manageability of the site: Eastern Cape Sable Island intersects or contains one protected areas consisting of Centreville Conservation Lands managed by Ducks Unlimited Canada.
Delineation rationale: Cape Sable Island KBA encompasses from Fish Island to South Side Beach to include beaches, extensive mud flats, and salt marshes, and a 1km buffer around it to include marine habitat for seabirds.
Habitats
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 7 | |
| Shrubland | 7 | |
| Marine Neritic | 14 | |
| Forest | 7 | |
| Marine Intertidal | 14 |
Threats
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biological resource use | Hunting & collecting terrestrial animals | Ongoing | |
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Recreational activities | Ongoing | |
| Residential & commercial development | Ongoing |