Karso del Norte (19650)
Puerto Rico (to USA), Caribbean
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: A1a, B1, B2
Year of last assessment: 2023
National site name: Karso del Norte
Central coordinates: Latitude: 18.3824, Longitude: -66.7174
System: terrestrial, freshwater
Area of KBA (km2): 405.652207
Protected area coverage (%): 11.88
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The Northern Karst IBA is located in northern Puerto Rico, and includes the municipalities of Moca, Isabela, Quebradillas, Camuy, Hatillo, Arecibo, Utuado, Florida, Ciales, Barceloneta, and Manatí. This area is part of the karst belt of the northern limestone zone. Threats include habitat loss and degradation, infrastructure development for industry and housing, invasive species, and human disturbance.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site was formerly an AZE for Eleutherodactylus juanariveroi which now meets A1a and B1. Sixteen species of birds meet B2 and an additional four birds, two amphibians, one mammal, and 22 plants meet legacy KBA criteria and are in need of reassessment.
Manageability of the site: This site was identified as a IBA/KBA in 2007 and as an AZE during the 2015-2018 AZE project. A manageability rationale is not available.
Delineation rationale: This site was identified as a IBA/KBA in 2007 and as an AZE during the 2015-2018 AZE project. A delineation rationale is not available.