Woodlands of Grenada (19909)
Grenada, Caribbean

Site overview

KBA status: confirmed

Global KBA criteria: A1a, B1

Year of last assessment: 2019

National site name: Woodlands of Grenada

Central coordinates: Latitude: 12.0167, Longitude: -61.7500

System: terrestrial

Elevation (m): 10 to 148

Area of KBA (km²): 1.98436

KBA classification: Global

Legacy site: Yes

Site details

Site description: Located in south-west Grenada, this IBA comprises discrete wooded areas within and adjacent to residential areas. Its southern border is the northern boundary of the Mt Hartman IBA (GD006). The site extends north across the Grand Anse Road through Petit Bouc to the eastern side to Café. The northernmost edge is a concrete road (with a concrete water tower). A golf course (with adjacent houses) is situated near the middle of the IBA.

Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance that meets the thresholds for at least one criterion described in the Global Standard for the Identification of KBAs. KBA identified in the CEPF Ecosystem Profile of the Caribbean Islands Hotspot (2019). Taxonomy, nomenclature and threat category follow the 2017 IUCN Red List.

Additional biodiversity: This IBA is important for the Critically Endangered Grenada Dove Leptotila wellsi. The population was estimated at c.25 pairs in 2003/2004 (Rusk and Clouse 2004) (pre-Hurricane Ivan), c.12–15 pairs 3–4 months after the hurricane in 2004 (Rusk 2005) (a possible under/over estimate due to a change in calling behaviour post hurricane) and 19 pairs in 2007 (Rusk 2008). Six (of the 7) Lesser Antilles EBA restricted-range birds occur at this IBA, as does the Grenada Hook-billed Kite Chondrohierax uncinatus mirus subspecies. Non-bird biodiversity: Nothing recorded, although reptiles and amphibians endemic to the Grenada Bank have been recorded in the adjacent Mt. Hartman Estate.

Habitats

Land use: rangeland/pastureland | urban/industrial/transport

IUCN Habitat	Coverage %	Habitat detail
Shrubland	50
Forest	50

Threats

Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: This site is private land (with many land owners) and is unprotected. Due its importance for the Grenada Dove, special management of this site should be considered in partnership with private landowners. Purchasing portions of this site should also be considered. Expanding residential development (which is happening both along the edge of the IBA and within its boundaries) is the primary threat to the IBA. Roads through the IBA are also leading to habitat loss and are opening up new areas to increased disturbance and use. Hurricane Ivan (2004) severely affected the structure of the vegetation in this area.

Additional information

References: Devas (1943), Blockstein (1988), Blockstein (1991), BirdLife International (2000), Lack and Lack (1973), Lugo, (2005), Germano et al (2003), Groome (1970), Howard (1950), Rusk (1992), Rusk et al. (1997), Rusk (1998), Rusk and Clouse (2004), Thornstrom et al. (2001), Smith & Temple (1982), Wells (1886), Wunderle (1985).