Fresh Pond, Sint Maarten (19918)
Sint Maarten (to Netherlands), Caribbean
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2009
National site name: Fresh Pond, Sint Maarten
Central coordinates: Latitude: 18.0325, Longitude: -63.0590
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 14
Area of KBA (km2): 0.14379
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Fresh Pond is an oblong pond approximately 2.5 kilometers long and 1 kilometer across. It is located within the capital city of Phillipsburg. Due to the low salinity (2-3 parts per thousand), this pond supports species which are less common in other parts of St. Maarten and the Lesser Antilles.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance because it meets one or more previously established criteria and thresholds for identifying sites of biodiversity importance (including Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas, Alliance for Zero Extinction sites, and Key Biodiversity Areas)
Additional biodiversity: The Near Threatened Caribbean Coot nests at this site. Two nests have been recorded while a maximum of 53 individuals have been observed. A maximum of 29 Snowy Egrets nests have been recorded in the mangrove trees on the little islets, while 183 individuals have been observed. Five pairs of Pied-billed Grebes have been recorded nesting at Fresh Pond. Two Common Moorhen pairs have been recorded nesting. Great Egret Casmerodius albus, White-cheeked Pintail Anas bahamensis, and Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis nest at this site as well. Other regionally limited species found at this site include Green-throated Carib Eulampis holosericeus, Antillean Crested Hummingbird Orthorhyncus cristatus, Pearly-eyed Thrasher Margarops fuscatus, and Lesser Antillean Bullfinch Loxigilla noctis. Non-bird biodiversity: Not applicable
Delineation rationale: Mark has the shapefiles.
Habitats
Summary of habitats in KBA: Fresh Pond is bordered by water grasses and white mangrove trees. Human-made islands at each end of the pond, vegetated with mangroves and coconut trees, are popular nesting sites. Human disturbance is an issue at this urban location. A busy bridge bisects the pond and heavy traffic and development encircle the area.
Land use: tourism/recreation
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Wetlands(Inland) | 50 | |
| Forest | 50 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The presence of a sewage treatment plant on the shore of Fresh Pond causes concern regarding contamination. The water is high in nutrients from sewage outflow from surrounding areas, sometimes resulting in fish die-offs due to eutrophication. Trash is prevalent among the shoreline vegetation. Pollution runoff from adjacent roads is problematic. Predators such as cats, dogs, rats, and mongoose frequent the area.
Additional information
References: A.C. BROWN and N. COLLIER unpublished data 2001-2006;ADAM C. BROWN and N. COLLIER XXXX; ADAM C. BROWN and N. COLLIER 2001;2002;2003;2004;2005; HOOGERWERF, A. 1977; VOOUS, K. H. 1955; VOOUS, K. H. 1983