Pic Paradis (19922)
St Martin (to France), Caribbean

Site overview

KBA status: confirmed

Year of last assessment: 2009

National site name: Pic Paradis

Central coordinates: Latitude: 18.0757, Longitude: -63.0603

System: terrestrial

Elevation (m): 300 to 427

Area of KBA (km²): 2.06352

KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD

Legacy site: Yes

Site details

Site description: Pic Paradis (427 meters) is the highest mountain on the island of St. Martin. The IBA is on the forested west site drainage, from 300 meters to the summit. To the north the IBA ends at the Pic Paradis road and on the south ends at the ridgeline. The Loterie Farm ecotourism site marks the lower starting point.

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: In 2002, the first Scaly-breasted Thrashers, previously considered visitors, were captured showing evidence of breeding. Scaly-breasted Thrashers have been captured in each subsequent year. In 2006, the first record of a Bridled Quail-dove resulted from a capture. This species was previously considered absent from St. Martin. Other regionally limited species found at this site include Purple-throated Carib Eulampis jugularis, Green-throated Carib Eulampis holosericeus, Antillean Crested Hummingbird Orthorhyncus cristatus, Pearly-eyed Thrasher Margarops fuscatus, and Lesser Antillean Bullfinch Loxigilla noctis. Non-bird biodiversity: The island endemic Anolis pogus is found at Pic Paradis. Six species of bats are found in the area

Habitats

Summary of habitats in KBA: The forest is at Pic Paradis is secondary dry forest characterized by almost complete canopy cover and little understory or ground cover. Dominant species found at the site are Mango trees Mangifera and Ficus. Mango forms the upper canopy, reaching 20 meters. A seasonal boulder creek runs much of the year, depending on rainfall levels. The land is privately owned, much of it by Loterie Farm, an ecotourism site. The lower area is used as a restaurant and adventure ropes course, while the upper elevations are to remain undeveloped hiking areas. Individuals pay to hike the trails while groups of up to 15 individuals hike on guided tours.Hunting is permitted in the IBA and does not appear to be regulated

Land use: tourism/recreation

IUCN Habitat	Coverage %	Habitat detail
Forest	100

Threats

Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Hunting would affect any population of birds, as even songbirds are shot. However, game birds, such as Bridled Quail-dove, are especially at risk. There appears to be no regulation of hunting.Introduced predators, especially mongoose and Green vervet monkeys, predate upon birds and their nests.

Additional information