Graeme Hall Swamp (20513)
Barbados, Caribbean
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2009
National site name: Graeme Hall Swamp
Central coordinates: Latitude: 13.0730, Longitude: -59.5783
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 6 to 13
Area of KBA (km2): 0.20425
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Graeme Hall Swamp N 13 degrees 04' 18.13' W 59 degrees 34' 36.42' (site centre from Google Earth) is 33 hectares in extent.
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: GHS is the only documented nesting location for Little Egret in the Western Hemisphere. The mangroves and environs of the swamp harbour the highest density of Golden Warbler on the island. Three other restricted range Antillean species also occur. As permanent wetland, crucial to resident waterbirds and haven for migrants and vagrants. (See checklist). Non-bird biodiversity: Not applicable.
Delineation rationale: Mark has the complete shapefiles.
Habitats
Summary of habitats in KBA: Mangroves and sedges. Coastal wetland bound by residential, commercial and agricultural land use.
Land use: agriculture | nature conservation and research | tourism/recreation | urban/industrial/transport
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Marine Coastal/Supratidal | 50 | |
| Forest | 50 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: While a greater level of protection is required for GHS, the proposed plan for GHNP will severely reduce habitat now available for wetland birds and priortises human recreational use over the needs of nesting and feeding birds. The introduction of exotic species of flora or fauna is always a threat. In addition, any further manipulation or modification of this already heavily modified wetland must be careful not to disrupt or disturb its attractiveness for birds in favour of human recreational use. Increasing noise and light pollution from events at GHNS is a concern for nesting Egrettas.
Additional information
References: Ramsar Site No. 1591 Wetland International Site Rference No. 6BB001 www.graemehallnationalpark.org Stuart Heaslet (sole author of the GHNP plan) (GHNS) heaslet@heaslet.com Dr. Lorna Inniss@coastal.gov.bb