Owenstown (20574)
Bahamas, Caribbean
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2013
National site name: Owenstown
Central coordinates: Latitude: 24.8885, Longitude: -78.0287
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 12
Area of KBA (km2): 15.35378
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: This site is at the former commercial lumber settlement of Owens Town, on the north bank of Stafford Creek. The town was abandoned after major deforestation of the native pine forest in the 1970s and is now seriously overgrown with landscaping vegetation and weeds. Some native trees have returned.
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 combined habitat of pine forest, broad-leaf coppice and coconut palms make this an attractive site for resident and migrating species. Black-cowled Oriole, Bahama Yellowthroat,Greater Antillean Bullfinch, Bahama Mockingbird, Striped-headed Tanager, Bobwhite Quail plus many species of wood warblers can be found at this sight, also ducks, grebes, Barn Owl, Yellow-crowned Night Heron and Black Rail.
Habitats
Summary of habitats in KBA: The habitat consist of pine forest, broadleaf coppice and coconut palms. Ihe area has been uninhabited for many years.
Land use: not utilised
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Forest | 95 | |
| Shrubland | 5 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: none at present
Additional information
References: White, A.W. 1998b. A Birder's Guide to the Bahama Islands (Including Turks and Caicos). American Birding Association. Colorado Springs, CO. 302pp.