Cay Verde (20591)
Bahamas, Caribbean
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2009
National site name: Cay Verde
Central coordinates: Latitude: 22.0232, Longitude: -75.1867
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 1
Area of KBA (km2): 6.88861
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Cay Verde is located 30 miles east of Greater Ragged Island and 70 miles west of the south tip of Acklins Island. It covers about forty acres and has extensive growth of Sea Grape (Coccoloba uvifera) Prickly Pear (Opuntia sp.) and Sea Lavender. There is no fresh water on this cay.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance that was identified using previously established criteria and thresholds for the identification of Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) and for which available data indicate that it does not meet global KBA criteria and thresholds set out in the Global Standard.
Additional biodiversity: According to repots in 1979, Brown Boobies and Magnificent Frigatebirds appear to out number other species of nesting seabirds at this site. Sooty Terns, Bridled Terns and Brown Noddies are also reported to nest here.
Habitats
Summary of habitats in KBA: Uninhabited and isolated makes this site an ideal haven for nesting seabirds.
Land use: not utilised (100%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Marine Coastal/Supratidal | 40 | |
| Marine Neritic | 40 | |
| Shrubland | 20 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Illegal egging and killing of nesting seabirds by refugees and fishermen to provide fresh meat.
Additional information
References: White, A.W. 1998b. A Birder's Guide to the Bahama Islands (Including Turks and Caicos). American Birdling Association. Colorado Springs, CO. 302pp. Bainton, Aileen M. and Anthony W. White. 2006. A Bibliography of Birds, Ornithology and Birding in The Bahamas and Turks & Caicos Islands. Media Enterprises Ltd. Nassau, Bahamas. 96pp.