Cay Lobos (20592)
Bahamas, Caribbean
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2009
National site name: Cay Lobos
Central coordinates: Latitude: 22.4415, Longitude: -77.6560
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 1
Area of KBA (km2): 7.00607
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Cay Lobos is a Bahamian Territory located on the southern edge of the Great Bahama Bank, approximately 20 miles north of Cuba's Cayo Romano.
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: Information for this site is strictly historical, provided by the lighthouse keeper for the period 1899 to 1901. He apparently collected the wings of birds killed by flying into the light during migration. They were sent to Bonhote, an ornithologist in Nassau. The collection included Acadian Flycatcher, Swainson's Warbler, Cerulean Warbler, Connecticut Warbler, Wood Thrush and Veery. It is a stopover site for migrant landbirds. Just imagine what can be identified with today's binoculars and spotting scopes.
Habitats
Summary of habitats in KBA: This cay is uninhabited and is not considered under threat of development. The one outstanding feature is The Cay Lobos Lighthouse (1860).
Land use: not utilised
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Marine Coastal/Supratidal | 40 | |
| Marine Neritic | 40 | |
| Shrubland | 20 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The island is a stopping point for fishermen (both Bahamian and Cuban) who will disturb breeding seabirds. Illegal egging and killing of the birds 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 Birding 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.