South Beach Tidal Flats (20626)
Bahamas, Caribbean
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2009
National site name: South Beach Tidal Flats
Central coordinates: Latitude: 25.0065, Longitude: -77.3325
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 6
Area of KBA (km2): 3.76289
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: This site spans an area of tidal flats and rocky mangrove banks along the southeastern coastline of New Providence and freshwater wetlands on Marshall Road west of Blue Hill Road South.
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: This is an important stop-over, wintering site for migrant shorebirds on New Providence. During fall, winter and spring may be found Black-bellied, Semi-palmated, Wilson's and Piping Plovers, Ruddy Turnstones, Short-billed Dowitchers, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Willets, Least and Western Sandpipers, Belted Kingfishers and Red Knots. Least Terns are common in the nesting season. Migrant Warblers and resident land birds can be found in the shrubland along the shoreline. At the wetlands along Marshall Road there are egrets, herons, waterfowl and Ospreys.
Habitats
Summary of habitats in KBA: The population in this area is expanding rapidly. The shoreline is a popular beach and picnic area. It is also a favoured launching terminal for resident fishermen.
Land use: fisheries/aquaculture | not utilised | tourism/recreation | urban/industrial/transport
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Marine Coastal/Supratidal | 38 | |
| Shrubland | 4 | |
| Marine Intertidal | 38 | |
| Forest | 19 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Destruction of habitat due to further development and disturbance of birds by people and dogs. Pollution due to increased development and activities in the form of illegal dumping is threat.
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.