Damani Wetlands (20639)
Panama, Central America
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: A1d
Year of last assessment: 2007
National site name: Humedales de Damani
Central coordinates: Latitude: 8.9333, Longitude: -81.7167
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 20
Area of KBA (km2): 241.05395
Protected area coverage (%): 99.31
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: This area consists of extensive freshwater wetlands on the Chiriquí Lagoon and the base of the Valiente Peninsula.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance that meets the thresholds for at least one criterion described in the Global Standard for the Identification of KBAs.
Additional biodiversity: Threatened and near-threatened species reported for the area include Harpy Eagle, Great Curassow, and Three-wattled Bellbird, although only Great Curassow may reach thresholds. Three of the 11 species of EBA 019 (27%) have been reported from the area (Lattice-tailed Trogon, Snowy Cotinga, and Sulphur-rumped Tanager. Since it is likely that Black-crowned Antpitta also occurs, this site probably also qualifies under A2. The site is along the major route of migratory raptors through Bocas del Toro, and almost certainly exceeds A4i levels for these species. Non-bird biodiversity: West Indian Manatee occurs.
Delineation rationale: 2010-08-04 (BL Secretariat): IBA boundary was re-aligned to match exactly the new Damani-Guariviara Ramsar Site (G. Angehr in litt. 26 Aug 2009).
Habitats
Summary of habitats in KBA: The area consists mainly of freshwater swamps dominated by orey Campnosperma. There is some subsistence agriculture.
Land use: agriculture | fisheries/aquaculture
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Marine Intertidal | 33 | |
| Forest | 33 | |
| Marine Coastal/Supratidal | 33 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Threats are poorly known, but include hunting and deforestation for subsistence agriculture.
Additional information
References: Alonzo, R., R. Cádiz, M. L. Enríquez, A. Gómez, J. Latín, M. T. Narváez, I Sandoval, and F. Villatoro. 2004. Flora, Fauna, y Aspectos Sociales de la Comarca Ngöbe-Buglé, Panamá. Programa Regional en Manejo de Vida Silvstre para Mesoamérica y el Caribe, Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica.