Tierra del Sol Salina (20855)
Aruba (to Netherlands), Caribbean
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2009
National site name: Tierra del Sol Salina
Central coordinates: Latitude: 12.6063, Longitude: -70.0373
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 1 to 1
Area of KBA (km2): 0.01082
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A natural salina situated near to the north coast at the west end of the island and within a golf course with a natural flow to the ocean. Subject to periodic drying-up and possible water management by the golf course.
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: A significant nesting area for great egret (Ardea alba) and snowy egret (Egretta thula). Caribbean coot (Fulica caribbaea, 170 ind.) and white-cheeked pintail (Anas bahamensis, 95 ind.) whenever water is present. The wetland contains several hundreds of shorebirds during spring and autumn migration during which time the surrounding vegetation contains several species of neo-tropical passerines, particularly warblers. A significant site for caribbean coot and white-cheeked pintail. Also used for roosting by roseate terns, cayenne terns (Thallasseus sandvicensis eurygnatha), black skimmer (Rhynchops niger) and large (>300) numbers of egrets and herons (Egretta and Ardea spp.). Non-bird biodiversity: Not available.
Other site values: The land is own by the government and lease to organization of the Tierra del Sol Golf course, and hence the Salina at that site.
Habitats
Summary of habitats in KBA: Open water surrounded by desert scrub habitat
Land use: tourism/recreation
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Marine Coastal/Supratidal | 100 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Irregular presence of water may be exacerbated by golf course developments.
Additional information
References: Personal observations Dr. Adrian del Nevo
Contributors: We are very thankful to the author of this information Dr. Adrian del Nevo, and Theo Wools and Facundo Franken for their review.