Northern Commewijne/ Marowijne (23530)
Suriname, South America
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: D1a
Year of last assessment: 2008
National site name: Noord Commewijne / Marowijne
Central coordinates: Latitude: 5.9888, Longitude: -54.7493
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): -6 to 35
Area of KBA (km2): 3335.17353
Protected area coverage (%): 16.31
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Noord Commewijne/Marowijne IBA is a Multiple use management Area which means that it has more functions than only nature protection. There is fishery in the shallow lagoons and on the mudflats, and there is legal and illegal hunting in the swamps. As with al wetlands the Noord Commewijne/ Marowijne IBA is important for mankind because of its biological functions such as, nursery for seafish, waterfiltering and protection from rising seawaterlevel. Along with the other wetlands, Bigi Pan, Noord Coronie and Noord Sarramacca these sites are Multiple Use Management Areas wich are managed by the Surinamese goverment. These sites are very vunerable, because of the high productivity which can lead to overexploitation.
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: The Noord Commewijne/Marowijne IBA is part of an EBA because of the common occurence of three range restricted species, Guyanian Piculet, Blood-colored Woodpecker and Rufous Crabhawk. The mudflats and the swamps are important for the numurous North-American shorebirds.The 1% treshold is met for Scarlet Ibis, Semi-palmated Sandpiper, Semi-palmated plover, Short-billed Dowitcher. Hence it is an IBA on A2, A4i and A4iii criteria. It is the last refuge in Suriname for the Muscovy Duck.
Other site values: Owned by the state.
Habitats
Summary of habitats in KBA: Land is used for fishing, hunting, agriculture and tourism.
Land use: agriculture | fisheries/aquaculture | hunting | nature conservation and research | not utilised | tourism/recreation
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial - Aquatic | 17 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 15 | |
| Marine Coastal/Supratidal | 34 | |
| Marine Intertidal | 34 | |
| Forest | 1 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Poaching, shorebirds, Scarlet Ibis, Roseate Spoonbill Ajaja ajaja, Wood Ibis Mycteria and others.
Additional information
References: 'Coastal Management Plan for the proposed MUMA Commewijne-Marowijne Suriname' by P. A. Teunissen (1997)