Mahoganies at Banana, Ribeira Montanha, Ilha de Santiago (6143)
Cape Verde, Africa

Site overview

KBA status: confirmed

Year of last assessment: 2016

National site name: Mahoganies at Banana, Ribeira Montanha, Ilha de Santiago

Central coordinates: Latitude: 15.0833, Longitude: -23.5833

Elevation (m): 400 to 400

Area of KBA (km²): 1.8309

KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD

Legacy site: Yes

Site details

Site description: The site consists of two mahogany Khaya senegalensis trees of moderate height, standing together on private farmland in a valley bottom, near the village of Banana, in eastern-central Santiago. The area is intensively farmed; mainly maize, beans and sugar-cane.

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: See Box for key species. This is one of only two known breeding sites for the endemic Ardea (purpurea) bournei (see site CV006). This colony was only discovered in 1991. In 1991–1993, there were c.20 nests but, due to their position in the crowns of the trees and the thick foliage, it was not possible to accurately determine the number occupied. In March 2000, eight adults and 10 juveniles were counted in the colony, and 13–15 nests were observed in December 2000. Acrocephalus brevipennis breeds in the area. Non-bird biodiversity: None known to BirdLife International.

Delineation rationale: Actual area of site = 0.1 ha (database only accepts integer).

Habitats

Land use: agriculture | hunting

Threats

Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: As with site CV006, the trees are privately owned. An agreement with the landowner is needed to ensure they are left undisturbed. Information leaflets about the trees and the herons have at times been distributed among the people in the area, and similar actions should be continued, particularly among schoolchildren. An information board, explaining the importance of the site, should be erected. In early 2000, villagers stated that they had caught about 10 herons for human consumption.

Additional information