Rio Pongo (6368)
Guinea, Africa
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2001
National site name: Rio Pongo
Central coordinates: Latitude: 10.1333, Longitude: -14.2000
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 5
Area of KBA (km2): 194.52708
Protected area coverage (%): 99.40
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The site is located in the central part of coast, immediately south and south-west of the town of Boffa, and spans the area between the estuaries of the Rio Pongo and the Rio Dangara to the north and includes that of the Rio Motéba. The site is principally composed of almost pristine mangrove forest together with some intertidal mudflats.
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: See Box for key species. The area is thought to be a breeding site for several waterbird species including Ardea goliath, Scopus umbretta, Mycteria ibis and Ciconia episcopus. Numbers of Pandion haliaetus winter. Non-bird biodiversity: The mammal Trichechus senegalensis (VU) has been recorded.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture | fisheries/aquaculture | forestry | nature conservation and research
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Forest | 100 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The area was designated a Ramsar Site in 1992. Wood-cutting and disturbance of breeding sites are potential threats. Several small villages occur on stabilized dune ridges within the site, the population of which is mainly involved in rice cultivation and artisanal fishing. The site is state owned.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Annual & perennial non-timber crops | Small-holder farming | Ongoing |
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Work & other activities | Ongoing | |
| Residential & commercial development | Housing & urban areas | Ongoing |
Additional information
References: Altenburg and van der Kamp (1991a, b), Jones (1993).