Grand Bénard - Tapcal (6762)
Réunion (to France), Africa
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: A1a, B2, D1a
Year of last assessment: 2001
National site name: Grand Bénard - Tapcal
Central coordinates: Latitude: -21.1167, Longitude: 55.4167
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 950 to 2896
Area of KBA (km2): 16.20331
Protected area coverage (%): 99.95
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The site comprises the peaks, cliffs and ridges radiating from Le Grand Bénard (2,896 m), including parts of the rims of the Cirque de Cilaos and the Cirque de Mafate, together with the western part of the Cirque de Cilaos (Le Tapcal). The spectacular terrain results from erosion of the volcanic Piton des Neiges massif. The summits and ridge-tops are almost devoid of vegetation, but the slopes and ledges support montane shrubland or bushland and thicket characteristic of high altitudes. Le Tapcal is covered with a fine stand of mixed montane forest, although exotics dominate in a few small areas.
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: See Box and Table 2 for key species. The site supports important colonies of two seabird species, including Pterodroma baraui (2–3 colonies), for which only one other breeding area (RE001) is known. All of the forest-living endemic birds of La Réunion occur except Coracina newtoni. In 1997, 1–3 pairs of Circus maillardi were present. Non-bird biodiversity: Endemic plant communities: forest, shrubland and bushland and thicket rich in endemic plants.
Delineation rationale: Type 1 marine IBA: suitable for the seaward extension approach.
Habitats
Land use: nature conservation and research | not utilised | tourism/recreation
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Part of the site, along with Le Piton des Neiges (IBA RE001), has been classified under an Arrêté de Protection de Biotope since January 2001, which will regulate intrusive activities. The inaccessibility of the site offers natural protection from people, but the increase in mountaineering and helicopter excursions threatens colonies of Pterodroma baraui. However, poaching of seabird chicks and other birds still occurs, and Rattus rattus, feral cats and feral goats threaten native wildlife.
Additional information
References: Anon (1998), Barré (1988), Bretagnolle and Attié (1991), Cadet (1980), Cheke (1987b), Le Corre et al. (1996), Jouanin (1963, 1987), Probst and Le Corre (1996), Probst et al.(2000).