Grand Bassin - Le Dimitile (6766)
Réunion (to France), Africa

Site overview

KBA status: confirmed

Global KBA criteria: A1e, B2

Year of last assessment: 2018

National site name: Grand Bassin - Le Dimitile

Central coordinates: Latitude: -21.1667, Longitude: 55.5000

System: marine, terrestrial

Elevation (m): 550 to 2350

Area of KBA (km²): 41.85133

Protected area coverage (%): 67.35

KBA classification: Global

Legacy site: Yes

Site details

Site description: Grand Bassin–Le Dimitile is on the southern slopes of the volcanic Piton des Neiges massif, which are now separated from the summit by the Cirque de Cilaos and consist of a south-facing escarpment incised by eight small ravines. The site extends from the south-east rim of the Cirque de Cilaos (Sommet de l’Entre-Deux, 2,350 m) down to around 550 m on the slopes above the Bras de la Plaine river near La Commune d’Entre-Deux. Most vegetation is mixed montane forest; small areas of bare rock, scree, montane shrubland or bushland and thicket are found in the higher parts, and deforested areas with exotic vegetation (including some cultivation) occur lower down.

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. Alliance for Zero Extinction (2018): site confirmed as an AZE site during the AZE project (2015-2018). Taxonomy, nomenclature and Red List category follow the IUCN 2016 Red List.

Additional biodiversity: See Box and Table 2 for key species. The site is one of the most likely to hold breeding Pterodroma aterrima, based on the fact that seven specimens have been found nearby (five recently), and some descriptions of seabirds by local people may refer to this species. Pterodroma baraui may also breed at high altitude. All of the forest-living native birds of La Réunion occur, except Coracina newtoni, along with an important population of Puffinus lherminieri. In 1997, 3–5 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: agriculture | not utilised

Threats

Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: No conservation projects are known. The cliffs are naturally well protected, but clearance of the forest, especially the privately-owned Forêt du Dimitile, is not controlled, and fire may be a particular threat at this site. Further searches for Pterodroma aterrima are very much needed.

Additional information