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close| Location | Bahamas, Abaco |
| Central coordinates | 77o 13.71' West 25o 58.95' North |
| IBA criteria | A1, A2, B4ii |
| Area | 23,836 ha |
| Altitude | 0 - 6m |
| Year of IBA assessment | 2007 |
Ornithological information Abaco is considered to have some of the best birding of any island in the Bahamas, it is estimated that species and numbers probably doubles during the winter. In a study done by Frank Riverea of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 2006 the population of Bahama Parrots was estimated to be approximately 3,200 individual birds. In addition to the parrots, Loggerhead Kingbirds, Bahama Woodstars, Cuban Emeralds, Bahama Yellowthroats, Olive-capped Warblers and Pine Warblers are numerous in the park. Zenaida Doves, Key West Quail Doves, Mangrove Cuckoos and Bahama Mockingbirds are there, but a little harder to find outside the breeding season (Mar to Jun). American Kestrels, Hairy Woodpeckers and local race of Yellowthroated warblers are also found in the park.
Site description Abaco National Park was established in May 1994, it comprises 8,296 hectares of undeveloped land in southern Abaco, set aside to protect the parrot. Included in this area is 2,024 hectares of Caribbean pine forest, the major habitat of the Bahama Parrot.
Populations of IBA trigger species
| Species | Season | Period | Population estimate | Quality of estimate | IBA Criteria | IUCN Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed Tropicbird Phaethon lepturus | resident | 2005 | - | poor | B4ii | Least Concern |
| Cuban Amazon Amazona leucocephala | resident | 2006 | 3,600 individuals | medium | A1 | Near Threatened |
| Bahama Woodstar Calliphlox evelynae | breeding | 2005 | - | poor | A2 | Least Concern |
| Bahama Mockingbird Mimus gundlachii | resident | 2005 | - | poor | A2 | Least Concern |
| Olive-capped Warbler Dendroica pityophila | resident | 2007 | present [units unknown] | - | A2 | Least Concern |
| Kirtland's Warbler Dendroica kirtlandii | winter | 2005 | present individuals | poor | A1 | Near Threatened |
| Bahama Yellowthroat Geothlypis rostrata | resident | 2005 | present individuals | poor | A2 | Least Concern |
Habitats
| IUCN habitat | Habitat detail | Extent (% of site) |
|---|---|---|
| Forest | 20% | |
| Shrubland | major | |
| Wetlands (inland) | minor |
Land use
| Land-use | Extent (% of site) |
|---|---|
| nature conservation and research | - |
Other biodiversity Another rare occupant of the southern Abaco is the Atala hairstreak butterfly, (Eumaeus atala) These small dark butterflies with red abdomens are abundant in pinelands of southern Abaco.
Management considerations The Bahama Parrot's habit of nesting on the ground in limestone sinkholes makes them vunerable to predation by feral cats, introduced raccoons and other predators. Hunters deliberately set fires in the pine forest to drive out the wild pigs.
Further web sources of information
References White, A.W. 1998b. A Birder's Guide to the Bahama Islands (Including Turks and Caicos). American Birding Association. Colorado Springs, CO. 302pp. Bainton, Aileen M. and Anthony W. White. 2006. A Bibliography of Birds, Ornithology and Birding in The Bahamas and Turks & Caicos Islands. Media Enterprises Ltd. Nassau, Bahamas. 96pp.
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Recommended citation BirdLife International (2013) Important Bird Areas factsheet: Southern Abaco. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 24/05/2013
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