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close| Location | Grenada, Parish of St. George |
| Central coordinates | 61o 44.00' West 12o 6.00' North |
| IBA criteria | A1, A2 |
| Area | 101 ha |
| Altitude | 200 - 500m |
| Year of IBA assessment | 2007 |
Ornithological information This IBA is important for the Critically Endangered Grenada Dove Leptotila wellsi. The population was estimated at c.15 pairs in 2003/2004 (pre-Hurricane Ivan) (Rusk and Clouse 2004)but only 1–6 pairs 3–4 months after the hurricane in 2004 (Rusk 2005) (a possible under/over estimate due to a change in calling behaviour post hurricane). Seven pairs were estimated in 2007 (Rusk 2008). Five (of the seven) Lesser Antilles EBA restricted-range birds occur at this IBA.
Site description Located near the west coast of Grenada, the Beausejour–Grenville Vale IBA is just inland from the north-south coastal road from Beausejour Bay. The bowl-shaped site is bordered to the west, north and south by a slope, rising to c.500 m in elevation, and includes the east-facing side of the eastern ridge (Grenville Vale). The slopes to the west, north and east are forested. The valley bottom comprises some fruit trees, an agricultural plot and cattle grazing. Immediately to the south is a housing development. The north-western side of this IBA is adjacent to the south-eastern border of the Perseverance IBA (GD002).
Populations of IBA trigger species
| Species | Season | Period | Population estimate | Quality of estimate | IBA Criteria | IUCN Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grenada Dove Leptotila wellsi | resident | 2007 | 7 breeding pairs | good | A1, A2 | Critically Endangered |
| Antillean Crested Hummingbird Orthorhyncus cristatus | resident | 2006 | - | - | A2 | Least Concern |
| Caribbean Elaenia Elaenia martinica | resident | 2008 | present [units unknown] | - | A2 | Least Concern |
| Grenada Flycatcher Myiarchus nugator | resident | 2007 | - | - | A2 | Least Concern |
| Lesser Antillean Tanager Tangara cucullata | resident | 2007 | - | - | A2 | Least Concern |
Habitats
| IUCN habitat | Habitat detail | Extent (% of site) |
|---|---|---|
| Forest | major | |
| Shrubland | Second-growth & disturbed scrub | - |
Land use
| Land-use | Extent (% of site) |
|---|---|
| agriculture | minor |
| rangeland/pastureland | - |
| Notes: Grazing | |
Other biodiversity Nothing recorded.
Management considerations This site is both Crown land and under private ownership and is currently unprotected. Threats include the possible expansion of a housing development and cutting for agriculture. Rats Rattus spp., mongoose Herpestes auropunctatus and other predators may impact the L. wellsi population. A fire (May 2008) burned a large portion of the IBA, though remained upslope of most known dove territories. Hurricane Ivan caused extreme changes to vegetation structure and composition on the west coast. Protection measures are being explored by Government that could result in a contiguous protected area with the Perseverance IBA.
Acknowledgements Author: Bonnie L.Rusk
Further web sources of information
References Devas (1943), Blockstein (1988), Blockstein (1991), BirdLife International (2000), Lack and Lack (1973), Lugo, (2005), Germano et al (2003), Groome (1970), Howard (1950), Rusk (1992), Rusk et al. (1997), Rusk (1998), Rusk and Clouse (2004), Thornstrom et al. (2001), Wells (1886).
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Recommended citation BirdLife International (2013) Important Bird Areas factsheet: Beausejour/Grenville Vale. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 19/06/2013
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