Sites - Important Bird Areas (IBAs)

Ornithological information This IBA is one of the most important mainland sites for the Least Tern Sterna antillarum. This bird arrives on island in April and leaves in September. It is the only tern breeding on the mainland. The population for the entire island was estimated to be between 200 and 300 pairs and peaked at over 175 pairs at Long Pond during the summer of 2007. The population count averaged at an estimated 180 individuals during the entire 2007 season. One of Anguilla’s four restricted-range species (Green-throated Carib Eulampis holosericeus ) has also been found at this IBA. Depending on the time of year, between one and eight pairs of Snowy Plovers Charadrius alexandrinus can be found at Long Pond. The endangered Piping Plover Charadrius melodus has also been sighted here. At least 28 species of bird frequent this pond.

Site description This large brackish water pond is located on the southeast coast of Anguilla. It is separated from the sea to its east by low sand dunes and an open sandy area. While the sea rarely breaches the dune, the pond can overflow into the sea after heavy rains. The pond is bordered to both the east and the west by seagrape-lined, un-paved, dirt-covered tracks. The pond’s south shore is approximately 100m from the Caribbean Sea from which it is separated by wind-swept scrub vegetation that grows on the limestone-based ground. Its northern shore is lined by villas and smaller homes. A limited buffer area of pioneering buttonwood bushes separates the buildings from the pond. Power lines were recently installed along the eastern dirt road, presumably to provide electricity for planned built development

Populations of IBA trigger species

Habitats

Land use

Other biodiversity Nothing recorded.

Management considerations The pond is not protected by any form of legislation. It is privately owned by a number of families owning property around the site. Limited built development has occurred along the northern shore and it is now expanding to the eastern and southern sides. Dirt roads and tracks have been cut through the vegetation on both of these sides to allow for such expansion.

Further web sources of information 

Site profile from Important Bird Areas in the Caribbean: key sites for conservation (BirdLife International 2008)

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Recommended citation  BirdLife International (2013) Important Bird Areas factsheet: Long Pond. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 22/05/2013

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