Current view: Text account
Site description (2007 baseline):
Site location and context
Over 90% of this Reserve falls within the designated 10,870-acre (4,401-ha) St. Vincent Parrot Reserve. Dalaway Reserve encompasses two of the island’s major potable water systems, supplying about 45% of the country’s water. Rainfall can exceed 200 inches (5,080 mm) annually. It is the smallest IBA within the proposed Central Forest Reserve.
This is a prime habitat for the St. Vincent Parrot and another of its strongholds. In 2004, the population was estimated at 164 individuals. All thirteen (13) RRS and two (2) Globally-threatened are found within the Reserve. Other regionally-endemic species (See Ivor Jackson and Associates, 2004) and species of note include the House Wren, Short-tailed Swift, Scaly-naped Pigeon, Caribbean Elaenia.
Non-bird biodiversity: Relevant species include endemic herpetofauna A. griseus, C. vincenti; endemic sub-species M. bruesi and endemic flora A. vincentiana, B. rotundifolia, P. cuneata, P. vincentiana, E. vincentinum, C. vincentiana and C. tenera.
The vegetation comprises Rainforest, Secondary and Montane Forests. Several plantations of Blue Mahoe
Hibiscus elatus, Galba Calophyllum antillanum and Caribbean Pine
Pinus caribaea are also included. These plantations were established by the Forestry Department as a soil conservation initiative on abandoned farmlands. Thus agricultural crops can be found interspersed within Secondary vegetation.
The two-mile Vermont Nature Trail lies within its southern segment and is a major tourist attraction that allows visitors to observe the Parrot in its natural habitat. Educational tours and patrols by the Forestry Department staff are regular and ongoing.
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
In the past, hunting of the endemic St. Vincent Parrot was a major issue. This practice has subsided significantly though it may still occur. Hunting of other animals such as the agouti (and possibly armadillo) continues on a small scale. However, regular patrols by Forestry personnel limits such activities. Other periodic land use concerns include boundary encroachment and squatting.
Concerns exist for the effects of introduced pests and diseases. The burrowing activity and resultant spin-offs of the armadillo is quite evident. Cats and dogs have also been observed within the Reserve.
Proposed Forest Reserve (under the SPAHS) and part of the proposed Central Forest Reserve (SPAHS).
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Dalaway (Buccament) Watershed (St Vincent and the Grenadines). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/dalaway-(buccament)-watershed-iba-st-vincent-and-the-grenadines on 22/12/2024.
