Current view: Text account
Site description (2007 baseline):
Site location and context
Graeme Hall Swamp N 13 degrees 04' 18.13' W 59 degrees 34' 36.42" (site centre from Google Earth) is 33 hectares in extent.
GHS is the only documented nesting location for Little Egret in the Western Hemisphere. The mangroves and environs of the swamp harbour the highest density of Golden Warbler on the island. Three other restricted range Antillean species also occur. As permanent wetland, crucial to resident waterbirds and haven for migrants and vagrants. (See checklist).
Non-bird biodiversity: Not applicable.
Mangroves and sedges.
Coastal wetland bound by residential, commercial and agricultural land use.
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
While a greater level of protection is required for GHS, the proposed plan for GHNP will severely reduce habitat now available for wetland birds and priortises human recreational use over the needs of nesting and feeding birds.
The introduction of exotic species of flora or fauna is always a threat. In addition, any further manipulation or modification of this already heavily modified wetland must be careful not to disrupt or disturb its attractiveness for birds in favour of human recreational use. Increasing noise and light pollution from events at GHNS is a concern for nesting Egrettas.
Conservation responses/actions for key biodiversity
The Friends of Graeme Hall Committee has recently presented a plan to the Barbados Government for a Graeme Hall National Park that will encompass the entire wetland.
Ramsar designated wetland.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Graeme Hall Swamp (Barbados). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/graeme-hall-swamp-iba-barbados on 23/11/2024.
