Data Zone
Country/territory: Bahamas
IBA criteria met: B4i, B4ii (2007)
For more information about IBA criteria, please click here
Area: 4,261 hectares (42.61 km2)
| IBA conservation status | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year of assessment (most recent) | State (condition) | Pressure (threat) | Response (action) |
| 2013 | moderate | high | low |
| For more information about IBA monitoring, please click here | |||
Site description (2006 baseline)
Graham's Harbour is located at the northern end of San Salvador with several cays scattered in its environs. which provide ideal nesting sites for various species of seabirds. A half-day boat trip into Graham's Harbour is considered the natural-history highlight of a trip to San Salvador, however, a local guide is necessary because there are numerous reefs and rocks in the bay. Green Cay located in the northwest side of the harbour, provides a challenge to find a safe landing spot but is easy walking once you have landed.White Cay is near the reef, waters are generally rougher than any other spot in the harbour, but there is a fine beach on the leeward side. Gaulin Cay and Cato Cay are closer to the mainland, there is good snorkelig on the reef off Gaulin Cay.
Key biodiversity
There are reliable reports of several species of seabirds nesting on the afore-mentioned cays. Magnificant Frigatebirds and Brown Boobies live on Green Cay year round, Bridled Terns are reported to nest in hollows along the shoreline of the cay. White Cay is the site of Magnificant Frigatebirds nesting in the Sea Lavender bushes and Brown Boobies nesting on the ground. Brown Noddies, Bridled Terns and Sooty Terns nest on Gaulin and Cato Cays. Yellow Warblers are also found on these two cays.
Non-bird biodiversity: There were an estimated 250 San Salvador Rock Iguanas (Cyclura carinata) approximately 50% of its population living on Green Cay in 1997.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Graham's Harbour (Bahamas). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/grahams-harbour-iba-bahamas on 23/12/2024.