Current view: Text account
Site description (2001 baseline):
Site location and context
The site comprises the peaks, cliffs and ridges radiating from Le Grand Bénard (2,896 m), including parts of the rims of the Cirque de Cilaos and the Cirque de Mafate, together with the western part of the Cirque de Cilaos (Le Tapcal). The spectacular terrain results from erosion of the volcanic Piton des Neiges massif. The summits and ridge-tops are almost devoid of vegetation, but the slopes and ledges support montane shrubland or bushland and thicket characteristic of high altitudes. Le Tapcal is covered with a fine stand of mixed montane forest, although exotics dominate in a few small areas.
See Box and Table 2 for key species. The site supports important colonies of two seabird species, including
Pterodroma baraui (2–3 colonies), for which only one other breeding area (RE001) is known. All of the forest-living endemic birds of La Réunion occur except
Coracina newtoni. In 1997, 1–3 pairs of
Circus maillardi were present.
Non-bird biodiversity: Endemic plant communities: forest, shrubland and bushland and thicket rich in endemic plants.
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
Part of the site, along with Le Piton des Neiges (IBA RE001), has been classified under an Arrêté de Protection de Biotope since January 2001, which will regulate intrusive activities. The inaccessibility of the site offers natural protection from people, but the increase in mountaineering and helicopter excursions threatens colonies of
Pterodroma baraui. However, poaching of seabird chicks and other birds still occurs, and
Rattus rattus, feral cats and feral goats threaten native wildlife.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Grand Bénard - Tapcal (Réunion (to France)). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/grand-bénard--tapcal-iba-réunion-(to-france) on 23/12/2024.
