DM004
L'llet


Site description (2007 baseline):

Site location and context
L’llet is a small Islet approximately 0.020 hectare off the village of Boetica on the southeast cost of Dominica and serves as a very important site for seabird colonies. Due to the fact that it is off island in the Atlantic Ocean and that people have to swim or access by boat that limits human activity or disturbance to the seabirds using that site. Human settlements are approximately 3km from the site.

Key biodiversity
L’llet supports several seabirds including Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens, Brown Booby (Sula leucogaster), Brown Noddy (Anous stolidus), Sooty Terns (Sterna fuscata), Bridled Tern (Sterna anaethetus) and the White-tailed Tropicbird (Phaethon lepturus). Some of the other species of interest found at that site are Zenaida Dove (Zenaida aurita), Bananaquit (Coereba flaveola), Antillean Crested Hummingbird (Orthorhyncus cristatus), Green –throated Carib (Eulampis holosericeus), Lesser Antillean Bullfinch (Loxigilla noctis), and Yellow-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax violaceus).

Non-bird biodiversity: Other flora includes Wild Anthurium (Anthurium giganteum), Organ Pipe Cactus (Cephalocerus royenii), Climbing Cactus (Hylocereus trigonus), Zanana Falez (Pitcairnia angustifolia), and Eye-lash Orchid (Epidendrum ciliare). Fauna species include Fish-eating Bat (Noctillio leporinus), and Zagaya Lamè (Grapsus grapsus).



Habitat and land use
The vegetation type is xeric and the dominant tree species are White Cedar (Tabebuia pallida) and Figier (Ficus obtusifolia).

Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
Hurricanes - Dominica like the other Eastern Caribbean Islands lie in the hurricane belt and as a result are vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storm strikes annually. In the case of an intensive storm, the surge in swells and high winds will impact on the bird’s ability to continue to utilize this site. Hunting - Illegal hunting for some bird species and their eggs is a major concern.

Conservation responses/actions for key biodiversity
Presently there is no research or conservation management programs carried out at that site.

Protected areas
L’llet is some 16.09km east of the Soufriere Scotts Head Marine Park. The Morne Trois Pitons National Park is also in close proximity to L’llet (approximately 5k m).


Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: L'llet (Dominica). Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/lllet-iba-dominica on 23/11/2024.