Current view: Text account
Site description (2001 baseline):
Site location and context
This IBA is a stretch of coastal dunefield, 23 km in length and 0.75 km wide, running from the Gamtoos river mouth to the Maitland river mouth. This area holds extensive coastal dunefields consisting primarily of open sand and a series of dune-slacks, interdune hollows and depressions between dunes. Coastal dune herbland grows along the coast, with patches of grassland adjacent. In stable dunes, there is thicket vegetation. Non-native
Acacia and
Eucalyptus also occur.
See Box for key species. This area holds approximately 4% of the global breeding population of
Haematopus moquini and it also holds suitable breeding habitat for
Sterna balaenarum.
Non-bird biodiversity: None known to BirdLife International.
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
The coastal environment is under increased pressure from development and recreation activities. Sandy coasts are particularly vulnerable to human activity and off-road vehicles in these areas are a cause for concern. The dune-breeding
Haematopus moquini is particularly affected by human activity in these areas. Although legislation and management guidelines prohibit vehicular traffic, vehicles gain access to this area illegally, resulting in high levels of nest destruction and elevated chick and adult mortality. The management practices need to be reviewed, access should be strictly controlled and off-road vehicles should be excluded from this area. Education campaigns and increased awareness of the impacts of beach-goers’ activities should be promoted.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Maitland - Gamtoos coast (South Africa). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/maitland--gamtoos-coast-iba-south-africa on 23/12/2024.
