Current view: Text account
Site description (2013 baseline):
Site location and context
Physical features of the site:
Nestled in the undeveloped lands behind Mimi Bay, is a small, brackish pond. The pond has a limestone bottom with areas of sandy marsh. The pond is irregularly-shaped and shallow, however, anecdotal evidence suggest that sinkholes are present within the pond. Access to the pond is limited to one unpaved road which also leads to the bay. A foot path through the vegetation leads to the pond. The land to the east of Mimi Bay Pond is slightly elevated and leads to homes that are set very far back and scattered its north.
The vegetation which lines the edges of the pond include buttonwood mangrove and a number of scrub-like plants, including cacti and wild grape. The vegetation surrounding the pond’s edge is evenly distributed and extends above the limestone pavement. Behind this bordering vegetation, however, are large cleared patches to its south.
Beginning in the later months of 2012, construction of a heritage village on the land north of the pond had resulted in the clearing of wetland vegetation up to the pond’s shoreline. Construction at this time was conducted without full planning permission. The land had been cleared by mechanical equipment and slash and burning methods before being graded.
Hydrological value:
The pond is brackish and is believed to be sourced with water from rainfall and runoff as well as from salt water intrusion as the pond lies below sea level. There are no known springs and no methods of water management are employed.
Currently, monitoring of salinity, phosphates, nitrates, phosphates, pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen and other gasses does not occur.
Overview of bird interests:
After an initial decline from 2007 to 2009, bird numbers have been gradually increasing.
Between 2007 and 2011, an average of 15 different species of birds have been observed.
Mimi Bay Pond experiences one of the greatest changes in number of birds present during any given year. This is mainly due to an increase in the number of Black-necked stilts observed especially during early and late months of the year. Bird numbers are significantly lower during the remainder of the year.
Overview of botanical interests:
The lands surrounding the pond are covered in scrub vegetation which includes native plants such as Frangipani (Plumeria alba), Wild grape (Cocoloba krugii), Turk’s Cap Cactus (Pope’s) (Melocactus inortus), and Manchineel (Hippomane mancinella).
Overview of other biodiversity interests:
The invasive Green Iguana has been seen in the vegetation surrounding the pond. The Lesser Antilleans Iguanas on the island have been mating with the Green Iguanas which result in sterile offspring. The Anguilla National Trust has completed a project in 2000 to investigate the distribution and population of the Lesser Antillean Iguana (iguana delicatisima), their threats, ecology and diet. Lesser Antillean Iguanas are listed as endangered within the IUCN’s Redlist of Threatened Species.
Main habitat types:
The roots and branches which hang over the water into the pond provide roosting areas for some birds as well as the invasive Green Iguanas (Iguana iguana). These roots and branches occupy approximately 90% of the pond’s shoreline. The recent clearing has left one end of the pond completely exposed.
The shallow waters of the pond are ideal for small shorebirds which feed on tiny fish within the water. The water generally appears too shallow for swimming but appealing, however, to some ducks as they have been observed within the water at the southern side of the pond. Most birds forage and roost within the pond.
Current usage:
The pond is not currently being used for any human purposes. It does, however, continue to provide ecological services to the area, including flood prevention as it stores water from rainwater and runoff.
The land to the north of the pond will be used for the purpose of creating a cultural heritage village. Birding may be a featured activity.
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
The presence of the Green Iguana presents a threat to the native Lesser Antillean Iguana population on the island.
Development of the area surrounding the pond is currently underway. Clearing of the vegetation has led to one side of the pond being completely exposed. While birds continue to use the pond, it is not clear what impacts the Heritage Village will have on the birdlife, composition of the ecosystem and surrounding landscape if the vegetation is not restored.
Conservation responses/actions for key biodiversity
Monthly wetland and terrestrial bird counts.
Promote the site in educational material used during wetlands education work.
Secure funds for ensuring the sustainable and wise use of Anguilla’s wetlands.
Monitor site for eligibility for national and international recognition and protection.
Encourage compliance and lobby for enforcement of wetlands related policies and provisions.
None
Private
Site access / Land-owner requests
None
Author: Clarissa Lloyd, Anguilla National Trust.
Edited by: Farah Mukhida, Anguilla National Trust.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Mimi Bay (Anguilla (to UK)). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/mimi-bay-iba-anguilla-(to-uk) on 23/12/2024.
