• Summary
• Text account
• Data table and detailed info
• Map
• Reference and further resources

Site description (2001 baseline)
The Nepisiguit Highlands are part of the central highlands of Northumberland County, New Brunswick. Nictau is the nearest community, while Mount Carleton Provincial Park is located along the north border of the site. This mountainous and fairly remote region receives cold, snowy winters and hot, dry summers. The forests here are a patchwork of different ages, due to timber harvesting. The tree species found in uncut forest areas (about 50% of the area) are Balsam Fir and spruce. In the other half, most of which was clear-cut at some point over the last 20 years, White Birch, Balsam Fir and Pin Cherry dominate, with smaller amounts of spruce, Yellow Birch and various shrub species also being present. In a few locations Jack Pine has been planted.

Key biodiversity
The Nepisiguit Highlands are perhaps the most significant site in New Brunswick for breeding Bicknells Thrush. This species, recently designated as nationally vulnerable by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife, has a global population of between 5,000 and 15,000 pairs. Seventy-five Bicknells Thrush males have been recorded in these highlands (perhaps 1.5% of the worlds population). This is a minimum number; it is possible that there are many more thrushes breeding in these hills (up to perhaps 500 males if a larger surrounding area is included). Their preferred habitat at this site is 8-12 year-old regenerating stands at elevations above 500m.

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Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Nepisiguit Highlands (Canada). Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/nepisiguit-highlands-iba-canada on 23/11/2024.