SR004
Northern Commewijne/ Marowijne


Site description (2008 baseline):

Site location and context
Noord Commewijne/Marowijne IBA is a Multiple use management Area which means that it has more functions than only nature protection. There is fishery in the shallow lagoons and on the mudflats, and there is legal and illegal hunting in the swamps. As with al wetlands the Noord Commewijne/ Marowijne IBA is important for mankind because of its biological functions such as, nursery for seafish, waterfiltering and protection from rising seawaterlevel. Along with the other wetlands, Bigi Pan, Noord Coronie and Noord Sarramacca these sites are Multiple Use Management Areas wich are managed by the Surinamese goverment. These sites are very vunerable, because of the high productivity which can lead to overexploitation.

Key biodiversity
The Noord Commewijne/Marowijne IBA is part of an EBA because of the common occurence of three range restricted species, Guyanian Piculet, Blood-colored Woodpecker and Rufous Crabhawk. The mudflats and the swamps are important for the numurous North-American shorebirds.The 1% treshold is met for Scarlet Ibis, Semi-palmated Sandpiper, Semi-palmated plover, Short-billed Dowitcher. Hence it is an IBA on A2, A4i and A4iii criteria. It is the last refuge in Suriname for the Muscovy Duck.

Habitat and land use
Land is used for fishing, hunting, agriculture and tourism.

Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
Poaching, shorebirds, Scarlet Ibis, Roseate Spoonbill Ajaja ajaja, Wood Ibis Mycteria and others.

Conservation responses/actions for key biodiversity
Studies have been done on waterquality, fish and wildlife, coastal changes and mangrove forest.

Protected areas
This site is a Multiple Use Mangement Area.

Land ownership
Owned by the state.


Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Northern Commewijne/ Marowijne (Suriname). Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/northern-commewijne-marowijne-iba-suriname on 23/11/2024.