BS002
Peterson Cay (National Park)


Site description (2006 baseline):

Site location and context
Peterson Cay is a National Park and is managed by The Bahamas National Trust and is located one and one-quarter miles east of the southern entrance to the Grand Lucayan Waterway. This windswept and sparsely vegetated limestone island is the only cay on the leeward side of Grand Bahama.

Key biodiversity
This cay is reported to be a nesting site for Bridled Terns.

Non-bird biodiversity: Shallow bars and coral reefs especially on the west side has created a small but uniquely beautiful range of coral gardens where fish, marine plants and animal life may be closely observed by snorkelers and divers.



Habitat and land use
Several varieties of habitats are found on Peterson Cay including, rocky shoreline, sandy beaches and shrubland. This site is uninhabited, but is actively used for ecotourism by resident kayak tour guides and resident and visiting boaters.

Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
Development will cause destruction of habitat and disturbance of the birds. Uncontrolled tourism will introduce predators such as rats and domestic pets.


Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Peterson Cay (National Park) (Bahamas). Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/peterson-cay-(national-park)-iba-bahamas on 23/12/2024.