Current view: Text account
Site description (2006 baseline):
Site location and context
Pic Paradis (427 meters) is the highest mountain on the island of St. Martin. The IBA is on the forested west site drainage, from 300 meters to the summit. To the north the IBA ends at the Pic Paradis road and on the south ends at the ridgeline. The Loterie Farm ecotourism site marks the lower starting point.
In 2002, the first Scaly-breasted Thrashers, previously considered visitors, were captured showing evidence of breeding. Scaly-breasted Thrashers have been captured in each subsequent year. In 2006, the first record of a Bridled Quail-dove resulted from a capture. This species was previously considered absent from St. Martin. Other regionally limited species found at this site include Purple-throated Carib
Eulampis jugularis, Green-throated
Carib Eulampis holosericeus, Antillean Crested Hummingbird
Orthorhyncus cristatus, Pearly-eyed Thrasher
Margarops fuscatus, and Lesser Antillean Bullfinch
Loxigilla noctis.
Non-bird biodiversity: The island endemic Anolis pogus is found at Pic Paradis. Six species of bats are found in the area
The forest is at Pic Paradis is secondary dry forest characterized by almost complete canopy cover and little understory or ground cover. Dominant species found at the site are Mango trees
Mangifera and
Ficus. Mango forms the upper canopy, reaching 20 meters. A seasonal boulder creek runs much of the year, depending on rainfall levels. The land is privately owned, much of it by Loterie Farm, an ecotourism site. The lower area is used as a restaurant and adventure ropes course, while the upper elevations are to remain undeveloped hiking areas. Individuals pay to hike the trails while groups of up to 15 individuals hike on guided tours.Hunting is permitted in the IBA and does not appear to be regulated
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
Hunting would affect any population of birds, as even songbirds are shot. However, game birds, such as Bridled Quail-dove, are especially at risk. There appears to be no regulation of hunting.Introduced predators, especially mongoose and Green vervet monkeys, predate upon birds and their nests.
Conservation responses/actions for key biodiversity
EPIC has conducted bird banding studies at Pic Paradis from January through March 2001-2006 for 10 days each month (average 900 net hours per month). Point counts are conducted twice a month during the banding period. This research has provided numerous first island and regional records of species. School groups and the general public are taught about birds during visits to the study site.
There are no legally protected areas within the IBA. Loterie Farm intends to preserve the forest portions of its property. Land use plans for other landowners are not known.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Pic Paradis (St Martin (to France)). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/pic-paradis-iba-st-martin-(to-france) on 23/12/2024.
