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Site description (2006 baseline):
Site location and context
Tintamarre Island, also known as Flat Island, is located 3 kilometers from St. Martin and is approximately 100 hectares in size.
Red-billed Tropicbirds nest in the cliffs on the western coast. A thorough survey of all accessible crevices (48 nests) and an estimate for inaccessible areas resulted in a conservative estimate of 60 nests.
Two Audubon Shearwater Puffinus lherminieri nests with eggs and adults were found. This population is likely limited by the presence of rats. Shearwaters may nest in greater numbers in inaccessible cliff faces. A nocturnal call-playback survey was unsuccessful in attracting any visuals or audible calls. Birds which breed in the summer are primarily on the eastern side of the island. Species found during a survey in June 2004 included Roseate Terns Sterna dougallii (20 nests), Brown Noddy Anous stolidus (140 nests), and Bridled Tern Sterna anaethetus (7 nests). In addition, eleven American Oystercatchers Haematopus palliatus were present and vocalizing alarm calls, indicating possible breeding.Other regionally limited species found at this site include Green-throated Carib Eulampis holosericeus, Antillean Crested Hummingbird Orthorhyncus cristatus, Pearly-eyed Thrasher Margarops fuscatus, and Lesser Antillean Bullfinch Loxigilla noctis. Non-bird biodiversity: Tintamarre's beaches are sea turtle nesting grounds. The following species have been found around Tintamarre: Hawksbill Eretmochelys imbricata, Leatherback Dermochelys coriacea, Loggerhead Caretta caretta, Kemp's Ridley Lapidochelys kempii, Green Chelonia mydas, Olive Ridley Lepidochelys olivacea. It is not clear which species are found nesting. The Lesser Antillean Iguana Iguana delicatissima is found on Tintamarre as well. The IUCN lists this species as Critical on St. Martin.
Vegetation is scrub up to three meters in height. The terrain is essentially flat. Coastal cliffs rise to 30 meters. There is an abandoned air strip in the center of the island and one unused residence. Human activities are limited to the grazing of goats and recreation. Recreational activities are heavily concentrated on the southern beach, where day trips bring dozens of tourists to snorkel and sunbathe. Private yachts are usually anchored at this beach as well.
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
The primary threat to the avifauna, particularly seabirds, of Tintamarre is nest predation by rats. A proposal has been created to eradicate rats from the island but funding has not been secured.Trampling of nests by goats is also a concern. Grazing has likely altered the vegetation of Tintamarre, although it is not clear what effect this has had.Because the interior of the island is not protected, development of the privately held areas is possible, although no plans have been made public. Seabird nesting is restricted to the coastal zone and would be impacted by development primarily through disturbance.
Conservation responses/actions for key biodiversity
EPIC conducted seabird surveys in summer and winter. Red-billed Tropicbird nest monitoring took place in 2003. Park staff monitors sea turtles and whales and the government periodically hires avian researchers to survey the island, usually Gilles LeBlond
The coastline of Tintamarre Island is part of the Reserve Naturelle St. Martin and extends to 300 meters inland. The interior of the island is privately owned. Activities prohibited inside the reserve include wildlife disturbance, plant collection, mining, fishing, jet skiing, and littering.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Tintamarre (St Martin (to France)). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/tintamarre-iba-st-martin-(to-france) on 23/11/2024.
