Data Zone
Site description (2013 baseline):
West End pond is one
of the larger brackish ponds and is the western-most wetland of all ponds on
the mainland. This pond consists of one basin split into two by a causeway.
East of the causeway, the pond appears more circular while west of the causeway
the pond narrows and lengthens. The first basin features a number of rock walls
previously used during periods of salt harvesting in Anguilla and has mostly
rocky shorelines and a marl substrate. The second basin is relatively inaccessible
as it lies behind the property of Cove Castles Resort.
A causeway, running
through the pond provides access to the tourism developments that line the
beach at Shoal Bay West. The causeway branches out into two unpaved roads going
in opposite directions; both of which lead to the tourism related properties. There is a culvert through the causeway that connects both
ends of the pond.
The pond is mainly visited
by birdwatchers and by persons walking along the causeway for exercise.
Despite limited
recreational use, the pond is used to store water as it naturally is the
settling point for rainwater and runoff. It protects the nearby tourism
developments from damage by flooding.
It collects
contaminants from landscaping and within runoff before it is able to reach to
the beach.
The rock walls, which
appear mainly in the eastern half of the pond, are perches for small shorebirds
that travel along them in search for food. The open water of the water is preferred
by swimming birds. The mangrove vegetation around the shorelines of the pond provides
shelter for small shorebirds.
The pond has been
filled with marl for the making of a parking lot in the middle of its southern
side. The vegetation around this side of the pond is scarce and completely exposed
in areas.
Along the unpaved sandy
road, some dumping of green waste from landscaping has also been observed.
Turtles have been
caught in the pond after being confused by lighting on beach from tourism
related developments.
Continue to undertake
monthly wetland and terrestrial bird counts.
Continue to promote site in educational material used during wetlands
education work.
Continue to secure funds for ensuring the future of Anguilla’s wetlands.
Monitor site for eligibly for national and international recognition and
protection.
Encourage compliance
and lobby for enforcement of wetlands related policies and provisions.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: West End Pond (Anguilla (to UK)). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/west-end-pond-iba-anguilla-(to-uk) on 23/11/2024.