St Lucia - BirdLife International

Waterbird Conservation for the Americas 

Conservación de las Aves Acuáticas para las Américas 

FINAL REPORT 

WATERBIRDS IN ST LUCIA 

Photo: Mathew Morton/Durrell 

Authors: Donald Anthony, Alwin Dornelly, Lyndon John (St Lucia Forestry 

Department) and Mathew Morton (Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust) 

St Lucia Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry Department 

2007 

Durrell Wlidlife Conservation Trust 

Edited by: Verónica Anadón-Irizarry and David Wege (BirdLife International) 

Part of an evaluation of waterbirds population and their conservation in the Caribbean, a project coordinated by 

BirdLife International within the initiative of Waterbird Conservation for the Americas and sponsored by the U.S. 

Fish and Wildlife Service (Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act) 

ST. LUCIA REPORT_v0 0

Table of Contents 



1. Introduction......................................................................................................................................2 

2. Ornithological Importance...............................................................................................................4 

3. Protected Areas................................................................................................................................5 

4. Conservation Initiatives ...................................................................................................................5 

5. International Conservation Agreements...........................................................................................5 

6. Conservation Concerns ....................................................................................................................5 

7. Conservation Needs ............................................................................................................ 6 

8. Glossary ...........................................................................................................................................6 

9. Sites..................................................................................................................................................7 

10. Annotated Bibliography.................................................................................................................11 

Appendixes 

Table 1. Waterbirds occurrence, distribution, habitat and population estimates in St Lucia…………….13 


1. INTRODUCTION 



The island of St. Lucia lies within the archipelago of the Eastern Caribbean which stretches from 

Puerto Rico in the north to Trinidad and Tobago in the south. It is grouped with the islands of 

Dominica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada to form the Windward Islands. In the 

recent past the Windward Group joined with the Leeward Islands in an economic grouping called 

OECS (Organization of Eastern Caribbean States). St. Lucia is 238 square miles (661sq. klms), 

27 miles long and 14 miles wide. 

The population of St. Lucia is estimated at 165,000 with Castries as capital, Gros Islet, Vieux 

Fort and Soufriere being the most densely populated areas. The mainstay of St. Lucia economy is 

agriculture, tourism and industry. The main crops grown are bananas, coconut and vegetables, 

while root crops, mangoes and citrus are secondary crops. The main tourist areas are the North 

from Castries to Gros Islet, Soufriere in the South West and Vieux Fort in the South. The main 

ports of entry are Castries in the North and Vieux Fort in the South. Hewanorra Airport is the 

main international airport located in Vieux-Fort and a smaller airport G.F.L. Charles Airport 

located at Vigie in Castries. 

St. Lucia is known as ‘The Helen of the West Indies’, a name it earned after 2 centuries of 

bloody wars between Britain and France for possession of the island. St. Lucia exchanged hands 

14 times between these two colonial powers of the past with Britain being the last colonist. The 

Banana Industry had until recently enjoyed a secure market in Britain under the Lome 2 

Agreement. However, with the advent of the European Union and the globalization of free trade, 

protection of Caribbean bananas on the European market was challenged by some European 

countries and the United States in particular. With increasing pressure from the United States 

who has the ‘lions’ share of the world banana market, exporting Dollar Bananas from Latin 

America, St. Lucia was forced to diversify its Agricultural Economy. 

Tourism in St. Lucia for the past decades catered mainly for tourists who came to enjoy the 

beach, sea and sun. In recent times, however, the tourism industry’s product began to diversify 

and to offer more than just sea and sun by utilizing the beauty and adventure that St. Lucia’s 

natural areas provide. This augers well with Cruise Tourism, as Cruise ship passengers only 

spend a few hours on the island. As one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean if not the 

world, St. Lucia is fast becoming a tourist destination. With no natural resources except its 

people, fauna, flora, land and sea, tourism, especially ecotourism, is becoming the product of 

choice. St. Lucia’s unspoilt natural beauty is a haven for the eco-tourist. Ecotourism in St. Lucia 

is a multifaceted industry with a number of areas to satisfy the needs of the eco-tourist. These 

areas include sightseeing, bird watching, and horseback riding in the out country, plantation 

tours, forest tours (Rain forest, Dry forest, and Xerophytic forest), snorkelling, waterfall tours, 

fishing, mountain climbing and special tours. A number of government agencies and private 

organizations are involved in the tourism industry but there is no organized manpower planning 

strategy for the ecotourism sector. The Ministries of Tourism, Agriculture and Education play a 

big role in the development of the tourism product together with the St. Lucia Tourist Board, St. 




Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association, St. Lucia National Trust, St. Lucia Naturalist Society and 

Various taxi Associations and Tour companies all contribute in the development of the 

ecotourism industry. 

1.1 Location The Island of St. Lucia is located at 13°55' north latitude and 60° 59' west 

longitude. It is approximately 21 miles south of Martinique and 25 miles north of St. Vincent. It 

has an area of 238 square miles. 

1.2 Topography The topography of St. Lucia is characterized by a main axial ridge that 

stretches from La Sorciere in the north to Saltibus in the south. The Island’s tallest mountain is 

Mount Gimie 3117 feet and also two spectacular pitons {volcanic plugs) rising from the sea, 

Gros Piton 2619ft and Petit Piton 2461ft in the south west of the Island. The pitons are an 

important St. Lucia and Caribbean landmark and are now a World Heritage Site based on its 

unique beauty and volcanicity. Generally, the Island is incised with steep hills and valleys and 

many streams emanating from the forested interior which give it a rugged steeply dissected 

topography. 

1.3 Climate Vegetation and Land Use St. Lucia has two seasons; a dry season which starts 

from December and usually ends in May and a wet season which is from June to 

November. However, with the present changes in global climate this does not usually 

follow the norm. For example in 2004 a dry season was not really experienced due to 

constant rains from December 2003 to May 2004. Annual rainfall in St. Lucia ranges 

from 250" in the wet central mountainous interior to 60" in the dry coastal locations. The 

island enjoys a relatively pleasant climate with temperature averaging around 27° C 

maximum temperature is 32° C with minimum temperature of about 22° C experienced in 

the mountainous interior and during the cool months of November to January. Land use 

in St. Lucia can be classified as residential commercial, industrial, agricultural and 

forests. Livestock farming is done on a small scale and most animals are tethered. Dry 

secondary forests occur on the slopes near the coast. Most of this forest type has been 

degraded by man’s influence. The forested lands in the interior comprise mainly of 

natural forest with a few exotic species in small plantations. Agriculture is practiced both 

in lowlands and on steep slopes with banana cultivation as the major cash crop. 

Deforestation for banana cultivation, hotel development and housing is the main cause of 

the islands environmental problems 

1.4 Main Threats 

Some of the main threats to birds and their habitat are listed below 

• Habitat loss, such as mangroves, wetlands, littoral vegetation and other woodlands for 

agriculture, hotel development, roads and housing is possibly the main cause of habitat 

loss on the Island. 

• Hurricanes – St. Lucia lies in the hurricane belt of the eastern Caribbean and as a result 

is vulnerable to hurricane strikes each year during the hurricane season which runs from 




June to November. However, the last hurricane to hit the Island was Hurricane Allen in 

1980 where over 80% of the forest was either damaged or destroyed. 

• Non-native predators – especially small Indian mongoose; rats, feral pigs, Giant African 

snail, introduced competitors such as sheep, goats and cattle. 

• Fires – The threat of fires is high in the dry season. Some dry forest areas have had a few 

fires in the past when fires lit by farmers or other persons have escaped. 

• Pest and disease – Increase in global travel also increases the threat and the spread of 

new pest and disease. Natural habitat is always vulnerable to new pest and disease as was 

the case in Grenada some years ago with the arrival of the hibiscus Pink Mealy Bug 

which devastated their Blue Mahoe plantations. Another case in point is the threat of 

Avian Influenza Virus - with the passage every year of migratory avian species through 

our hemisphere. 

• Global Climate Change – The forecast of sea level rise and all its accompanying 

scenarios as a result of global warming can be a direct threat to natural habitat areas on 

the Island. With severe weather of either drought or heavy rains, both can have negative 

consequences on natural habitat for wildlife 

• Volcanic eruption – Since the Pitons are volcanic plugs of an extinct/dormant volcano, 

the threat of a volcanic eruption although remote cannot be ruled out. The Soufriere Hills 

in the Caribbean Island of Monsterrat is a grim reminder of what extinct volcanoes can 

do. However, the likelihood of an eruption in the near future is remote. 

2. ORNITHOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE 

Located midway in the Caribbean chain of Island, St. Lucia is visited by many migrants on their 

migratory route from North to South America. St. Lucia has recorded 97 species of birds that 

breed on the Island including 8 endemic species. However, over 200 species of birds have been 

recorded on the island. 

On the world map the Island stands out as a tiny dot. However, due to its high endemism both in 

fauna and flora, small land mass, coupled with high threat levels, all the endemic species face 

some form of endangerment. 

• WATERBIRDS –Some of the key breeding sites for waterbirds on St. Lucia include 

Grande Anse Ponds, Esperance mangrove, Bois D’orange swamp, Auberge Seraphine 

swamp, Praslin mangrove, Fregate Islands, Maria Islands and Point Sables. Those sites 

are used by migratory species such as ducks, herons, waders, and other fowl. Some of the 

water birds that breed on the Island include Masked duck, Common Gallinule, Little Blue 

Heron, Green Heron, and Yellow- crowned Night Heron. 




3. PROTECTED AREAS AND CONSERVATION SYSTEMS 

Nearly 12% of the total land area of St. Lucia or approximately 19000 acres is Government 

Forest Reserve (GFR) which is protected forests. Almost 35% of the island is still under 

some form of forest cover, however, most of it is privately owned. St. Lucia National Trust 

(SLNT), which is a quasi governmental organization has management jurisdiction for some 

offshore Islets, and a few parks and protected areas which amounts to approximately 629 

acres. 

4. CONSERVATION INITIATIVES 

At Present the Veterinary Department, in collaboration with the Forestry Department in the 

Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), are working on a schedule of 

surveillance for detection of the Avian Influenza Virus at various wetlands Island-wide. This 

programme is being funded by the Government of St. Lucia. The St. Lucia Iguana Project, 

The St. Lucia Whiptail project and the White-breasted Thrasher Project presently are 

ongoing research activities taking place within the dry forest habitat. The lead agency is 

Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust in collaboration with the Forestry department. This 

project is funded mainly by Durrell. The project started in 2002 with broad objectives for 

determining the status of the St. Lucia Iguana. A monitoring programme run by the Forestry 

Department and Durrell is ongoing to determine the distribution of the St. Lucia Whitebreasted 

Thrasher in its entire range, in relation to habitat changes brought about by a hotel 

development within the thrasher habitat. A pilot project using a distance sampling to 

determine the population of the St. Lucia Parrot has been field tested by staff of the Forestry 

Department and Durrell Wildlife. Both the Parrot and White-breasted Thrasher surveys 

include a component to estimate populations of other selected forest bird species. 

5. INTERNATIONAL CONSERVATION AGREEMENTS 

St. Lucia is signatory to a number of international agreement namely The Convention on 

International Trade in wild Fauna and Flora CITES, The RAMSAR convention, Convention 

on Biological Diversity, Convention to Combat Desertification, SPAW Protocol, Cartagena 

Convention, World Heritage Convention. 

6. CONSERVATION CONCERNS 

Deforestation for agriculture, hotel development, roads and housing is possibly the main 

cause of habitat loss on the Island. 

Hurricanes – St. Lucia lies in the hurricane belt of the eastern Caribbean Chain of 

Islands and as a result is vulnerable to hurricane strikes each year during the hurricane 

season which runs from June to November. However, the last hurricane to hit the Island 




was Hurricane Allen in 1980 where over 80% of the forest was either damaged or 

destroyed. 

Non-native predators – especially small Indian mongoose; black, brown rats 

Fires – The threat of fires is high in the dry season. Some dry forest areas have had a few 

fires in the past when fires lit by farmers or other persons have escaped. 

Pest and disease – Increase in global travel also increases the threat and the spread of 

new pest and disease. Natural habitat is always vulnerable to new pest and disease as was 

the case in Grenada some years ago with the arrival of the Hibiscus Pink Mealy Bug 

which devastated their Blue Mahoe plantations. Another case in point is the threat of 

Avian Influenza Virus - with the passage every year of migratory avian species through 

our hemisphere. 

Global Climate Change – The forecast of sea level rise and all its accompanying 

scenarios as a result of global warming can be a direct threat to natural habitat areas on 

the Island. With severe weather of either drought or heavy rains, both can have negative 

consequences on natural habitat for wildlife. 

• Volcanic eruption – Since the Pitons are volcanic plugs of an extinct/dormant volcano, 

the threat of a volcanic eruption although remote cannot be ruled out. The Soufriere Hills 

in the Caribbean Island of Monsterrat is a grim reminder of what extinct volcanoes can 

do. However, the likelihood of an eruption in the near future is remote. 

7. CONSERVATION NEEDS 

A monitoring programme is ongoing to determine the distribution of the St. Lucia Whitebreasted 

thrasher in its entire range, in relation to habitat changes brought about by a hotel 

development. There is a dire need of funding to purchase critical habitat presently in private 

hands to save the St. Lucia White-breasted Thrasher. Another monitoring programme for the 

early detection of Avian Influenza Virus will start here soon. This activity is being 

spearheaded by the Veterinary Department of MAFF. However, there is an information gap 

on the number of species that visit the various wetland habitats on the Island. 

8. GLOSSARY 

SLNT- St. Lucia National Trust 

MAFF – Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries 

GFR – Government Forest Reserve 

OECS - Organization of Eastern Caribbean States 


9. SITES 

A. Mandele Dry Forest 



The Mandele Dry Forest (60 O 53.76' W 13 O 53.52' N) is located on the eastern part of St. Lucia encompassed by 

Ravine Pascal to the north, Ravine Bourge to the south and on the northwest by the Dennery Water Works Forest 

Reserve. It is about 826 ha in extension and has an altitude range of 0 – 200 meters. 

Ornithological information: The Mandele Dry Forest has much to offer in terms of wildlife. Migratory birds 

species furthermore nest and roost in different locations in the area. The Magnificent Frigate bird is one such 

species. 

Species Season Year Min-Max 

Royal Tern Sterna maxima resident 2007 < 50 

Protection status Marine Reserve - Praslin Mangroves. This site was declared a marine reserve in 1986; Reef from 

Anse Galet to beach at Anse Cochon - declared a marine reserve in 1990. There are also Crown Lands at this site 

(e.g. around Bordelais) which may have the potential for future conservation management. The Praslin mangroves 

and Frigate Islands are protected areas. 

Conservation issues Threats include: 

Deforestation - It is worth noting that indiscriminate harvesting of sapling poles for broom handles is slowly 

depleting the forest vegetation .A small portion along the Praslin River is under agricultural cultivation with 

bananas, coconuts and to a lesser extent cashew nuts and corn. 

Fires, usually contained within relatively small areas (few ha) are common. 

Non-native predators - small Indian mongoose; black, brown rats. 

Pollution - Application of agro-chemicals to crops maybe causing chemical pollution to the lower Praslin River, 

which discharges into Praslin Bay. The influx of those chemicals may be causing adverse effects to both freshwater 

and marine life. 

Commercial Development - The development of a massive hotel will result in a significant depletion of the 

thrasher's habitat. 


B. North East Coast 



The North East Coast (60 O 59.77' W 13 O 59.73' N) covers approximately 4314 ha, and stretches from the Dennery 

Knob westward to Mardi Gras just outside the periphery of the Forest Reserve. It then follows a north eastern 

direction along the Forest Reserve Boundary to Grand Anse. This area occupies a considerable portion within the 

tropical dry forest life zone of St. Lucia and is largely covered by scrub forest characterized by short canopy and a 

large number of small-diameter trees. Nature conservation and research, agriculture, rangeland/ pastureland, some 

areas not utilized, all these categories aid to describe the land use of the area. A major part of the area is not utilized 

remaining under secondary forest cover. 

Ornithological information: The area is important for migrant species and waterbirds as such as Cattle Egret 

Bubulcus ibis and Green Heron Butorides virescens. A pond at Grande Anse is the only place where Masked Ducks 

have been recorded breeding. Many migrant ducks, warblers and waterbirds have been recorded in the area. 

Potentially, it may also serve as a nesting place for marine species such as the Red-billed Tropicbird that has been 

recorded nesting along the cliff in others parts of St. Lucia. Furthermore, several shorebirds have been recorded 

foraging along the beach areas. 


Masked Duck Nomonyx dominicus resident 2007 < 50 

Red-billed Tropicbird Phaethon aethereus breeding 2007 < 50 


Protection status Marine Reserves - Marquis Mangroves, Fond D'or, Louvette Mangroves, Grand Anse Beach and 

Mangroves, Cas-en-Bas Mangrove. These sites were designated marine reserves in 1986. Most of the area is 

privately owned. Government has jurisdiction on the marine reserves and own a few parcels of crown lands. 

Conservation issues Generally several mal-practices may negatively impact the integrity of the area. Non-native 

predators - small Indian mongoose; black, brown rats; semi feral cats and dogs. 

Garbage - Garbage disposal is a problem. 

Deforestation - Deforestation for agricultural purposes threatens much of the area. This causes forest fragmentation 

and limits nesting and roosting sites of wildlife species. Furthermore, resident species may face greater exposure to 

predation and competition by foreign species. 

Fires, usually contained within relatively small areas (few ha) are common. 

Sand Mining - Indiscriminate sand mining by residents of the surrounding communities destroys the beach and 

jeopardizes the reproductive attempts of turtles. 

Hotel development - Development of large hotels and golf courses may threaten the survival of many species. 




C. Pitons Management Area 

The Pitons (61 O 3.19' W 13 O 49.55' N) are located on the southwest coast of St. Lucia, near the coastal town of 

Soufriere, and provide an area of outstanding natural beauty, spectacular geological features, and highly productive 

biological ecosystems. The Pitons Management Area (PMA) is a World Heritage Site comprising of 2 majestic 

volcanic spires that rise from the sea to 777m and 730m respectively. The Gros Piton and Petit Piton are volcanic 

plugs that are part of our national and international identity. The area comprise of 1450 hectares. Communities 

within the PMA are Fond Jens Libre and Chateau Belair. Two resorts Ladera and Jalousie Hilton also lie within the 

PMA. 

Ornithological information: 



Protection status The Area is a World Heritage Site and as a result the 2 pitons are protected while the surrounding 

lands are under some form of management. Part of the marine area is a marine reserve. The Wildlife Protection Act, 

The Fisheries Act and Crown Lands Ordinance all play a role in protecting the area. The protected area is contained 

by the proposed IBA. 

Conservation issues Some of the threats to the Piton management Area include the following: 

Non-native predators - especially small Indian mongoose; black, brown rats. 

Development - Pressures from tourism. 

Hurricanes - St. Lucia lies in the hurricane belt of the eastern Caribbean. 

Fires - The threat of fires is high in the dry season. The area has had a few fires in the past when fires lit by farmers 

or from persons camping in the area have escaped. 

Volcanic eruption - Since the Pitons are volcanic plugs of an extinct/dormant volcano, the threat of a volcanic 

eruption although remote cannot be ruled out. 




D. Point Sables National Park 

Photo: Mathew Morton/Durrell 

Point Sables National Park (60 O 55.92' W 13 O 40.70' N) covers an area of approximately 774 hectares in size and 

located along the south to southeast coast. Terrestrially it comprises of a narrow coastal strip and the Moule-a- 

Chique peninsula. The terrain is low to undulating, with the highest point being at Moule-a-Chique (223 metres), at 

the southern tip of St. Lucia. The marine area is proportionately larger, consisting of long sandy beaches, the 

Savannes Bay and Mankòtè Mangroves, Scorpion Island, the Maria Islands, and several coral reefs and nearshore 

islands. The vegetation is varied with a predominance of tropical dry forest. The area also includes several historical 

sites, including old fort sites, a lighthouse and a World War II-vintage radar tracking station. 

Ornithological information Several bird species have been recorded for the entire area. At least thirty-two species 

were observed at Savannes Bay during a study conducted by Robert L. Norton in 1989. A number of them were also 

recorded nesting among the mangrove and other ground vegetation. Some of those include Green-backed Heron 

(Green Heron) and Yellow-crowned Night Heron. Many migrants have also been recorded in the area, for example 

egrets, herons, kingfishers, warblers, ducks, and waders. The extreme northern end encompasses a swamp 

occupying an area of approximately 6 acres. This swamp is almost always flooded with water of slightly brackish 

nature partially fed by the ocean tides. It attracts several bird species almost throughout the year. Many species of 

ducks, herons, sand pipers, plovers, egrets, gallinules, rails and other shorebirds and waterfowl find a temporary 

place of sojourn at the pond. Many of these species are seasonal migrants. 


Red-billed Tropicbird Phaethon aethereus resident 2007 < 50 


Roseate Tern Sterna dougallii breeding 2007 50 - 100 

Bridled Tern Sterna anaethetus breeding 2007 250 - 500 

Sooty Tern Sterna fuscata breeding 2007 20,000-49,999 

Protection status Nature Reserves - Maria Islands. These sites were declared nature reserves in 1982. Marine 

Reserves - Anse Pointe Sable to Mankoté Mangrove, Savannes Bay Mangrove, Maria Islands' Reef - declared 

reserves in 1986; Reef from Ceasar Point to Mathurin Point - declared reserves in 1990. 

Conservation issues Several elements both individually and collectively pose considerable threats to the area. Some 

are natural occurrences while others are human induced. Those threats include: Natural disasters - The Island is 

prone to hurricanes and storms, and these events may have catastrophic effects on the natural resources of the area. 




Non-native predators - small Indian mongoose; black, brown rats. Charcoal production - The mangroves are 

situated within an area of rapid commercial development, and are subjected to several impacts. In the Mankoté end, 

harvesting for charcoal is undertaken by the Aupicon Charcoal Producers Group. However, indiscriminate 

harvesting of the mangrove by unauthorized persons is common and conflicts with the sustainable management 

approach used by the Aupicon group. Mining - Mining and quarrying activities nearby result in the discharge of 

chemicals and other industrial waste into the immediate environment. Pollution - Indiscriminate disposal of 

household garbage by nearby residents may cause pollution and further degradation to the resources. Unemployment 

- It is important to know the socioeconomic context in which the proposed management area will be located; 

unemployment and poverty levels in the immediate surroundings of any area with abundant harvestable natural 

resources can be an indicator of the threats and challenges its managers will face. Over ambitious investors - At the 

same time at the other end of the economic scale, the presence of investors flush with money may present threats 

and challenges of a more serious kind; construction of hotels, golf courses and piers on the shoreline in the name of 

eco-development has the potential to negatively impact or eliminate coastal ecosystems. Deforestation - 

Deforestation of upland areas may subsequently cause destruction to the coastal areas. These ecosystems are the 

primary habitat for fish (sea grass, mangroves and coral reefs) are being slowly degraded by the effects of 

deforestation in upland areas. Illegal Hunting - Illegal hunting of sea urchin harvesting for local consumption and 

export to Martinique is common. 

10. Annotated bibliography 

Anthony D. 1977 Inventory of Flora and fauna of Gros Piton, St. Lucia. World Wildlife Fund /USAID /ENCORE 

St. Lucia. 

Anthony D. 2005. Inventory of the Flora and Fauna of the Chassin/La Sorciere Area St. Lucia. St. Lucia Rain Forest 

Tram Inc. 

BirdLife International 2007 BirdLife's online World Bird Database: the site for bird conservation. Version 2.1. 

Cambridge, UK: BirdLife International. Available: http://www.birdlife.org 

Cox C. 1999. A rapid inventory of the Flora and Fauna of Petit Piton and the Ridge between the Pitons. St. Lucia 

World Heritage Committee. 

De Beauville, S. 2004. Lessons Learnt during the Development and Implementation of the Coastal Zone 

Management Project (2001-2), St. Lucia. Castries: Department of Fisheries. 

Espeut P., 2006. Opportunities for Sustainable Livelihoods in One Protected Area in Each of the Six Independent 

OECS Territories, for the OECS Protected Areas and Sustainable Livelihoods (OPAAL) Project OECS 

CONTRACT Number OECS/121/05 

Geoghagen, T. and A.H. Smith. 1998. Conservation and Sustainable Livelihoods: Collaborative Management of the 

Mankòtè Mangrove, St. Lucia. Vieux Fort: Caribbean Natural Resources Institute. Community Participation in 

Forest Management: Case Study Series 1 

Gonzales O. J., and Z. R. Donald. 1996. Tropical dry forest of St. Lucia West Indies: Vegetation and soil properties. 

Biotropica 28(4b): 618-626 

Howard, R. A., 1979. Flora of the Lesser Antilles - Windward and leeward islands Vols 1-4 Arnold Arboretum, 

Harvard University, Jamaica plain, Massachusetts 

Hudson L., Renard Y., and Romulus G. 1992. A System of Protected Areas for St. Lucia. Castries: St. Lucia 

National Trust, Castries 




Isaac C, L. Jn. Pierre and D. Anthony. 1990. A report on plant inventory ethnobotanical study and community 

resource use survey from Dennery Knob to Grande Anse in St. Lucia. St. Lucia National Trust. Castries St. Lucia. 

Jennings-Clark, S. and D'Auvergne, C., An Assessment of the Coastal Marine Habitats of Savannes Bay St. Lucia: 

mangroves, seagrass and reef, The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and the 

Environment, St. Lucia, 1990. 

Jn. Pierre L.L. 1988. Report on the Status of the Flora and Fauna of the area of the Proposed Piton National Trust. 

St. Lucia National Trust. 

Raffaele, H. Wiley J., Garrido, O., Keith A. and Raffaele J., 1998 A Guide to the Birds of the West Indies. Princeton 

University Press, Princeton New Jersey. 

St. Lucia Biodiversity Country Report of St. Lucia. Castries: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. 2000. 

St. Lucia Environmental Profile, 1991. 


Table 1. Waterbirds occurrence, distribution, habitat and population estimates in St Lucia. 

Family Species English Name Category 



(IUCN) 

Occurrence Season Habitat Population Estimate Distributrion In-country trends 

Anatidae Dendrocygna bicolor Fulvous Whistling-duck LC N N Aa North East Coast 

Anatidae Dendrocygna viduata White-faced Whistling- 

duck 

Anatidae Dendrocygna autumnalis Black-bellied 

Whistling-duck 

LC N N 

Anatidae Aix sponsa Wood Duck LC V N 

Anatidae Anas penelope Eurasian Wigeon LC N N 

LC N N Ab Government 

Forest Reserve, 

Mandele Dry 

Forest, North East 

Coast, Point 

Sables National 

Anatidae Anas americana American Wigeon LC N N Aa Point Sables 

ST. LUCIA REPORT_v0 13 

Park 

National Park 

Anatidae Anas discors Blue-winged Teal LC N N Ac North East Coast, 

Anatidae Anas clypeata Northern Shoveler LC N N 

Anatidae Anas bahamensis White-cheeked Pintail LC N N 

Anatidae Anas acuta Northern Pintail LC N N 

Anatidae Anas crecca Common Teal LC N Non- 

Point Sables 

National Park



Anatidae Anas crecca NR V N 

Anatidae Anas carolinensis NR N Non- 

Anatidae Aythya collaris Ring-necked Duck LC N N Government 

breeding 

breeding 

Anatidae Aythya affinis Lesser Scaup LC N N Aa 

Anatidae Lophodytes cucullatus Hooded Merganser LC N N 


Pitons 

Management Area 

Anatidae Nomonyx dominicus Masked Duck LC N N Aa North East Coast, 

Point Sables 

National Park 

Anatidae Oxyura jamaicensis Ruddy Duck LC N N Aa North East Coast 

Procellariidae Calonectris diomedea Cory's Shearwater LC N N 

Procellariidae Puffinus gravis Great Shearwater LC V N 

Procellariidae Puffinus griseus Sooty Shearwater NT V N 

Procellariidae Puffinus lherminieri Audubon's Shearwater LC N N 

Hydrobatidae Oceanodroma leucorhoa Leach's Storm-petrel LC N N 

Podicipedidae Podilymbus podiceps Pied-billed Grebe LC N N 

Phoenicopteridae Phoenicopterus ruber Caribbean Flamingo LC V N 

Threskiornithidae Plegadis falcinellus Glossy Ibis LC N N 




Threskiornithidae Platalea ajaja Roseate Spoonbill LC N N 

Ardeidae Botaurus lentiginosus American Bittern LC N N 

Ardeidae Ixobrychus exilis Least Bittern LC N N 

Ardeidae Nycticorax nycticorax Black-crowned Night- 

heron 

Ardeidae Nyctanassa violacea Yellow-crowned Night- 

heron 

Ardeidae Butorides striata Striated Heron LC N N 

LC N N Aa Point Sables 

National Park 

LC N N Aa Government 


Mandele Dry 


Coast, Pitons 

Managent Area, 

Point Sables 

National Park 

Ardeidae Butorides virescens Green Heron LC N N Ad Government 


Mandele Dry 


Coast, Pitons 


Point Sables 

National Park 




Ardeidae Bubulcus ibis Cattle Egret LC N N Ac Government 

Ardeidae Ardea cinerea Grey Heron LC N N 


Mandele Dry 


Coast, Pitons 


Point Sables 

National Park 

Ardeidae Ardea herodias Great Blue Heron LC N N Aa Government 


Point Sables 

National Park 

Ardeidae Casmerodius albus Great Egret LC N N Aa Point Sables 

Ardeidae Egretta rufescens Reddish Egret LC N N 

National Park 

Ardeidae Egretta tricolor Tricoloured Heron LC N N Aa Government 


Mandele Dry 


Coast, Pitons 


Point Sables 

National Park 




Ardeidae Egretta caerulea Little Blue Heron LC N N Ac Government 


Mandele Dry 


Coast, Pitons 


Point Sables 

National Park 

Ardeidae Egretta garzetta Little Egret LC N N Aa Point Sables 

National Park 

Ardeidae Egretta gularis Western Reef-egret LC N N Aa Point Sables 

National Park 

Ardeidae Egretta thula Snowy Egret LC N N Aa Point Sables 

National Park 

Phaethontidae Phaethon aethereus Red-billed Tropicbird LC N N Aa North East Coast, 

Phaethontidae Phaethon lepturus White-tailed Tropicbird LC N N 

Point Sables 

National Park 

Fregatidae Fregata magnificens Magnificent Frigatebird LC N N Ab Mandele Dry 

Pelecanidae Pelecanus occidentalis Brown Pelican LC N N 

Sulidae Sula dactylatra Masked Booby LC N N 


Coast, Pitons 

Management 

Area, Point Sables 

National Park 




Sulidae Sula sula Red-footed Booby LC N N 

Sulidae Sula leucogaster Brown Booby LC N N Ab North East Coast, 

Phalacrocoracidae Phalacrocorax brasilianus Neotropic Cormorant LC N N 

Phalacrocoracidae Phalacrocorax auritus Double-crested 

Cormorant 

LC N N 

Anhingidae Anhinga anhinga Anhinga LC V N 

Rallidae Rallus longirostris Clapper Rail LC N N 

Pitons 


Rallidae Porzana carolina Sora LC N N Aa Point Sables 

Rallidae Porphyrio martinica Purple Gallinule LC N N 

National Park 

Rallidae Gallinula chloropus Common Moorhen LC N N Ac North East Coast, 

Rallidae Fulica americana American Coot LC N N 

Rallidae Fulica caribaea Caribbean Coot NT V N 

Haematopodidae Haematopus palliatus American 

Oystercatcher 

Recurvirostridae Himantopus mexicanus Black-necked Stilt LC N N 

Recurvirostridae Recurvirostra americana American Avocet LC N N 

Charadriidae Vanellus vanellus Northern Lapwing LC N N 

Charadriidae Pluvialis dominica American Golden LC N N 

Point Sables 

National Park 

LC N N Aa North East Coast, 

Point Sables 

National Park 




Plover 

Charadriidae Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover LC N N 

Charadriidae Charadrius hiaticula Common Ringed 

Plover 

LC N N 

Charadriidae Charadrius semipalmatus Semipalmated Plover LC N N 

Charadriidae Charadrius wilsonia Wilson's Plover LC N N 

Charadriidae Charadrius vociferus Killdeer LC V N 

Charadriidae Charadrius alexandrinus Kentish Plover LC N N 

Charadriidae Charadrius collaris Collared Plover LC N N 

Scolopacidae Lymnocryptes minimus Jack Snipe LC N N 

Scolopacidae Gallinago gallinago Common Snipe LC N N Aa North East Coast, 

Scolopacidae Gallinago delicata NR N N 

Point Sables 

National Park 

Scolopacidae Limnodromus griseus Short-billed Dowitcher LC N N Aa Point Sables 

Scolopacidae Limosa haemastica Hudsonian Godwit LC V N 

Scolopacidae Limosa fedoa Marbled Godwit LC N N 

National Park 

Scolopacidae Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel LC N N Aa Point Sables 

Scolopacidae Bartramia longicauda Upland Sandpiper LC N N 

Scolopacidae Tringa erythropus Spotted Redshank LC N N 

National Park 




Scolopacidae Tringa melanoleuca Greater Yellowlegs LC N N Ac North East Coast, 

Point Sables 

National Park 

Scolopacidae Tringa flavipes Lesser Yellowlegs LC N N Ac North East Coast, 

Point Sables 

National Park 

Scolopacidae Tringa solitaria Solitary Sandpiper LC N N Ab Mandele Dry 

Scolopacidae Tringa glareola Wood Sandpiper LC N N 


Coast, Pitons 


Point Sables 

National Park 

Scolopacidae Actitis macularius Spotted Sandpiper LC N N Aa Mandele Dry 


Coast, Pitons 

Management 


National Park 

Scolopacidae Catoptrophorus semipalmatus Willet LC N N Aa Point Sables 

National Park 

Scolopacidae Arenaria interpres Ruddy Turnstone LC N N Ac North East Coast, 

Point Sables 

National Park 

Scolopacidae Calidris canutus Red Knot LC N N Aa Point Sables 

National Park 




Scolopacidae Calidris alba Sanderling LC N N Aa Point Sables 

Scolopacidae Calidris pusilla Semipalmated 

Sandpiper 

National Park 


National Park 

Scolopacidae Calidris mauri Western Sandpiper LC N N Ab North East Coast, 

Point Sables 

National Park 

Scolopacidae Calidris minutilla Least Sandpiper LC N N Ab North East Coast, 

Scolopacidae Calidris fuscicollis White-rumped 

Sandpiper 

Scolopacidae Calidris bairdii Baird's Sandpiper LC N N 

Point Sables 

National Park 


National Park 

Scolopacidae Calidris melanotos Pectoral Sandpiper LC N N Aa Point Sables 

Scolopacidae Calidris alpina Dunlin LC N N 

Scolopacidae Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper LC N N 

Scolopacidae Calidris himantopus Stilt Sandpiper LC N N Aa 

Scolopacidae Tryngites subruficollis Buff-breasted 

Sandpiper 

NT N Passage 

Scolopacidae Philomachus pugnax Ruff LC N N 

Scolopacidae Steganopus tricolor Wilson's Phalarope LC N N 

Laridae Larus delawarensis Ring-billed Gull LC N N 

National Park 


Laridae Larus marinus Great Black-backed 



Gull 

LC N N 

Laridae Larus argentatus Herring Gull LC N N 

Laridae Larus fuscus Lesser Black-backed 

Gull 

LC N N 

Laridae Larus ridibundus Black-headed Gull LC N N 

Laridae Larus philadelphia Bonaparte's Gull LC N N 

Laridae Larus atricilla Laughing Gull LC N N Pitons 

Laridae Rissa tridactyla Black-legged Kittiwake LC N N 

Laridae Sterna nilotica Gull-billed Tern LC N N 

Laridae Sterna caspia Caspian Tern LC V N 

Laridae Sterna maxima Royal Tern LC N N 


Laridae Sterna maxima Royal Tern LC Breeding Ab Mandele Dry 

Laridae Sterna sandvicensis Sandwich Tern LC N N 


Coast, Pitons 

Mannagement 


National Park 

Laridae Sterna dougallii Roseate Tern LC N Breeding Ab Point Sables 

Laridae Sterna hirundo Common Tern LC N N 

Laridae Sterna antillarum Least Tern LC N N 

National Park 

Laridae Sterna anaethetus Bridled Tern LC N N Ad North East Coast, 

Point Sables 




National Park 

Laridae Sterna fuscata Sooty Tern LC N N C Point Sables 

Laridae Chlidonias leucopterus White-winged Tern LC N N 

Laridae Chlidonias niger Black Tern LC N N 

National Park 

Laridae Anous stolidus Brown Noddy LC N N Ac North East Coast, 

Laridae Anous minutus Black Noddy LC N N 

Laridae Rynchops niger Black Skimmer LC N N 

Stercorariidae Catharacta skua Great Skua LC N N 

Stercorariidae Catharacta maccormicki South Polar Skua LC N N 

Stercorariidae Stercorarius pomarinus Pomarine Jaeger LC N N 

Stercorariidae Stercorarius parasiticus Parasitic Jaeger LC N N 

Stercorariidae Stercorarius longicaudus Long-tailed Jaeger LC N N 

Legend: 

The ranges are based on Wetlands International estimates: 

B: 10.000-25.000 

C: 25.000-100.000 

D: 100.000-1.000.000 

E: >1.000.000 

For numbers below 10.000: 

Point Sables 

National Park 


A.a 0-50 

A.b 50-100 

A.c 100-250 

A.d 250-500 

A.e 500-1000 

A.f 1000-5000 

A.g 5,000-10,000

St Lucia - BirdLife International

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