ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA Department of Environment

Terms of Reference Flora Biodiversity Assessment Expert

Job Title Flora Biodiversity Assessment Expert Contracting Department of Environment, Ministry of Health and the Environment, Antigua and Authority Barbuda Date of Issue July 1st 2021

Extended August 31st 2021 Deadline Duration 12 months To Apply Interested persons are invited to apply for this opportunity. Please email the Procurement Officer at [email protected] and copied to [email protected] and [email protected] the following: Request for Specific Consultancy Services 1. Cover Letter 2. Curriculum Vitae 3. Technical Proposal including methodology 4. Financial Proposal 5. Contact information for three (3) references Please use email subject line: “…Application for Flora Biodiversity Assessment Expert …” EQUAL The Department of Environment (DoE) provides equal opportunity and fair and EMPLOYME equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color, religion, NT sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual OPPORTUNI orientation. The DoE also strives to achieve equal employment opportunity in all TY (EEO) personnel operations through continuing diversity enhancement programs.

LATE BIDS Late Bids will not be opened and will be returned to Bidder.

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I. About the Department of Environment

The Department of Environment is a Government agency within the Ministry of Health and the Environment in the Government of Antigua and Barbuda. The overall mission of the Department of Environment (DOE) is to provide technical advice on the environment and to design and implement projects on behalf of the Government and the people of Antigua and Barbuda. These interventions are designed to protect and enhance the country's environment, as well as seek common solutions to national, regional and global environmental challenges. The Department of Environment accomplishes its mission inter alia through: • An integrated environmental planning and management system established on the basis of public participation and interagency collaboration, • Efficient implementation of appropriate programmes, projects and technical services, • Providing accurate council on environmental management as well as effective and consistent enforcement of environmental laws and regulations, and • Provide the public with easily accessible information and technical assistance on environmental issues. The Department of Environment manages projects within four main Programmes, which are aligned with national legislation and international environmental agreements. These are: 1. Climate Change Programme (Adaptation, Mitigation, and Capacity Building) 2. Biodiversity Programme 3. Pollution Programme 4. Monitoring, Evaluation and Data Management Programme The DOE has an active portfolio of projects, with project sizes ranging from USD 50K to USD 15 million, with an additional 15 projects under development. Partners of the DOE include UN Environment, UNDP, IUCN, Caribbean Development Bank, Government of Italy, Global Environment Facility, Green Climate Fund, the Adaptation Fund, among others. The DOE was accredited as a direct access entity to the Adaptation Fund in 2015 and to the Green Climate Fund in 2017. The DOE is focused on designing high-impact, transformational projects that maximise funding directly available to the public, private and civil society actors in order to meet an ambitious environmental agenda.

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II. About the Path to 2020 Project

The Path to 2020 Project aims to implement Objective 1 of Antigua and Barbuda’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2014 – 2025): A national system, including protected areas, for the management and conservation of biodiversity conservation is developed and established. By strengthening institutional coordination for protected areas, supporting legal frameworks, and blending local co-investment with international financing, this project will position Antigua and Barbuda to tap into global opportunities in conservation investments. The project will use innovative financing to enable the private sector and NGOs to participate in the management and sustainable use of protected areas.

The project has three main components: i. Strengthening regulations, institutions and financing mechanisms for the National Protected Areas System: In Antigua and Barbuda there are several agencies responsible for the declaration and protection of protected areas. This component will support the development and implementation of effective coordination systems for protected areas among the various Government agencies while effectively setting the baseline and enabling environment for the involvement of NGOs and the private sector. ii. Expansion of protected areas in support of species conservation: The proposed extension of the Shekerley Mountain area as a conservation investment zone would increase protection for biodiversity of global significance over 3,035 hectares, including the only remaining wet forest ecosystem (moist evergreen closed canopy forest) in the country, and a number of restricted-range bird species and the island's most rare fern species. iii. Pilot livelihood financing mechanisms that support conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and plant genetic resources in the newly designated Shekerley Mountain Management Area: This component of the project will use the SIRF Fund as the mechanism for channelling grants and structuring equity and other innovative microfinancing. This component is expected to raise significant financing from the private sector as co-financing for the overall project.

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III. About the Consultancy

a. Project Site

This consultancy is under Component 2 of the project.

The Shekerley Mountain region in southwestern Antigua extending from Boggy Peak to Midway Peak and Christian Valley is the study area and the focus of this Terms of Reference. The SMMA is located in the Southwest of the island of Antigua (17° 01′ N, 61° 52′ W), and is the area where Antigua‘s highest points are located as well as the island’s largest expanse of tropical forest (Figure 1, red boundary).

Figure 1: Map of approximate extent of the proposed Shekerley Mountain Management Area, proximity to local communities, and the boundaries of Boggy Peak National Park, the Dunnings Forest ecosystem, the Wallings Forest Key Biodiversity Area, and the Christian Valley Key Biodiversity Area

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b. Project Site Background

The Shekerley Mountains, located in the Southwest of the island of Antigua, extends from Boggy Peak to Midway Peak and Christian Valley (17° 01′ N, 61° 52′ W). They are one of the best examples of moist evergreen closed canopy forest on the island and harbour the last remaining tropical forest in the country (extensive forest cover on the southwest part of Antigua in Figure 1). The area has a tropical climate with June being the hottest month and January the coldest. Rainfall in the Southwest of the island can receive approximately 3 times as much rainfall as other parts of the island. The area is also subject to periodic hurricanes, which occur from June to November. Temperature varies little throughout the year, with daytime temperatures between 25°-29° C usually dropping to around 6° C at night. The temperature and climate are moderated by near constant on-shore breezes. Due to year-round high temperatures and nearly constant winds, the evapotranspiration rate in the region is generally high. The Mountains also support subsistence livelihoods of communities with approximately 7,000+ people living in St. Mary’s parish on the southwest coast (https://statistics.gov.ag).

The project will establish a new Protected Area in the form of the Shekerley Mountain Management Area (SMMA) (estimated 3,035 hectares). The southwest area of Antigua (including the Shekerley Mountains) contains the majority of the areas on the island designated for use as Forest and Environmental Protection. The SMMA is an important but complex landscape surrounded by a number of different villages (see figure 2). The area encompasses other protected areas, forest reserves, two of Antigua and Barbuda’s ten Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs), two International Birding Areas (IBA’s) in the country, watershed management zones, agricultural land, crown land and privately owned plots (Figure 2). The SMMA is home to several important flora and fauna including Antigua’s only endemic bird, the Broad-winged Hawk (B. platypterus insulicola) where it nests in the tall trees and rocky cliffs of the region. It partially comprises three major watersheds on the island: Christian Valley, Cades Bay and Body Ponds. In addition to its natural value, the SMMA has immense historic and cultural value as a place of refuge for escaping Maroon slaves, home to several Amerindian historic sites, outstanding megaliths, and ancient reservoirs.

The SMMA also encompasses the proposed Boggy Peak National Park (1,039 hectares) (IUCN Category II), covering a little over a third of the SMMA’s entire area. The BPNP contains a significant proportion of Christian Valley within its boundary, the aforementioned species, as well as other important flora and fauna such as the Antigua Dwarf Gecko (S. elegantulus). In addition to housing the highest peak in Antigua, the boggy peak (402 meters above sea level), BPNP has outstanding scenery and genetic material for about 28 species of mangoes, and the famous Antiguan black pineapple.

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Figure 2: Land Cover Map of the Proposed Shekerley Mountain Management Area including Key Biodiversity Areas

The Dunnings Forest Ecosystem was proposed as a flagship Habitat/ Species Management Area in A&B’s Fourth National Report to the CBD, for its broad spectrum of Antiguan agro- biodiversity, but also its high biodiversity and agricultural biodiversity. The proposed area spans 55 hectares, with a wide and open valley and peaks, as well as an important freshwater catchment area hosting the Dunnings Dam. However this forest ecosystem has declined over the years resulting in the removal of the Dunnings Dam Forest. The Dunnings area is also currently under threat from quarrying.

6 Separating Dunnings from nearby Christian Valley is the Ark-shaped Rock Peak, home to seasonal woodland, cactus scrub and rocky cliffs populated with bromeliads and vine cactus plants, including Hylocereus spp. The Night Blooming Cacti and rare wild orchids, such as the Yellow Dancing Lady (Tolumnia urophylla), endemic to the lesser Antilles, the rare fan palm, Coccothrinax barbadensis and some of the island's most rare ferns are found there. This part of SMMA is largely unexplored but is thought to have one of the highest fern diversities on the island.

Green Castle Hill (172 metres above sea level), a National Park, is situated on the northern fringe of the volcanic highlands and the Central Plain Formation of Antigua. A small proportion of this park lies within the SMMA boundary. Green Castle is an area of great historical and cultural importance, with its ancient standing rock formation known as “megaliths” the area is often referred to as the Caribbean Stonehenge.

IV. Flora in the Sherkeley Mountain Range1 The vegetation of the Shekerley Mountain range is dominated by a mixture of evergreen and deciduous-evergreen forest, lower montane forest within the wetter valleys and sheltered slopes, and drier slopes consisting mostly of woodlands. The lower montane forests, which are comparable to rainforest, are not well formed and exist only in small patches (<0.5 hectares) throughout the Shekerley Mountains. These areas host the richest plant communities on the island and mature areas (which mostly remain only within the Shekerley range) provide habitat for the growth of rare forest species including orchids and ferns.

In total, 16 different types of vegetation communities have been described in this area (See Appendix A2), in addition to other land uses/types (farming, ponds, gardens, commercial and urban areas). It is thought that between 700-1000 plant species occur here,247 of which are considered rare Among the species found in this region are rare moist forest species, inclusive of orchids and ferns (Kevel Lindsay, 2011).

There are five main vegetation types, comprising at least 13 vegetation communities, occurring throughout the SMMA. These are-:

1. Lower montane Lower Montane forest tends to be found in wetter, more sheltered valleys and steeper slopes. Its known for its forest giants such as S. foetidissimum, Ficus spp., C. pentandra, R. oleracea, and S, caribaeum. Other species occurring mid story are rare species of Myrtaceae and Piperaceae, Ormosia monosperma, and Ficus spp. Ground cover may include rare ferns, many vines, orchids and Heliconia spp.

2. Evergreen Forest Typically occurs in small patches at elevation above 150m. It comprises scattered Ficus citrifolia, Ceiba pentandra and Roystonea oleracea. Its canopy is approximately greater than 20m with a mid-level understory from 2-5m. Abundant lianas, epiphytes bromeliads and ferns can typically be found in this forest type. In areas prone to floods, the understory is usually sparse with less liana. It can also occur within seasonal forest patches. Evergreen forest is widespread throughout the SMMA occurring at Christian Valley, the western slopes of Mount Obama, Wallings area, Fig

7 Tree Drive, the upper parts of the ghaut draining into Rendezvous, and steep ghauts on the north side of Signal Hill.

3. Mixed evergreen and deciduous A forest comprising a variety of different species and differing communities. It tends to occur in drier areas than the evergreen forests. Acacia spp. dominated vegetation is the most widespread of this forest type across the SMMA. It contains a mixture of trees and shrubs with the tallest trees usually reaching about 5-10 meters. Although there is no defined canopy occasionally T. heterophylla and P. subcordata or other species, may emerge. It tends to be a secondary vegetation reflecting succession on land previously used for sugar cultivation, livestock or crop farming among other land uses.

4. Mixed shrubland Small patches of mixed shrubland are widespread across the areas. Often these areas are mixed with trees, the ratio of trees: shurbs depends on the level of human disturbance.

5. Grassland Most areas of grassland in the SMMA are not natural and are typically maintained through grazing and fire. The most common grassland species in the SMMA is the invasive Lemon grass Cymbopogon citratus which tends to be quite widespread throughout.

Species of concern There are 103 plant species known to occur in the area that could be locally extinct, near extinct or rare since that have not been recorded in the past 25-100 years. However, their occurrence and status in the SMMA is unknown, these species are of potential concern, but the extent of which cannot be determined until further studies are carried on the vegetation in the area. Other species of concern include all native ferns and their allies as well as all native orchids. In the 2011 survey, two additional orchids were found, Bletia cf. patula, and Polystachya cf. concreta further highlighting the need for more Botanical studies in the area.

1 SWW Terrestrial Field Characteristics and Assessments report. Accessed June 2021: http://www.irf.org/wp- content/uploads/2015/10/SouthwestWatershedTerrestrial_Characterisation_Antigua_2011.pdf

V. Related biodiversity outputs being achieved by the project to date:

I. The project has produced a literature review and assessment report on the flora and fauna in the proposed SMMA based on previous studies. This document will be provided.

II. The project is currently working on a bat management plan for the proposed SMMA. The document is in draft stage and will be provided. One of the outputs of the project

8 is to establish the current population and distribution of bats within this area. Officers at the DOE, the Forestry Unit and relevant stakeholders are being trained in acoustic bat monitoring and a pilot monitoring exercise is taking place at 5 locations in the proposed protected area.

III. The project has initiated a national level biodiversity gap analysis (to identify species for the update of Schedule VIII – List of Protected Wildlife in the Environmental Protection and Management Act 2019, identify the coverage provided by existing PAs to critical ecosystems/species, and identify additional areas to be protected. The draft document will be provided.

IV. In partnership with the LIFEPLAN project and the American University of Antigua The DOE is conducting an extensive biodiversity assessment of the Wallings Forest Area over a two year period. The LIFEPLAN project is aiming to serve as an international database of biodiversity data and is being coordinated by the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU). See link for more information: https://www2.helsinki.fi/en/projects/lifeplan/instructions. Monitoring equipment being used include five camera traps, five audio recorders and one malaise trap. A cyclone sampler will be used at a later date. Monitoring started in June 2021 and there has been collection of some data which can be made available.

VI. Objective of Consultancy

The objective of this consultancy is to conduct a biodiversity assessment of the flora in the Shekerley Mountain area in order to: a. generate information needed to determine the boundaries of this proposed protected area b. to establish a baseline from which to assess and monitor threats and manage biodiversity and ecosystem services. The Department of the Environment is therefore inviting suitably qualified consultants to submit proposals for a consultancy to undertake a biodiversity assessment of the flora in the Shekerley Mountain Area.

VII. Scope of Work

The Consultant, in conjunction with technical support from the Department of Environment, will be expected to conduct a biodiversity assessment of the flora in the project site (see Figure 1) to cover all the activities necessary to accomplish the stated objective of the consultancy including but not limited to the following :

9 a) Result 1: Training of staff of the Biodiversity Section and the Data Management Unit (DMU) of the Department of Environment in conducting biodiversity assessments b) Result 2: Preparation of a training manual on the relevant methods/techniques based on the training conducted. c) Result 3: Identification and description of all terrestrial forest ecosystems, vegetation types and forest communities, and also identifying the associated threats to the ecosystems, including current and potential climate change impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning d) Result 4: The conduct of field surveys of terrestrial flora to assess the conditions across the project area: a. Determination of the current status of species -- threatened, endangered, Red Listed, invasive or otherwise and provide management interventions and implementation mechanisms for addressing them b. Identification of all regionally and locally endemic species c. Determination of the relative abundance and distribution for the critically endangered and endangered flora species listed in the Appendix document entitled “List of Endangered Plants in Antigua” for the SMMA. The use of GPS devices should be used to document the location of clusters of these species using the GPS coordinates. GPS devices can be provided through the DMU. e) Result 5: Development of datasets and maps of vegetation community associations as per appendix A2 f) Result 6: Development of monitoring protocols for medium to long term monitoring of endangered flora species and indicator species that point to ecosystem health

Note: All data generated will be inputted into the Environmental Information Management and Information System (EIMAS). The EIMAS is an environmental GIS database established under the Environmental Protection and Management Act (EPMA), 2015. The EIMAS is envisioned to be a functional comprehensive environmental data repository managed by the Department of Environment with provisions for private, public and NGO access.

VIII. Deliverables

The Consultant will provide the following outputs: Output 1: Inception Report and Workplan: The Consultant will need to prepare a detailed work plan and schedule outlining, the schedule, inclusive of milestones of the consultancy and any contingencies for adapting to changing conditions. The purpose of the inception report includes: i. methodology for the conduct of all activities within the scope of work, ii. determine roles and responsibilities, iii. identify prelim background information and datasets for the project site v. discuss and finalise the work plan and schedule.

Output 2: Conduct of training sessions and preparation of a training manual on the relevant methods/techniques based on the training conducted: Conduct virtual/in person training sessions

10 to build the capacity of staff in the Biodiversity Section and the Data Management Unit (DMU) of the Department of Environment in conducting biodiversity assessments under this consultancy. Participants are to be identified by the DOE. An overall report of the training sessions is to be prepared.

Output 3: Preparation of a training manual on the relevant methods/techniques based on the training conducted. The preparation of a manual for use by the DOE should be prepared in parallel to conducting the biodiversity assessment. The purpose of the manual would be to train any new officers in the method(s) and steps on how to conduct any future assessments of this nature.

Output 4: Conduct of field surveys and preparation of the final report on the Biodiversity Assessment: To build the local capacity, identified officers of the DOE will accompany the consultant on field visits and observe data collection, preparation of survey instruments, data entry and analysis. The draft report should be prepared first and the final report should incorporate any comments received from the DOE and stakeholders. The findings in the report should be based on the fieldwork done and should include:

a) Description of area b) Methodology c) Identification and description of all terrestrial forest ecosystems, vegetation types and forest communities, and also identifying the associated threats to the ecosystems, including current and potential climate change impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning d) The current status of species -- threatened, endangered, Red Listed, invasive or otherwise and provide management interventions and implementation mechanisms for addressing them e) Identification of all regionally and locally endemic species f) Determination of the relative abundance and distribution for the critically endangered and endangered flora species listed in the Appendix document entitled “List of Endangered Plants in Antigua” for the SMMA g) Datasets and maps of the distribution of critically endangered and endangered flora species and vegetation community associations as per Appendix A2 h) monitoring protocols for medium to long term monitoring of endangered flora species and indicator species that point to ecosystem health

Please note that the aforementioned literature review and assessment report on the flora and fauna in the proposed SMMA was only based on past studies and not recent fieldwork.

11 IX. Reporting Requirement Under the general supervision of the Project Coordinator, the consultant will be contracted to undertake and complete the specified activities, outlined in Section 3 – Scope of Work and Section 4- Deliverables. Fourteen (14) working days after the contract or agreement has been signed by the Consultant and the Department of Environment (DoE), the Consultant will submit the final Inception report inclusive of a detailed Work Plan, inclusive of timelines for the submission of monthly and final reports. Within thirty (30) working days of completing the specified scope of work, the Consultant will prepare and submit to the DoE, a Final Report. The Final Report should be submitted electronically to the Project Coordinator in Microsoft Word. The Final Report should also be accompanied by a signed invoice in the amount claimed by the consultant and Workplan in Eastern Caribbean Dollars. The invoice should include full banking instructions in order to facilitate wire transfer of funds by DoE.

X. Duration

The assignment should not exceed a total of twelve (12) months for the Consultant.

XI. Required Qualifications and Experience

Essential qualifications • Post graduate degree in Biology, Ecology, Forest Management, Natural resource management or any related field. • At least three (3) years’ experience conducting biodiversity assessments, with a focus on flora surveys. • Knowledge of Caribbean flora • At least three (3) years’ experience in GIS • Must have a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and be able to work well with others in a team setting. • Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion when handling confidential situations or materials • Demonstrate research, statistical, and analytical skills with ability to recall, retrieve, and communicate detailed information quickly, accurately, and clearly both verbally and in writing • Ability to identify strategic issues, opportunities and risks and communicate broad and compelling organizational direction; • Ability to work effectively under the pressure of specific timelines and deadlines. • Advanced MS Office skills

12 XII. Evaluation Criteria

The evaluation criteria and weightings that will be applied to this TOR are as follows:

Category Description Weighting 1 Qualifications of Consultant and availability of named 25 individuals including national experts 2 Adherence to TOR specifications and related 35 requirements: Clear understanding of required deliverables 3 Experience with similar work in Antigua and Barbuda: 25 Familiarity with Caribbean flora 4 Demonstrated track record of success, supported by 15 references Total 100

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XIII. Appendix

A.1 Table 1: List of Endangered Plant Species in Antigua

Scientific Name Common Name Status in Antigua Origin Distribution Important Notes Greater and Lesser Antilles; rare in Antigua, only so far Pyramid Regional recorded at Sawcolts Adiantum pyramidale Maidenhair Fern Endangered Endemic and Christian Valley Endemic to Lesser Miller Dagger, Regional Antilles; widespread in Agave karatto Century Plant Vulnerable Endemic Antigua Endemic to Lesser Antilles; uncommon in Antigua, Body Ponds, Hamiltons, lower slopes Regional of the Shekerley Furcraea tuberosa Endangered Endemic Mountains Native of Greater and Lesser Antilles; widespread in Antigua, especially Sugar Loaf Regional and the Shekerley Anthurium grandifolium Vulnerable Endemic Mountains Native of Trinidad and Tobago, Lesser Antilles; in Antigua recorded at Shekerley Regional Mountains and Body Monstera adansonii Schott Monstera Vulnerable Endemic Ponds Endemic to Lesser Critically Regional Antilles; rare in Acrocomia aculeata Macaw Palm Endangered Endemic Antigua, recorded at

14 Shekerley Mountains and Body Ponds Endemic to Lesser Antilles; rare in Antigua, recorded at Regional Shekerley Mountains Coccothrinax barbadensis Palmetto Palm Vulnerable Endemic and in Barbuda Endemic to Lesser Antilles; locally uncommon in the wild, recorded at Shekerley The palm is similar to Regional Mountains and Body Roystonea regia which is Roystonea oleracea Cabbage Palm Vulnerable Endemic Ponds normally cultivated Endemic to Lesser Antilles; rare in Regional Antigua, recorded at Vriesea guadalupensis Endangered Endemic Shekerley Mountains Rare. In Antigua at Body Ponds and Boggy Winged Bog Peak. A neotropical Habenaria alata Orchid Vulnerable Neo Tropics species Common. In Antigua, found throughout the Shekerley Mountains, Signal Hill, Nonsuch, coastal woodland on the north east coast and Dockyard. In Barbuda, found occasionally at Palmetto and the interior woodlands. Yellow Dancing Regional Restricted to the Lesster Tolumnia urophylla Lady Vulnerable Endemic Antilles Occasion blunt prickles are Regional Endemic to Lesser found on this species at the Smilax guianensis Vulnerable Endemic Antilles; in Antigua base of the stem.

15 recorded at the Shekerley Mountains Greater and Lesser Antilles from Jamaica east and south to the Grenadines. Infrequent in the Nelson's Dockyard National Regional Park, Fitches Creek and Oplonia microphylla Vulnerable Endemic occasionally elsewhere Greater and Lesser Antilles; fairly widely distributed in Antigua: e.g. Morris Looby, Tabernaemontana Regional Sugar Loaf, Seaforths, This Species is IUCN red citrifolia Milky Bush Vulnerable Endemic Doigs listed Greater and Lesser Antilles, the Bahamas. In Antigua at Long Island and undisturbed coastal areas, especially Regional on the north-eastern Ambrosia hispida Endangered Endemic coast Tropical America, Monsterrat, La Desirade, Guadeloupe and St Eustatius. In Antigua at Rooms, Regional Willikies, Ayers Creek Chromolaena sinuata Vulnerable Endemic and Gaynors The Greater Antilles, Monsterrat, Guadeloupe, La Desirade and Saba. Regional Common on Barbuda at Gundlachia corybosa Yam Bush Vulnerable Endemic Palmetto Point, North

16 Beach and Goat Island and at Two Foot Bay along the east coast

West Indies. Occasional in Antigua and Barbuda; Regional Barbuda, north beaches, Argusia gnaphalodes Sea Lavender Vulnerable Endemic Soldier Point Lesser Antilles; Uncommon in Antigua and Barbuda; Nelson's Dockyard National Regional park, Morris Looby, Fig Cordia cf. reticulata Vulnerable Endemic Tree Hill, Wallings Lesser Antilles; Uncommon in Antigua and Barbuda; Nelson's Dockyard National Regional park, Morris Looby, Fig Cordia sebestena Geranium Tree Endangered Endemic Tree Hill, Wallings May be confused with other small spiny shrubs, Oplonia microphylla, Greater and Lesser Catebaea melanocarpa, Antilles; In Antigua, Clerodendrum aculeatum, found in the Nelson's but these species all have Dockyard National paired sppines rather than Regional Park, Black Ghaut, single ones as for this Rochefortia acanthophora Vulnerable Endemic Guinea Bush species. Greater and Lesser Antilles; rare in Antigua, so far only Tournefortia cf. Regional recorded at Fig Tree Species is very similar to hirsutissima Vulnerable Endemic Drive Tournefortia bicolor

17 Native of Greater and Lesser Antilles; rare in Antigua, but recorded on the East Coast and in the Nelson's dockyard National Park, in Regional Barbuda on the North Mammillaria nivosa Endangered Endemic beaches. Native of Greater and Lesser Antilles: Widespread, but increasingly rare in Antigua, recorded at Nelson's Dockyard National Park, Signal Regional Hill and near Barbuda's Melocactus intortus Turks Cap Cactus Endangered Endemic north beaches Endemic to Lesser Antiilles: Rare in Regional Antigua, but recorded in Species closely resembles Opuntia cf. curassavica Endangered Endemic the National Park O.triacantha. Native of Greater and Lesser Antilles. Rare in the wild in Antigua, Regional recorded on Long Opuntia rubescens Tree Opuntia Endangered Endemic Island. Native of Greater and Critically Regional Lesser Antilles; Rare in Rhipsalis baccifera Endangered Endemic Antigua, Monteros. Greater and Lesser Antilles: Locally uncommon, but found on Barbuda, north beach Critically Regional and in Antigua near Calophyllum calaba Endangered Endemic Bendals.

18 Puerto Rico, Lesser Antilles. Locally Regional uncommon, at Sugar Ipomoea repanda Vulnerable Endemic Loaf Puerto Rico, Virgin Regional Islands, Lesser Antilles. Jacquemontia solanifolia Vulnerable Endemic Locally at Sugar Loaf West Indies; locally at Regional Claremont, Fig Tree Cayaponia americana Wild Pumpkin Vulnerable Endemic Drive, Wallings Bahamas, Puerto Rico and the Lesser Antilles. Locally at Palmetto Regional Point and Black Ghaut Chamaesyce articulata Milk Shrub Vulnerable Endemic Hills This hybrid resembles both C. ciliata and C bonduc. The seeds are a mixture of gray, brown and intermediate colours, the inflorescences have bracts intermediate between the two. The stem prickles and Caesalpinia ciliata x Warri Bush - Critically bracts resemble C. ciliata. bondue Hybrid Endangered Antigua Near Black Ghaut This Endemic to the Lesser Antilles; locally found in the Shekerley Regional Mountains and Fig Tree Sapium caribaeum Milk Tree Endangered Endemic Drive Critically Only known in Mount Lonchocarpus violaceus White Lancepod Endangered Antigua Obama / Boggy Peak

19 Greatter and Lesser Antilles; locally at Sugar Loaf, Ayers Creek and the Shekerley Regional Mountains, Forest on Acacia muricata Spineless Wattle Vulnerable Endemic Stones Lesser Antilees; In Antigua, uncommon but Psittacanthus Regional found in the Shekerley martinicensis Man 'pon Tree Endangered Endemic Mountains Although most species in this genus have T-shaped hairs on the underside of Endemic to the West the bade, this is the only Indies. National Park, species which imparts a Regional Guinea Bush, Doigs and noticeable itchiness when Malpighia linearis Stinging Cherry Vulnerable Endemic Guiana island rubbed on the skin Endemic to the Lesser Hybrids seem to exist Regional Antilles. National Park, which makes identification Malpighiamartinicensis Wild Cherry Endangered Endemic Doigs. difficult Endemic to Lesser Antilles; rare in Critically Regional Antigua, recorded in Sterculia caribaea Wild Mahot Endangered Endemic body ponds Endemic to Lesser Regional Antilles; In Antigua, Tetrazygia angustifolia Broomwood Vulnerable Endemic Mount Obama West Indies, Suriman; locally widespread in the Shekerley Mountains, the Forest Regional on Stones, Body Ponds, Pimenta racemosa Bay Leaf Vulnerable Endemic Brecknocks, Hamiltons.

20 Eastern Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, northern Lesser Antilles; locally in Barbuda at Palmetto Point. Low Bay, the Psidium longipes var. Regional northern beaches and in orbiculare Mangrove Berry Vulnerable Endemic Antigua at Rooms Probably endemic to the West Indies although a similar species is reported in Venezuela. Found predominantly in the Forest on Stones and Regional rarely in the Shekerley Ouratea guildingii Endangered Endemic Mountains Found in Barbuda. Regional Reocrded in Long Ziziphus reticulata Vulnerable Endemic Island Puerto Rico, Lesser Antilles, Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao; locally in Rooms, Black Regional Ghaut Hills, Rabbit Antirhea acutata Mutton Polly Endangered Endemic Island in Barbuda. Rare in Puerto Rico, St Croix, Guadeloupe; locally found in the Nelson's Dockyard National Park, Doigs, Black Ghaut Hills, Regional Guinea Bush, Morris Catesbaea melanocarpa Urban Blackberry Endangered Endemic Looby A rare neotropical Critically Regional species; locally found in Catesbaea cf. parviflora Endangered Endemic Black Ghaut Hills

21 Greater and Lesser Antilles; Locally at Doigs, Forest on Stones, Regional Sugar Loaf, Black Zanthoxylum cf. punctatum Ramgoat Vulnerable Endemic Ghaut. Hispaniola, Puerto Rico, Lesser Antilles. Antigua in the Regional Shekerley Mountains, Brunfelsia americana Lady of the Night Vulnerable Endemic Forest on Stones Cuba, Hispaniola, Trinidad, Lesser Antilles. Inn Antigua Regional the shrub is uncommon, Lycium americanum Vulnerable Endemic in Rooms. This species is similar to Jacquinia arborea, but is Greater and Lesser more compact and with Antilles; In Antigua so smaller leaves; the few Regional far recorded only at flowers and smaller fruit jacquinia berterii Endangered Endemic Pearns. are more pendulous. Greater Antilles, St Martin, St Barts. Locally rare - found on Regional Barbuda's North Coast Cissus obovata Endangered Endemic and Sugar Loaf West Indies; uncommon in Antigua & Barbuda; Regional Forest on Stones, Sugar Ardisia obovata Endangered Endemic Loaf, Fig Tree Hill

22 A.2. List of vegetation communities, occurring throughout the Shekerley Mountain Area

• Acacia spp. Mixed Evergreen-Deciduous Community: This formation is dominated by Acacia spp. It contains a mixture of trees and shrubs, the ratio of which depends in part on the type and timing of human disturbance. The tallest trees usually reach a height of about 5-10 meters. There is no defined canopy, though there may be an occasional emergent, usually of T. heterophylla and P. subcordata. The density of trees and shrubs is typically high, but varies considerably. The community is secondary in nature, which reflects succession on unmanaged pasture land (previously sugar cultivation, livestock or crop farming). • Acacia spp.-Caesalpinia coriaria-Haematoxylon campechianum-Leucaena leucocephala Community: This formation is similar to the above but it is dominated primarily by Haematoxylon, Acacia and Leucaena spp..Distribution is also somewhat similar to the above. • Coccoloba pubescens-Eugenia spp. Community: This community appears as drier “islands” within wetter forests, because of greater exposure to drying winds or location within rain shadows. May have emergents of Ceiba pentandra, Hura crepitans or Spondias mombin; canopy may reach heights of up to about 20 meters, but generally reaches less than this in wetter locations. In the past, much of the understory often was as a result of coppicing, as wattle and charcoal cutters harvested the poles. • Cymbopogon citratus Grassland with Broad-leaved Evergreen Tree: This community is virtually monospecific stands of the introduced grass, C. citratus, locally called Fever Grass, Citronella or Lemon Grass. This community occurs in patches and swathes throughout the area, ranging from a few meters in size to hectares. It is maintained by fires that are deliberately set by wood cutters and livestock to gain access to the forest, to get rid of weeds and problem plants, and to promote the growth of young palatable shoots. • Ficus citrifolia-Ceiba pentandra-Roystonea oleracea Community: Scattered canopy emergents of Ficus citrifolia, Ceiba pentandra and Roystonea oleracea; 20m plus canopy; mid-level understory from 2-5m is discernible; abundant lianas, often climbing to canopy; abundant epiphytes, bromeliads and a few ferns. The canopy species include: Sideroxylon foetidissimum, Clusia sp., Lonchocarpus violaceus, Cordia spp., Chionanthus compacta, Mangifera indica, Hymanea courbaril, Ficus citrifolia, Ocotea and other members of the Lauraceae. The mid- level understory species include: Zanthoxylum martinicense, Guettarda scabra, Eugenia spp., Inga laurina, Tabernaemontana citrifolia, Picramnia pentandra, Daphnopsis americana, Chrysophyllum argenteum, Psychotria nivosa, and several species in the Melastomataceae. Lianas and climbing epiphytic species include: Acacia retusa, Macfadyena unguis-cati, Pereskia aculeata, Philodendron giganteum and Hylocereus trigonus. In areas prone to floods, the understory is usually sparse with less liana. It can also occur within seasonal forest patches. Evergreen forest is widespread throughout the SMMA occurring at Christian Valley, the western slopes of Boggy Peak, Wallings area, Fig Tree Drive, the upper parts of the ghaut draining into Rendezvous, and steep ghauts on the north side of Signal Hill. • Lower Montane Community: Lower Montane forest tends to be found in wetter, more sheltered valleys and steeper slopes. Its known for its emergents such as S. foetidissimum, Ficus spp., C. pentandra, R. oleracea, and S, caribaeum. Other species occurring mid story are rare species of Myrtaceae and Piperaceae, Ormosia monosperma, and Ficus spp. Ground cover may include rare ferns, many vines, orchids and Heliconia spp. • Melocactus intortus-Jacquinia arborea Succulent-Facultatively Dwarf-Shrubland Community: A community of scattered cacti, short shrubs and trees. There is usually considerable bare ground and weathered “pavement” (often limestone), with a thin covering of soil that often is inadequate for normal root development. It is restricted to cliffs exposed to high winds and thin soils thus limiting the growth of trees and shrubs.

23 The species may include Mammillaria nivosa, Melocactus intortus, Opuntia spp., Croton astroites, Phyllanthus epiphyllanthus, Jacquinia arborea, Lantana spp., Chamaecrista glandulosa var. swartzii, Castela erecta, Pithecellobium unguis-cati, Pilosocereus royenii, Agave karatto and Talinum fruticosum. • Pasture: Acacia spp. Mixed Evergreen-Drought Deciduous Shrubland: This community contains a mixture of trees and shrubs, with the ratio depending in part on the type and timing of human disturbance. Heights generally to 5 m, but can reach to 10 m; no defined canopy. The density of trees and shrubs is typically high, but varies considerably. It is secondary in nature and reflects the succession on unmanaged pasture land (much of the pasture land was preceded by sugarcane cultivation). The tree and shrub species may include Acacia spp., Pithecellobium unguis-cati, Prosopis juliflora, Haematoxylon campechianum, Pilosocereus royenii, Pisonia aculeata, C. flexuosa, Leucaena leucocephala, Albizzia lebbek, Lantana camara, Psidium guajava and Pluchea carolinensis. Grass and forb species may include Dichanthium aristatum, Trimezia martinicensis, Waltheria indica, Stylosanthes hamata, Chamaesyce hirta, Crotalaria spp., Mimosa pudica, Neptunia spp., Desmodium spp., Stachytarpetha jamaicensis, and others. • Pisonia subcordata-Bourreria succulenta Mixed Evergreen-deciduous Community: This community is a two-storied forest with occasional emergents of B. simaruba and T. heterophylla above a 6-12 meter canopy. The trees are usually slender-stemmed, less than 15-20 cm, though emergents may be larger. The understory usually consists of dense, fairly impenetrable thickets, in part because of the extensive vines, including Stigmaphyllon and legume species, which is characteristic of this community. It occurs in dry areas and areas with shallow soils. • Sparsely Vegetated Rock & Cliffs Community: This formation is characterised by having about 15-10% or less of its area covered by plants. It is found as bare high up on cliffs and exposed areas of little or no soils and along the coast. Species include grasses, orchids and bromeliads. • Tabebuia heterophylla-Pisonia subcordata Mixed Evergreen-Deciduous Community: This is a two-storied forest community with occasional emergents of Ficus citrifolia, Bursera simaruba and Tabebuia heterophylla above a 10-15m canopy; there is usually a dense understory.

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