Highlands

A(i)Site contains one or more globally threatened species, B(ii)Site contains an exceptional number of species of high conservation importance, B(iii)Site contains an exceptional number of socially, economically or culturally valuable species

This site qualifies as a TIPA under criterion A(i), as it is estimated to support more than 5% of the national population of the threatened endemic shrub Argythamnia argentea. It is estimated that more than 1% of the global population of the threatened endemic Spermacoce capillaris occurs here, alongside more than 1% of the global populations and more than 5% of the national population of Spermacoce brittonii. It is also one of the five best sites for the threatened trees Guaiacum officinale and Zanthoxylum flavum. This site supports at least 11 species (more than or equal to 20%) from the list of species of high conservation importance, meeting the threshold for B(ii). Criterion B(iii) is also met with at least 24 species (more than or equal to 15%) of social, economic or cultural importance occurring here.

This TIPA encompasses the eastern side of South Caicos, specifically the south-eastern area known as the Highlands and the Valley. It is bounded by the coast to the east, by the salina to the west and the road south of the airport to the north. It also extends through the entire peninsula area.

Six globally threatened species can be found at this site: Spermacoce capillaris, Spermacoce brittonii, Guaiacum officinale, Zanthoxylum flavum, Encyclia caicensis and Argythamnia argentea. Several more Lucayan endemic species such as Metastelma inaguense, Encyclia inaguensis, Varronia lucayana and an unusual, yellow-flowered form of Euphorbia gymnonota. An endemic natural cactus hybrid Lucayan pear cactus Opuntia xlucayana has also been recorded from this area, the only known individual in the wild. An unidentified species of mistletoe Dendropemon sp. has been recorded from the Jerry Camp area on the peninsula. Further work is needed to establish if it represents a new species.

This site consists mainly of scrub and coastal scrub, with herbaceous dunes along the coast and pockets of coastal coppice. The scrub is not a continuous habitat, as it forms numerous tightly woven patches separated by road and ‘donkey paths/trails’. To the north of the site is a large area of palustrine marsh, one of the key habitat types for Spermacoce capillaris and species of high conservation importance such as Euphorbia gymnonota. To the East a 10m ridge places a barrier to the prevailing winds.

Much of this area is of high interest for development. Some plant species are at risk of harvesting – in particular Coccothrinax inaguensis which is traditionally cut locally for decorations.

Assessed by:

Bryan Naqqi Manco, Department for Environment and Coastal Resources, Turks and Caicos Government

Junel Blaise, Department for Environment and Coastal Resources, Turks and Caicos Government

Dodly Propser, Department for Environment and Coastal Resources, Turks and Caicos Government

Amy Barker, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Sara Bárrios, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Elloise Budd, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Stuart Cable, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Colin Clubbe, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Marcella Corcoran, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Thomas Heller, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Juan Viruel, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Tim Wilkinson, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Date of first assessment: 14th Feb 2025