Curral Velho

Laguna de Curral Velho in the dry season

Curral Velho

  • Country: 
    Cabo Verde
  • Site number: 
    1575
  • Area: 
    986 ha
  • Designation date: 
    18-07-2005
  • Coordinates: 
    16°00'N 22°45'W
Materials presented on this website, particularly maps and territorial information, are as-is and as-available based on available data and do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Secretariat of the Ramsar Convention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.

Overview

Curral Velho Ramsar Site is located on Boa Vista Island. It is composed of a permanent coastal lagoon at the mouth of the Ribeira de Brito Cruzinha, temporary coastal lagoons, the surrounding dune ecosystems and beach, and the islet of Curral Velho. All these areas are of ecological and scientific interest due to their isolated location on an oceanic volcanic island. The Site plays a very important ecological role as it maintains specific vegetation (halophytes, tamarisks and palm trees including coconut palm) while the lagoons provide a feeding ground for migratory birds. It is also home to a number of reptiles, and water birds including the Cape Verde shearwater (Calonectris edwardsii) and the Cape Verde storm petrel (Oceanodroma jabejabe), two species endemic to the archipelago. It also includes the most important site for nesting loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) in Cabo Verde. Among the activities developed in the area are farming of goats and cattle, artisanal and recreational fishing in coastal areas, tourist excursions using all-terrain vehicles, and bird watching.

Administrative region: 
Isla de Boa Vista

  • National legal designation: 
    • Paisaje Protegido - Paisaje Protegido de Curral Velho
    • Reserva Natural - Reserva Natural das Tartarugas
  • Last publication date: 
    18-11-2016

Downloads

Ramsar Information Sheet (RIS)