Special Species Lists

Species of high conservation value in the Dutch Caribbean have been identified as endangered, endemic (restricted range) or as having a high economic value.

Red-billed tropicbird adult and chick.

(Phaethon aethereus)

Photo credit: © Emeray Martha-Neuman (DCNA)

Dutch Caribbean Key Conservations Species

The ‘Special Species List’ was last updated in December of 2020. Although not a complete species list, this document does provide a list of species which are of conservation value. It includes all species protected under international (IUCN Red List, CITES, IBA, CMS), regional (SPAW) and local legislation as well as endemic (restricted range) species and ‘flagship species’.

Flagship species were selected by conservationists themselves. Some species were chosen because they are endemic, endangered or very rare, while some were chosen simply because people on the island feel strongly about them.

The list has been endorsed, collectively, by conservationists throughout the region and adopted by DCNA. These are species with “intrinsic value” for the Dutch Caribbean through their iconic nature, rarity or cultural value.

These lists and the associated data are intended as a starting point for information. If you intend to use any species data from these lists, please ensure information is up-to-date.

If you happen to find any inconsistencies in information, please let us know at research@dcnanature.org.

Dutch Caribbean (2021)

Flagship species

The book includes a selection of Dutch Caribbean Flagship Species book

Dutch Caribbean (2020)

Special Species List

This list includes all species protected under international (IUCN Red List, CITES, IBA, CMS), regional (SPAW) and local legislation as well as endemic (restricted range) species and ‘flagship species’.

Dutch Caribbean (2012)

CITES Species List

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora

Endemic Species List

Endemic species are those which can only be found within a limited area. They can be island endemic (restricted to one island), local endemics (found on neighboring islands) or regional endemics (restricted population found within the region).

Dutch Caribbean (2012)

Flagship Species List

Iconic and charismatic plants and animals that provide a focus for raising awareness and stimulating action and funding for broader conservation efforts.

St. Maarten (2020)

Flagship Species List

List of iconic species specific to St. Maarten.

Dutch Caribbean (2012)

Important Bird Areas Species List

The Important Bird Area Program of BirdLife International aims to identify, monitor and protect a global network of IBAs for the conservation of the world’s birds and other biodiversity.

Dutch Caribbean

Important Bird Areas

As part of the BirdLife International network and bird conservation in the Caribbean, the islands and their management bodies work together to monitor and conserve bird species and their populations within the designated areas. There are a total of 23 bird areas with a total area of 45,024 hectares.

Dutch Caribbean (2012)

IUCN Red List Endangered Species List

The IUCN maintains a complete list of all the species it considers critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable to extinction. The IUCN Red List does not cover many species, especially marine organisms.

Dutch Caribbean (2012)

SPAW Protocol Species List

Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife in the Caribbean region (SPAW)

Ramsar Sites of the Dutch Caribbean

Official list of 10 RAMSAR sites within the Dutch Caribbean