Bonaire Sabal Palm Park

The Sabal palm is a unique palm species that only occurs on Bonaire

The Sabal palm (Sabal lougheediana) or Kabana as it is locally called, is an unique palm species that only occurs on Bonaire (endemic species). The Sabal palm grows in the limestone plateau in the south of Bonaire (Lima). The palm does not grow much higher than 7 meters and is characterized by its robust shape and compact round crown. Even on the island, the habitat of this special palm is not much larger than 5 hectares, where only 18 adult palms emerge above the vegetation (Griffith, P. & Coolen, Q. & Barros, M. & Noblick, L. 2019). The Lima area, where the Sabal palm currently occurs, is a relatively flat ecosystem with a low and often open vegetation. In addition to the 18 adult specimens, there are relatively many seedlings, young palms and some immature specimens present, spread across the area. In addition, the presence of several other very rare plant species ensures that the Lima area can be called a true biodiversity hotspot.

Unfortunately, this area is also under pressure from invasive grazing by goats and donkeys. The harsh conditions, including the salty soil, constant strong winds, high temperatures and the hard limestone soil, ensure that the negative impact of grazing is even greater. These negative effects have the greatest influence on vegetation that is not or less resistant to grazing. This mainly concerns plants and trees without thorns. In the case of the S. lougheediana, the seedlings and young palms are particularly vulnerable. The adult specimens are out of reach of the donkeys and goats.

This negative impact is therefore clearly reflected in the vitality of the Sabal population. The project plan proposed by BonBèrdè for the construction of a Bonaire Sabal Palm Park (hereinafter: BSPP) includes 4 successive objectives (with associated measures) that can be implemented separately or as a whole project. Together, these goals contribute to the direct protection of the Sabal palm and the Lima ecosystem, a solid scientific basis of knowledge and opportunities for sustainable recreational opportunities within the park for both local and international visitors.

1. Protection (fencing and removing goats and donkeys from the area)

2. Research (population inventory and pilot research regeneration)

3. Replanting (In-situ or Ex-situ planting of Sabal palm etc.)

4. Recreation/Education (Construction of paths, information signs and opening up Sabal park)

The Bonaire Sabal Palm Park is comissioned by the Bonaire Island government and funded trough the Nature and Environmental Policy Plan (NEPP/NMBP). The NEPP is an integrated plan for land and water in the Caribbean part of the Netherlands. More information can be found on this website.

More information about DNA research:

In addition to the Sabal palms growing within the Bonaire Sabal Palm Park, Sabal palms are also found in gardens across Bonaire. These palms may be important for understanding the long-term survival of the species.
While the remaining wild population is small and geographically limited, palms growing outside the park could contain valuable genetic information. For this reason, BonBèrdè is carrying out targeted DNA research on Sabal palms in gardens.
The DNA research focuses on three main questions:
- Species confirmation
  To determine whether palms growing in gardens are indeed Sabal lougheediana, the endemic Sabal palm species of Bonaire.
- Population structure
  To better understand how palms across the island are related to one another and whether different genetic lines are present.
- Conservation planning
  To support future protection, restoration and management measures with reliable scientific data.
This research helps ensure that conservation decisions are based on a complete picture of the species on Bonaire, not only on the remaining wild individuals.
Palms in gardens may originate from seeds collected in the past, natural dispersal, or early plantings before the species was formally recognised as critically endangered. Including these palms allows researchers to:
- assess genetic diversity beyond the park boundaries;
- identify potentially important genetic material;
- reduce the risk of overlooking valuable parts of the population.
With the owner’s permission, a very small leaf sample is collected for DNA analysis. This method is widely used in plant research and does not harm the palm. No soil disturbance, digging or long-term monitoring is required.
The visit is brief and focused, and participation is entirely voluntary.