Biodiversity in Bahamas (BHS)
| FishBase | Complete | Literature | Reference | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Species | Families | Species | Families | |||
| Marine | 1112 | 398 | Yes | |||
| Freshwater | 11 | 4 | No | |||
| Total | 1126 | 404 | No | |||
Ref. Microsoft, 1996
| Conservation | This extensive island chain has set aside about 9 per cent (1992) of the total land area as national parks. Coral reefs are used extensively for tourism and fishing, although disturbances caused by the latter are of some concern. Hurricanes and other tropical storms are a constant threat to the Bahamas. When they occur, there is often extensive flood and wind damage. |
| Geography and Climate |
Bahamas comprises an archipelago of about 700 islands and islets and nearly 2,400 cays and rocks, extending for about 800 kilometres (about 497 miles) from a point southeast of Palm Beach, Florida, to a point off the eastern tip of Cuba.The westernmost islands of the Bahamas are the Biminis, 97 kilometres (60 miles) east of Miami, Florida. Other chief islands include Acklins, Andros, Cat, Crooked, Eleuthera, Grand Bahama, Abaco, Great Inagua, Harbour, Long, Mayaguana, and San Salvador. Long, flat coral reefs and a few low, rounded hills make up the archipelago.
Bahamas enjoy a mild, semi-tropical climate. Annual rainfall averages about 1,143 mm. Temperatures average about 29°C during summer months and about 22°C during the winter. Ref. Microsoft, 1996 |
| Hydrography |