ST GEORGE'S, Grenada (CMC):

Developers of a Four Seasons Resort here said they have revised their plans for the multimillion-dollar project in order to protect the Grenada dove, a critically endan-gered bird that only has a global population of 136.

The resort is being constructed next to the dove sanctuary at the Mount Hartman National Park in the south of the island and environmentalists say the project is threatening one of the last remaining refuge areas for the bird.

But Darren Arikion, Develop-ment Director of Cinnamon 88 - developers of the resort - said that to facilitate the survival of the endangered species, adjustments have been made to the number of private residences as well as the size of the golf course.

"We started off with a larger golf course than we have now and we have about 250 private residences and, through the process of discussion and negotiation, we reduced the number of homes from 250 to 175 to enable it to actually fit better to suit the bird.

"We also reduced the size of the golf course. We still have a great golf course but it's a bit smaller," Arikion added.

Full-time employment

About 2,500 persons are expected to gain full-time employment with the resort when it opens in 2011.

BirdLife International was among a number of foreign groups critical of the decision to allow the construction at the Mount Hartman National Park.

"All areas where Grenada Doves are right now are critical and the population is so low. They are only 136 birds right now anywhere in the world and they are only here in Grenada," said Bonnie Rusk, a Grenada Dove specialist.

The Grenada Dove, which has the scientific name Leptotila wellsi, has been dwindling in numbers particularly after Hurricane Ivan destroyed much of its habitat four years ago.