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The Botanic Park is one of the few places in Cayman where the native dry forest can be appreciated and viewed in comfort. Also, because the area is that of a low elevation landscape, subtle variations in topography and flooding patterns trigger dramatic changes in the flora. This makes the Park an almost ideal outdoor classroom that plays a valuable role in local environmental education.
The Botanic Park also functions as a modest protected area -- all the forest enclosed by the Woodland Trail and south of the lake is protected to conserve the area’s native flora and fauna. Extensive areas of natural forest are the key to conservation of so many of Cayman’s native plants and animals, and the Park’s contribution is reflected in the abundant wildlife to be seen on the trails and in the gardens. Birds such as the Caribbean Dove (Leptotila jamaicensis) and the Cuban Bullfinch (Melopyrrha nigra), or plants such as the tiny unique Caymanian orchids, are indications of the health of the forest.
Even in the more managed areas of the Park, conservation care threads through at many levels. Native trees provide shade in the colour gardens, and the Park’s semi-natural lake now provides habitat for the threatened West Indian Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna arborea) and a range of other waterfowl.
Even an unremarkable area of landscape plantings may turn out to have a conservation purpose: several highly endangered, uniquely Caymanian plants are planted and cared for in managed areas of the Park. Each is a scientifically documented collection held as a security against the potential extinction of the plants in their natural range.
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