CONSERVATION AT THE PARK

The Botanic Park is one of the few places in Cayman where the Native Flora 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 the 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), the Cuban Bullfinch (Melopyrrha nigra) and our Cayman Blue Iguana (Cyclura lewisi) 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 the landscape is a managed area of the Park that can have a conservation purpose such as the Orchid Boardwalk that showcase several highly endangered, where uniquely Caymanian plants and scientifically documented collection are held as a security against the potential extinction of the plants in their natural range.

Ecologically friendly developers do call us before their project is underway.

Plants of special interest are sent abroad for further identification.

Click here to view the latest information on conservation efforts at our Park.