Cabrits National Park | National Parks Association

Cabrits Overview

Cabrits National Park, locally known as Parc National Cabrits, is located on the northwestern coast of Dominica, near the town of Portsmouth. Covering an area of 1,313 acres (approximately 2.05 square miles or 5.3 square kilometers), this national park is renowned for its rich biodiversity, historical significance, and stunning landscapes. The park protects both terrestrial and marine ecosystems, offering a blend of mountainous terrain, dense forests, and coral reefs.

The landscape of Cabrits National Park is defined by its volcanic origins, with two prominent headlands known as the Cabrits, which rise above the surrounding lowlands. The park is also home to tropical rainforests, swamplands, and mangroves, which create a diverse habitat for a variety of plant and animal species. Visitors can hike through lush trails that lead to panoramic viewpoints of the Caribbean Sea and explore remnants of Fort Shirley, a historic 18th-century British garrison that has been partially restored and is a key attraction within the park.

The vegetation in Cabrits National Park includes a mix of tropical hardwood trees, ferns, orchids, and towering palms. The coastal areas are lined with mangroves, which serve as a critical buffer for the island’s shoreline and provide shelter for various marine species. Inland, the rainforest is home to rare plants and provides a habitat for a diverse array of wildlife.

The wildlife in Cabrits National Park is equally impressive, with species such as iguanas, agoutis, and crab-eating raccoons frequently spotted in the forested areas. The park is also a haven for birdwatchers, with species like the Imperial parrot and red-necked parrot inhabiting its rainforests. The marine portion of the park offers vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life, making it a favorite spot for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.

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Cabrits National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Popular Species

Cabrits National Park, known for its lush rainforests, wetlands, and coral reefs, is home to a variety of terrestrial and marine species that thrive in its diverse ecosystems.

Cuban tree frog (Osteopilus septentrionalis) – This large, nocturnal frog is often found near the park’s wetlands, using its suction-cup-like toes to climb trees and other vertical surfaces.

Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) – Frequently seen along the park’s coastline, this endangered marine turtle nests on the beaches and contributes to the health of the coral reef ecosystem.

Red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) – A crucial species in the park’s coastal areas, the red mangrove helps protect shorelines from erosion and serves as a nursery for fish and other marine life.

West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus) – This gentle marine mammal is occasionally seen in the park’s coastal waters, feeding on seagrass and helping maintain healthy aquatic ecosystems.

Hermit crab (Coenobita clypeatus) – A common sight along the park’s beaches, this land-dwelling crab uses abandoned shells for protection and plays a vital role in nutrient recycling.

Black land crab (Gecarcinus ruricola) – This large, colorful crab is often seen in the park’s forests and wetlands, where it forages for plant material and plays a role in ecosystem balance.

Fan coral (Gorgonia ventalina) – Found in the park’s coral reefs, this purple-hued coral species provides shelter for marine organisms and adds to the reef’s structural complexity.

Lesser Antillean iguana (Iguana delicatissima) – An endangered species endemic to the Lesser Antilles, this large herbivorous lizard is often seen basking in the sun or foraging in the park’s forests.

Queen conch (Lobatus gigas) – This large marine mollusk is found in the park’s shallow waters, where it plays a key role in the seagrass ecosystem and is valued for its cultural significance.

Sea grape (Coccoloba uvifera) – A native coastal tree, it thrives along the park’s beaches, providing food for wildlife and stabilizing sand dunes with its extensive root system.

Bird Species

Cabrits National Park is a hotspot for birdwatchers, offering a variety of endemic and migratory bird species that inhabit its rainforests, wetlands, and coastal areas.

Lesser Antillean pewee (Contopus latirostris) – A small flycatcher, this bird is often seen in the park’s forests, where it perches on branches and catches insects in mid-air.

Brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) – Frequently spotted along the park’s coast, this large seabird is known for its impressive diving skills as it hunts for fish in the shallow waters.

Purple-throated carib (Eulampis jugularis) – A striking hummingbird with iridescent plumage, this species is commonly seen feeding on nectar from flowers in the park’s rainforests and gardens.

Lesser Antillean bullfinch (Loxigilla noctis) – This small bird, with its distinctive black and orange plumage, is often seen in the park’s forests, foraging for seeds and small insects.

Zenaida dove (Zenaida aurita) – This medium-sized dove is commonly seen in the park’s open areas and along the coast, recognized by its soft cooing calls and white-bordered wings.

Mangrove cuckoo (Coccyzus minor) – Found in the park’s mangrove forests, this elusive bird is known for its secretive behavior and its diet of insects and small amphibians.

Antillean crested hummingbird (Orthorhyncus cristatus) – One of the smallest birds in the park, this tiny hummingbird is often seen darting between flowers in search of nectar, its crest shimmering in the light.

Bridled quail-dove (Geotrygon mystacea) – A rare dove species, this ground-dwelling bird is usually found in the park’s dense forests, recognized by its distinct white facial markings and soft call.

Pied-billed grebe (Podilymbus podiceps) – Often seen in the park’s wetlands, this small diving bird is known for its ability to stay submerged for long periods while hunting for fish and aquatic invertebrates.

Yellow-crowned night heron (Nyctanassa violacea) – A nocturnal wading bird, it is often seen foraging along the park’s coastlines and wetlands, hunting for crabs and other small prey during dusk and night.

Cultural

Forth Shirley

Fort Shirley is a historic military site located within Cabrits National Park on the island of Dominica. Situated on the Cabrits Peninsula, the fort was built by the British in the 18th century to defend the island against French invasion. At its height, Fort Shirley was a significant military outpost, housing up to 600 soldiers. It was strategically positioned to oversee the entire Prince Rupert Bay, offering an excellent vantage point for naval defense.

The fort features well-preserved stone barracks, officer quarters, and cannon placements. The fort’s most famous moment came in 1802 during the “Cabrits Revolt,” when African soldiers stationed at the fort staged a mutiny, making it an important site in Dominica’s colonial history.

The main fort is perched at an elevation of 430 feet (131 meters), offering visitors stunning panoramic views of the surrounding bay and tropical forests. Today, Fort Shirley is a key historical and cultural attraction, providing insight into Dominica’s military past while offering scenic hiking trails and opportunities for exploration of the restored structures.

Cabrits National Park Pictures

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Sources

All Trails, Best Trails in Cabrits National Park, https://www.alltrails.com/ar/parks/dominica/saint-john/cabrits-national-park, retrieved August 2024.
A Virtual Dominica, Cabrits National Park, https://www.avirtualdominica.com/dominica-directory/cabrits-national-park/, retrieved August 2024.
Forest, Wildlife & Parks, Cabrits National Park, https://forestry.gov.dm/sites/25-cabrits-national-park, retrieved August 2024.
Lonely Planet, Cabrits National Park, https://www.lonelyplanet.com/dominica/portsmouth/attractions/cabrits-national-park/a/poi-sig/1394982/358043, retrieved August 2024.
Wikipedia, Cabrits National Park, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cabrits_National_Park, retrieved August 2024.