Bras d’Eau National Park

Birds

The park is also a haven for bird enthusiasts, with its vibrant avian population enriching the experience for visitors.

Mascarene Paradise Flycatcher
With its striking plumage and long tail, this bird is a favorite among birdwatchers and photographers.

Mauritian Grey White-eye
A small, sociable bird that thrives in the park’s woodland areas, easily identified by the white ring around its eyes.

Pink Pigeon
Once critically endangered, this endemic pigeon has made a remarkable comeback and can often be seen in the park’s canopies.

Echo Parakeet
Bright green and charismatic, this bird is often seen flitting through the forest in lively flocks.

Mauritian Bulbul
Known for its melodious calls, this bird is a common sight in the park’s dense trees.

Mauritian Kestrel
This once-endangered bird of prey is a testament to successful conservation efforts and is a highlight for visitors.

Mascarene Swiftlet
A swift-flying bird known for its aerial acrobatics, often nesting in the park’s cliffs and caves.

Grey-headed Lovebird
A colorful and lively bird that adds vibrancy to the park’s avian community.

Mauritian Olive White-eye
This delicate bird inhabits the park’s montane forests and is notable for its olive-green feathers.

Mauritian Cuckoo-shrike
A medium-sized bird with subtle plumage, often seen foraging in the park’s treetops.

Popular

Bras d’Eau National Park, nestled on the eastern coast of Mauritius, is a tranquil haven for a variety of fascinating species, many of which are endemic to the island’s unique ecosystems.

Mauritian Flying Fox
A crucial pollinator and seed disperser, this bat species can often be seen roosting in clusters high in the park’s trees.

Indian Tenrec
This small, hedgehog-like mammal is an insectivore that helps maintain ecological balance by feeding on pests.

Java Deer
Introduced to the island, these deer are commonly seen grazing in the park’s grasslands and forest edges.

Wild Boar
Adaptable and elusive, these boars forage for roots and fruits, playing a role in the ecosystem’s nutrient cycling.

Mauritian Fruit Bat
Also known as the “Golden Bat,” this nocturnal mammal feeds on fruits and flowers, contributing to the park’s biodiversity.

Mauritian Gecko
A small, vibrant reptile often spotted basking on rocks and tree trunks, adding a splash of color to the park.

Small Indian Mongoose
This agile predator, introduced to control pests, is a common sight darting through the undergrowth.

Mauritian Giant Tortoise
Once near extinction, these ancient creatures are now a symbol of conservation success and are gradually being reintroduced.

Mauritian Civet
A nocturnal carnivore, this species is known for its sleek appearance and vital role in maintaining rodent populations.

Mauritian Tree Frog
This amphibian thrives in the park’s freshwater habitats, its distinctive call often heard at dusk.

Birds

The park is also a haven for bird enthusiasts, with its vibrant avian population enriching the experience for visitors.

Mascarene Paradise Flycatcher
With its striking plumage and long tail, this bird is a favorite among birdwatchers and photographers.

Mauritian Grey White-eye
A small, sociable bird that thrives in the park’s woodland areas, easily identified by the white ring around its eyes.

Pink Pigeon
Once critically endangered, this endemic pigeon has made a remarkable comeback and can often be seen in the park’s canopies.

Echo Parakeet
Bright green and charismatic, this bird is often seen flitting through the forest in lively flocks.

Mauritian Bulbul
Known for its melodious calls, this bird is a common sight in the park’s dense trees.

Mauritian Kestrel
This once-endangered bird of prey is a testament to successful conservation efforts and is a highlight for visitors.

Mascarene Swiftlet
A swift-flying bird known for its aerial acrobatics, often nesting in the park’s cliffs and caves.

Grey-headed Lovebird
A colorful and lively bird that adds vibrancy to the park’s avian community.

Mauritian Olive White-eye
This delicate bird inhabits the park’s montane forests and is notable for its olive-green feathers.

Mauritian Cuckoo-shrike
A medium-sized bird with subtle plumage, often seen foraging in the park’s treetops.

Historic Water Canals

Ancient water canals crisscross parts of the park, once used to irrigate sugarcane plantations. These canals are marvels of early engineering, showcasing the ingenuity of the colonial settlers in managing water resources.

Old Sugar Mills

The ruins of sugar mills scattered across the park reflect Mauritius’ colonial history and its once-thriving sugar industry.

These structures, built during the 18th and 19th centuries, include remnants of stone machinery, chimneys, and aqueducts used for processing sugarcane.

Visitors can explore these sites and learn about the significance of sugar production in shaping the island’s economy and culture.

Bras d’Eau Railway Station

The remnants of the old Bras d’Eau railway station serve as a reminder of Mauritius’ railway era, which connected various parts of the island.

Though the railways are no longer in operation, the site offers insights into the transportation methods used during colonial times and their role in the sugar industry.

Creole Heritage and Settlements

The park preserves traces of early Creole settlements, including old buildings and farming tools. These sites highlight the lives of communities who lived harmoniously with the environment and relied on the land for sustenance.

Interpretive tours often include stories about the Creole way of life, traditional practices, and their connection to the surrounding natural world.

Historic Water Canals

Ancient water canals crisscross parts of the park, once used to irrigate sugarcane plantations. These canals are marvels of early engineering, showcasing the ingenuity of the colonial settlers in managing water resources.