Parrots and migratory birds will soon have more room to roost in Cayman Brac.
The National Trust of the Cayman Islands is finalising the purchase of 85 acres of land that will finally unite the Brac Parrot Reserve.
‘It’s been a long-time coming,’ said Carla Reid, Trust chairperson. ‘The need to consolidate the reserve has been evident for many years but funding was always a problem.’
The land parcels – located in the middle of the nature reserve – will bring the total area of preserved space to more than 280 acres. Most of it is mature dry forest woodland, the habitat for the rare Cayman Brac Parrot as well as other species.
‘It’s such a relief,’ said Ms Reid. ‘We need as much protected land as possible for eco-tourism to flourish.’
The reserve, which features nature trails, a boardwalk, benches and interpretive signage, isn’t simply tourist attraction but protects a diverse range of plants and animals, she added
‘It’s home to our wildlife plus migratory birds and many endemic plants and trees . . . the educational value of this reserve is huge.’
The Cayman Brac Parrot is often seen and heard around the reserve. The Brac is home to around 450 of the colourful birds, which are found only on that island.
Funding for the land was provided through a grant from the US Fish and Wildlife Service to the Department of Environment earmarked for the reserve. The Government provided a matching funds.
‘The Cayman Islands Government has been very generous,’ said Ms Reid.
Part of the funding will be used to enhance the property with additional signage, posters and other amenities.
The Brac Parrot Reserve was created in 1991 with a gift of 100 acres of land from private landowners. Another 80 acres was donated in 1994 and a few small parcels have been acquired since.
Trust General Manager Frank Roulstone said in the Trust’s September newsletter the imminent sale will bring many benefits.
‘We appreciate the owners preserving parts of the property in its natural state and their willingness to sell now for the benefit of future generations,’ he said. ‘The benefits to the Brac community will be measured in decades, not days.’
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