Cayman Islands / Special Interests / Eco/Nature

Cayman’s flat topography belies its variety of plants and wildlife, and only in recent years has it become clear that these three relatively small islands hold a treasure house of natural history, much of it unique. Underwater, Cayman is blessed with extensive coral reef systems, and the lack of pollution and freshwater run-off means that the islands have crystal clear waters making fish-spotting very easy, and accessible to even the most timid swimmer. Famously, Cayman is one of the best places in the world to interact closely with stingrays – especially at ‘Stingray City’ a shallow sandbar.

On land the islands’ habitats are richly varied, ranging from limestone and brackish woodlands, seasonally flooded land and of course coastal or beach ecosystems. Due to the limestone base of these islands there is little in the way of rich agricultural land, or deep soil but a good variety of trees are found including the national palm ‘Silver Thatch’, the red birch and flowering species such as the scarlet cordonia and various mangrove varieties. There are around thirty endemic plants in Cayman – around five percent of the total number of species found here. The endemic species include the silver thatch (Coccothrinax proctorii) and the ironwood (Chionanthus caymanensis). The silver thatch occupies a special place in the islands’ heritage as it was used for roofing houses, for hats and baskets and even for the straps on sandals knowns as ‘wompers’. Silver thatch was also an essential part of Cayman’s seafaring history as it is a tough and long-lasting component of ropes which were exported to Jamaica and Cuba for many years and were a valuable source of income locally.

Cayman’s most famous residents are its Blue Iguanas (Cyclura lewisi) commonly known as the blue dragons, a critically endangered lizard that has been brought back from the verge of extinction. Almost five feet long from nose to tail these impressive animals are the largest land creatures in Cayman, and there are also two distinct and endemic sub-species of iguana on Cayman Brac and Little Cayman.

It has recently been confirmed that Cayman is also home to one of the world’s smallest butterflies – the Cayman Pygmy Blue (Brephidium exilis thompsoni).

Small group guided tours exploring some of the flora and fauna of Grand Cayman are available with local experts.

We recommend Ann Stafford at  www.caymannature.ky  (t. 925 2760)

On Cayman Brac free tours (tourists provide own transport) with local guide Keino Daley give a good overview of the natural history of the islands and he will take you to the bluff to see the nesting boobies and to the parrot reserve in search of the endangered Brac parrots. Contact Nature Cayman on t. 948 9222 or 948 2651