Located in the southernmost district of the Bahamas, Great Inagua is home to one of the most spectacular national parks in the Bahamas. Inagua National Park encompasses almost 184,000 acres of the island, and it is dominated various species of birds, specifically the flamingo.
With more than 50,000 birds that have “made a 40-year journey back from the edge of extinction”, Inagua National Park is a destination that should not be missed when visiting the Bahamas. A beautiful park like nothing you’ve ever seen, visitors to the Inagua National Park should be prepared for the experience of a lifetime.
This destination has a lot to offer to both new and returning visitors. Located just 10 miles south of Matthew Town on Great Inagua Island, the national park is breathtaking and will leave you coming back for more each year.
FUN FACTS ABOUT INAGUA NATIONAL PARK
Below you will find historical information and interesting facts about Inagua National Park to help with your visit to the landmark park.
– Established in 1965
– Home to the world’s largest breeding colony of West Indian flamingoes
– There are more than 50,000 flamingoes living in the national park
– The West Indian flamingo was close to extinction 40 years ago. Today, it is flourishing thanks to the efforts of Inagua National Park
– Inagua National Park is considered a leading agent in increasing bird populations in nearby islands, including Cuba, –
Andros, Acklins, Crooked Island and Mayaguana
– In 1997 it was recognized as a wetland of international importance
– It is a designated “Important Bird Area”
– Other inhabitants of the park include the native Bahama parrot, the Bahama woodstar hummingbird, Bahama pintails, Brown pelicans, Tri-colored herons, Snowy egrets, Stripe-headed tanangers, Cormorants, Roseate spoonbills, American kestrels and — Burrowing owls
– Wild donkeys can also be seen in the mangroves
– You have to contact the Bahamas National Trust’s office in order to make an appointment to visit the national park
WEST INDIAN FLAMINGOS ARE NOT THE ONLY BIRDS THANKFUL FOR THIS PARK
Inagua National Park is not just a mesmerizing landmark because of what it has meant to the West Indian flamingo, but for what it has done for the general bird population overall. Serving as a haven for birds native to the Bahamas and abroad, the national park is largely untouched and considered one of the best places in the world to observe interesting birds.
The success Inagua National Park found in reintroducing a species on the edge of extinction is clear. And it has also made its mark on other islands. The national park has been instrumental in the healthy flamingo population on Great Inagua, but also on the Turks and Caicos Islands and Grand Cayman.
If you are planning a trip to the Bahamas and you are a bird enthusiast, a history buff, or an individual who is looking to experience one of the miracles of the Bahamas, a visit to Inagua National Park should be at the top of your list. It should be noted that while a great majority of Inagua visitors are there to catch a glimpse of the West Indian flamingo, the many other species of birds that call the park home are an added bonus and just as impressive.
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