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Coordinates: 15°35′07″N 61°28′13″W / 15.58517°N 61.47017°W / 15.58517; -61.47017
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{{Short description|National park in Dominica}}
[[File:Tanetane-Dominica.jpg|thumb|250px|Cabrits peninsula]]
{{Infobox protected area
'''Cabrits National Park''' is on a peninsula at the north end of the [[Caribbean]] island of [[Dominica]], north of [[Portsmouth, Dominica|Portsmouth]]. The park protects tropical forest, [[coral reef]]s and [[wetland]]s. There are hiking trails and an English garrison called [[Fort Shirley (Dominica)|Fort Shirley]]. Cabrits National Park occupies 1,313 acres (531 ha) and was established in 1986.<ref name=CCIH>{{cite book|last=Hailey|first=Adrian|title=Conservation of Caribbean Island Herpetofaunas Volume 2: Regional Accounts of the West Indies|year=2011|publisher=BRILL|isbn=9004194088|page=162|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QNdbVSDfF6oC&pg=PA162&dq=Cabrits+National+Park&hl=en&sa=X&ei=_FzZUoWsKcussQTKsICADg&ved=0CEMQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=Cabrits%20National%20Park&f=false}}</ref>
| name = Cabrits National Park
| location = [[Dominica]]
| coordinates = {{coord|15.58517|-61.47017|type:landmark|display=inline, title}}
| photo = File:Tanetane-Dominica.jpg
| photo_caption = Cabrits Peninsula
| map = Dominica#Caribbean
| established = 1986
| area = 1,313 acres (5.30 km sq)
| nearest_city = [[Portsmouth, Dominica | Portsmouth]]
| website = [https://discoverdominica.com/fr/places/161/cabrits-parc-national Official website]
| iucn_category = II
}}
'''Cabrits National Park''' is on a peninsula at the north end of the [[Caribbean]] island of [[Dominica]], north of [[Portsmouth, Dominica|Portsmouth]]. The park protects tropical forest, [[coral reef]]s and [[wetland]]s. There are hiking trails and an English garrison called '''[[Fort Shirley (Dominica)|Fort Shirley]]'''.


== Overview ==
⚫
Cabrits is an extinct volcano that was once its own island, separate from mainland Dominica. It was connected to Dominica by the sweeping in of material from Douglas Bay and Prince Rupert Bay.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Lennox Honychurch's Dominica - art, history, culture & society of Dominica|url = http://www.lennoxhonychurch.com/|website = www.lennoxhonychurch.com|accessdate = 2015-10-31|url-status = dead|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20151106131719/http://www.lennoxhonychurch.com/|archivedate = 2015-11-06}}</ref>
Cabrits National Park was established in 1986, and covers an area of 1,313 acres (5.30 km sq).<ref name="CCIH">{{cite book|last=Hailey|first=Adrian|title=Conservation of Caribbean Island Herpetofaunas Volume 2: Regional Accounts of the West Indies|year=2011|publisher=BRILL|isbn=978-9004194083|page=162|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QNdbVSDfF6oC&dq=Cabrits+National+Park&pg=PA162}}</ref><ref name=":022">{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Fort Shirley |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/6020/ |access-date=2023-09-23 |website=UNESCO World Heritage Centre |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=1975 |title=Laws of Dominica: National Parks and Protected Areas Act, 1975 |url=https://www.fao.org/faolex/results/details/en/c/LEX-FAOC007999/ |access-date=2023-09-25 |website=FAOLEX Database: Food and Agriculture Organization of the [[United Nations]]}}</ref>


The park has two purposes:<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Cabrits National Park (Official GANP Park Page) |url=https://national-parks.org/dominica/cabrits |access-date=2024-01-11 |website=national-parks.org |language=en}}</ref>
⚫
The word Cabrits is derived from "goat" in Spanish, French and Portuguese, and is a reference to the animal that has been indigenous to Cabrits. Goats were introduced to the island by sailors, who set them free on the island to grow, so that there would be meat available when they returned.<ref name=Cabrits>{{cite web |title=Cabrits National Park (Fort Shirley) |url=http://searchdominica.com/travel/cabrits-national-park/ |publisher=Search Dominica |accessdate=6 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116100126/http://searchdominica.com/travel/cabrits-national-park/ |archive-date=16 January 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


* to protect Fort Shirley's cultural heritage and historical; and
⚫
Cabrits is the last stop on the [[Waitukubuli Trail]] which originates in the southern village of Scott's Head. Segment 14 of the trail runs from Capuchin to Cabrits.
* to conserve the surrounding environment, including coral reefs and forests.

The park also protects a marine area of 421 ha, located between Prince Rupert Bay and Toucar Bay.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cabrits National Park |url=https://www.karibiodiv.net/sites-naturels/cabrits-national-park/ |access-date=2024-01-11 |website=Karibiodiv |language=fr-FR}}</ref>

== Geography ==
⚫
Located north of the town of Portsmouth, the land of Cabrits National Park is an extinct [[volcano]] that was once its own island, separate from mainland Dominica.<ref name=":0" /> It was connected to Dominica by the sweeping in of material from [[Douglas Bay, Dominica|Douglas Bay]] and [[Prince Rupert Bay, Dominica|Prince Rupert Bay]].<ref>{{Cite web|title = Lennox Honychurch's Dominica - art, history, culture & society of Dominica|url = http://www.lennoxhonychurch.com/|website = www.lennoxhonychurch.com|accessdate = 2015-10-31|url-status = dead|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20151106131719/http://www.lennoxhonychurch.com/|archivedate = 2015-11-06}}</ref>

The park's two peaks – East Cabrit (140 m) and West Cabrit (171 m) – were formed by a volcano, formerly called Morne au Diable (or Morne aux Diables), around 1 million years ago.

== Etymology ==
⚫
The word Cabrits is derived from "goat" in Spanish, French and Portuguese, and is a reference to the animal that has been indigenous to Cabrits. Goats were introduced to the island by sailors, who set them free on the island so that there would be meat available when they returned.<ref name="Cabrits">{{cite web |title=Cabrits National Park (Fort Shirley) |url=http://searchdominica.com/travel/cabrits-national-park/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116100126/http://searchdominica.com/travel/cabrits-national-park/ |archive-date=16 January 2013 |accessdate=6 February 2013 |publisher=Search Dominica}}</ref>


==Fort Shirley==
==Fort Shirley==
[[File:Prince Rupert's Head and Bay in the Island of Dominique from near the Tomb 003KTOP00000123U09700000(SVC2).jpg|thumb|''Prince Rupert's Head, (Fort Shirley)'' and Bay from near [[Charles Cathcart, 8th Lord Cathcart|Cathcart's Tomb]] in 1780.]]
Fort Shirley was formerly a military outpost, a sterling example of its kind in the West Indies.<ref name=Cabrits/> The British began building it in 1765 as a garrison to defend north Dominica. The fort was extended by the French during their occupation of Dominica from 1778 to 1784. Georgian in style it consisted of over 50 buildings, and housed over 600 men. It was abandoned in 1854.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/6020/|title=UNESCO World Heritage Sites}}</ref> After suffering for years, Dr. [[Lennox Honychurch]] began restoration in 1982. Several of the buildings are completely restored, while ruins of the rest can be found scattered around the peninsula.
{{Main|Fort Shirley (Dominica)}}
⚫
[[File:Alsophis antillensis at Cabrits-a01.jpg|thumb|Antilles Racer (Alsophis antillensis)in the Cabrits National Park.]]
Fort Shirley was formerly a military outpost, a sterling example of its kind in the West Indies.<ref name="Cabrits" /> The British began building it in 1765, on the order of Governor Thomas Shirley, as a garrison to defend north Dominica.<ref name=":0" /> The fort was extended by the French during their occupation of Dominica from 1778 to 1784.<ref name=":0" /> [[Georgian architecture|Georgian in style]], the outpost consisted of over 50 buildings and housed over 600 men.<ref name=":122">{{Cite web |title=Cabrits National Park |url=https://national-parks.org/dominica/cabrits |access-date=2023-09-23 |website=national-parks.org |publisher=Global Alliance of National Parks |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0225">{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Fort Shirley |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/6020/ |access-date=2023-09-23 |website=UNESCO World Heritage Centre |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Christian |first=Gabriel J. |date=2013-11-03 |title=Emancipation, Independence and the Resurrection of Dominica's Fort Shirley |url=https://dominicanewsonline.com/news/homepage/news/emancipation-independence-resurrection-dominicas-fort-shirley/ |access-date=2023-09-25 |website=Dominica News Online |language=en-US}}</ref>

The site is famous for having sheltered the [[West India Regiments#Origins and early basis of recruitment|revolt of the 8th West India Regiment]] of African slave soldiers in 1802,<ref name=":0223">{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Fort Shirley |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/6020/ |access-date=2023-09-23 |website=UNESCO World Heritage Centre |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Iverson |first=Justin |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XKGaEAAAQBAJ&dq=In+1802+mutiny+revolt+of+the+8th+West+India+Regiment+took+place+at+Fort+Shirley.&pg=PA91 |title=Rebels in Arms: Black Resistance and the Fight for Freedom in the Anglo-Atlantic |date=2022-11-01 |publisher=University of Georgia Press |isbn=978-0-8203-6278-6 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Hart |first=Richard |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=csR7AAAAMAAJ&q=In+1802+mutiny+revolt+of+the+8th+West+India+Regiment+took+place+at+Fort+Shirley. |title=From Occupation to Independence: A Short History of the Peoples of the English-speaking Caribbean Region |date=1998 |publisher=Pluto Press |isbn=978-0-7453-1382-5 |language=en}}</ref> an event which will contribute to the liberation of all slave soldiers on the island in 1807.<ref name=":0224">{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Fort Shirley |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/6020/ |access-date=2023-09-23 |website=UNESCO World Heritage Centre |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Beier |first=Zachary |date=2017-06-30 |title=All the King's Men: Slavery and Soldiering at the Cabrits Garrison (1763-1854) |url=https://surface.syr.edu/etd/713 |journal=Dissertations - Syracuse University}}</ref> It was abandoned in 1854.<ref>{{Cite web |title=UNESCO World Heritage Sites |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/6020/}}</ref> After deteriorating for years, Dr. [[Lennox Honychurch]] began restoration in 1982.<ref name=":0222">{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Fort Shirley |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/6020/ |access-date=2023-09-23 |website=UNESCO World Heritage Centre |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":222">{{Cite web |date=January 28, 2021 |title=Years of Investment in Fort Shirley Paying Off |url=http://news.gov.dm/news/2238-years-of-investment-in-fort-shirley-paying-off |access-date=2023-09-23 |website=news.gov.dm}}</ref> Several of the buildings are completely restored, while ruins of the rest can be found scattered around the peninsula.<ref name=":2222">{{Cite web |date=January 28, 2021 |title=Years of Investment in Fort Shirley Paying Off |url=http://news.gov.dm/news/2238-years-of-investment-in-fort-shirley-paying-off |access-date=2023-09-23 |website=news.gov.dm}}</ref><ref name=":322">{{Cite web |last=Byron |first=Anglina |date=2023-05-21 |title=Dominica: How Fort Shirley in Cabrits National Park offers extensive experience |url=https://associatestimes.com/dominica-how-fort-shirley-in-cabrits-national-park-offers-extensive-experience/ |access-date=2023-09-23 |website=Associates Times a Caribbean News website |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Wildlife ==
⚫
[[File:Alsophis antillensis at Cabrits-a01.jpg|thumb|Antilles Racer (Alsophis antillensis) in the Cabrits National Park]]The park is home to two species of amphibians, 162 species of birds, 18 species of mammals (including 5 introduced), 20 species of crabs, and at least 2 species of scorpions.

== Plants ==
The Cabrits National Park has wetlands, dry areas, tropical forest, and coral reefs;<ref name=":0" /> and within the wetlands, there are three main ecotypes: mangroves, swamp forest, and marshlands.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 31, 2007 |title=CABRITS NATIONAL PARK (MARINE COMPONENT) SITE REPORT, DOMINICA |url=https://rris.biopama.org/sites/default/files/2021-02/Cabrits%20National%20Park%20%28Marine%29-Environmental%20and%20Socio-economic%20Study%20%282007%29_1.pdf |publisher=ECOENGINEERING CARIBBEAN LIMITED}}</ref>

Two types of vegetation populate the park: dry forest and scrub on the mountains (receiving little precipitation) with deciduous species ; and wetland, made up of marshes and swamps over 35 ha, which is one of the two largest in the Portsmouth area.

Three trees are endemic to the park: [[Annona glabra]] (Kachiman kochon), [[Pterocarpus officinalis]] (medal mangrove), and [[Laguncularia racemosa]] (white mangrove).

The coastal fringe of the park is populated by [[Coconut|coconuts]], mancellin trees, [[Coccoloba uvifera|sea grapes]], [[Catalpa|catalpas]], [[Almond|almond trees]], [[ficus]], and [[Sloanea caribaea|acomat boucan]]. A small forest plantation was established in the 1960s,<ref>{{Cite book |last=Collins |first=Margaret |url=http://archive.org/details/dominica199319900coll |title=Dominica, 1993-1994 |date=1993 |others=Smithsonian Institution Archives}}</ref> which introduced [[hibiscus]], [[mahogany]], [[teak]], [[Caribbean pine]], and [[Tabebuia rosea|pink poui]].

More than 30 herbs and shrubs endemic to Cabrits National Park are recognized as medicinal or used for Dominican crafts.

== Tourism ==
Since the 2010s, the island, the city of Portsmouth and the Cabrits National Park in particular have been developing their tourist infrastructure.

In 2018, a scuba diving center opened its doors within the National Park.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Scuba diving in Dominica - Portsmouth |url=http://www.jcoceanadventures.com/ |access-date=2024-01-11 |website=www.jcoceanadventures.com}}</ref>

=== Hiking ===
⚫
Cabrits National Park is the last stop on the [[Waitukubuli Trail]] which originates in the southern village of Scott's Head. Segment 14 of the trail runs from Capuchin to Cabrits. A path goes up to the fort and provides access to the two summits (East Cabrit and West Cabrit).

== See also ==

* [[List of trails in Dominica]]
* [[List of national parks of Dominica]]
* [[History of Dominica]]


==References==
== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20100615055633/http://www.lennoxhonychurch.com/cabrits.cfm The Cabrits Garrison - Dominica’s most important historic site]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20100615055633/http://www.lennoxhonychurch.com/cabrits.cfm The Cabrits Garrison - Dominica's most important historic site]
*[http://travel.domnik.net/img-en/07dm-dominica/13/ Photos from the Cabrits National Park]
*[http://travel.domnik.net/img-en/07dm-dominica/13/ Photos from the Cabrits National Park]


{{Protected areas of Dominica}}
{{Protected areas of Dominica}}


{{coord|15.586|-61.473|dim:2000_region:DM|display=title}}




Latest revision as of 07:00, 26 August 2024

Cabrits National Park
Cabrits Peninsula
Map showing the location of Cabrits National Park
Map showing the location of Cabrits National Park
Map showing the location of Cabrits National Park
Map showing the location of Cabrits National Park
LocationDominica
Nearest city Portsmouth
Coordinates15°35′07″N 61°28′13″W / 15.58517°N 61.47017°W / 15.58517; -61.47017
Area1,313 acres (5.30 km sq)
Established1986
WebsiteOfficial website

Cabrits National Park is on a peninsula at the north end of the Caribbean island of Dominica, north of Portsmouth. The park protects tropical forest, coral reefs and wetlands. There are hiking trails and an English garrison called Fort Shirley.

Overview

[edit]

Cabrits National Park was established in 1986, and covers an area of 1,313 acres (5.30 km sq).[1][2][3]

The park has two purposes:[4]

  • to protect Fort Shirley's cultural heritage and historical; and
  • to conserve the surrounding environment, including coral reefs and forests.

The park also protects a marine area of 421 ha, located between Prince Rupert Bay and Toucar Bay.[5]

Geography

[edit]

Located north of the town of Portsmouth, the land of Cabrits National Park is an extinct volcano that was once its own island, separate from mainland Dominica.[4] It was connected to Dominica by the sweeping in of material from Douglas Bay and Prince Rupert Bay.[6]

The park's two peaks – East Cabrit (140 m) and West Cabrit (171 m) – were formed by a volcano, formerly called Morne au Diable (or Morne aux Diables), around 1 million years ago.

Etymology

[edit]

The word Cabrits is derived from "goat" in Spanish, French and Portuguese, and is a reference to the animal that has been indigenous to Cabrits. Goats were introduced to the island by sailors, who set them free on the island so that there would be meat available when they returned.[7]

Fort Shirley

[edit]
Prince Rupert's Head, (Fort Shirley) and Bay from near Cathcart's Tomb in 1780.
Main article: Fort Shirley (Dominica)

Fort Shirley was formerly a military outpost, a sterling example of its kind in the West Indies.[7] The British began building it in 1765, on the order of Governor Thomas Shirley, as a garrison to defend north Dominica.[4] The fort was extended by the French during their occupation of Dominica from 1778 to 1784.[4] Georgian in style, the outpost consisted of over 50 buildings and housed over 600 men.[8][9][10]

The site is famous for having sheltered the revolt of the 8th West India Regiment of African slave soldiers in 1802,[11][12][13] an event which will contribute to the liberation of all slave soldiers on the island in 1807.[14][15] It was abandoned in 1854.[16] After deteriorating for years, Dr. Lennox Honychurch began restoration in 1982.[17][18] Several of the buildings are completely restored, while ruins of the rest can be found scattered around the peninsula.[19][20]

Wildlife

[edit]
Antilles Racer (Alsophis antillensis) in the Cabrits National Park

The park is home to two species of amphibians, 162 species of birds, 18 species of mammals (including 5 introduced), 20 species of crabs, and at least 2 species of scorpions.

Plants

[edit]

The Cabrits National Park has wetlands, dry areas, tropical forest, and coral reefs;[4] and within the wetlands, there are three main ecotypes: mangroves, swamp forest, and marshlands.[21]

Two types of vegetation populate the park: dry forest and scrub on the mountains (receiving little precipitation) with deciduous species ; and wetland, made up of marshes and swamps over 35 ha, which is one of the two largest in the Portsmouth area.

Three trees are endemic to the park: Annona glabra (Kachiman kochon), Pterocarpus officinalis (medal mangrove), and Laguncularia racemosa (white mangrove).

The coastal fringe of the park is populated by coconuts, mancellin trees, sea grapes, catalpas, almond trees, ficus, and acomat boucan. A small forest plantation was established in the 1960s,[22] which introduced hibiscus, mahogany, teak, Caribbean pine, and pink poui.

More than 30 herbs and shrubs endemic to Cabrits National Park are recognized as medicinal or used for Dominican crafts.

Tourism

[edit]

Since the 2010s, the island, the city of Portsmouth and the Cabrits National Park in particular have been developing their tourist infrastructure.

In 2018, a scuba diving center opened its doors within the National Park.[23]

Hiking

[edit]

Cabrits National Park is the last stop on the Waitukubuli Trail which originates in the southern village of Scott's Head. Segment 14 of the trail runs from Capuchin to Cabrits. A path goes up to the fort and provides access to the two summits (East Cabrit and West Cabrit).

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Hailey, Adrian (2011). Conservation of Caribbean Island Herpetofaunas Volume 2: Regional Accounts of the West Indies. BRILL. p. 162. ISBN 978-9004194083.
  2. ^ "Fort Shirley". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Retrieved 2023-09-23.
  3. ^ "Laws of Dominica: National Parks and Protected Areas Act, 1975". FAOLEX Database: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. 1975. Retrieved 2023-09-25.
  4. ^ a b c d e "Cabrits National Park (Official GANP Park Page)". national-parks.org. Retrieved 2024-01-11.
  5. ^ "Cabrits National Park". Karibiodiv (in French). Retrieved 2024-01-11.
  6. ^ "Lennox Honychurch's Dominica - art, history, culture & society of Dominica". www.lennoxhonychurch.com. Archived from the original on 2015-11-06. Retrieved 2015-10-31.
  7. ^ a b "Cabrits National Park (Fort Shirley)". Search Dominica. Archived from the original on 16 January 2013. Retrieved 6 February 2013.
  8. ^ "Cabrits National Park". national-parks.org. Global Alliance of National Parks. Retrieved 2023-09-23.
  9. ^ "Fort Shirley". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Retrieved 2023-09-23.
  10. ^ Christian, Gabriel J. (2013-11-03). "Emancipation, Independence and the Resurrection of Dominica's Fort Shirley". Dominica News Online. Retrieved 2023-09-25.
  11. ^ "Fort Shirley". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Retrieved 2023-09-23.
  12. ^ Iverson, Justin (2022-11-01). Rebels in Arms: Black Resistance and the Fight for Freedom in the Anglo-Atlantic. University of Georgia Press. ISBN 978-0-8203-6278-6.
  13. ^ Hart, Richard (1998). From Occupation to Independence: A Short History of the Peoples of the English-speaking Caribbean Region. Pluto Press. ISBN 978-0-7453-1382-5.
  14. ^ "Fort Shirley". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Retrieved 2023-09-23.
  15. ^ Beier, Zachary (2017-06-30). "All the King's Men: Slavery and Soldiering at the Cabrits Garrison (1763-1854)". Dissertations - Syracuse University.
  16. ^ "UNESCO World Heritage Sites".
  17. ^ "Fort Shirley". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Retrieved 2023-09-23.
  18. ^ "Years of Investment in Fort Shirley Paying Off". news.gov.dm. January 28, 2021. Retrieved 2023-09-23.
  19. ^ "Years of Investment in Fort Shirley Paying Off". news.gov.dm. January 28, 2021. Retrieved 2023-09-23.
  20. ^ Byron, Anglina (2023-05-21). "Dominica: How Fort Shirley in Cabrits National Park offers extensive experience". Associates Times a Caribbean News website. Retrieved 2023-09-23.
  21. ^ "CABRITS NATIONAL PARK (MARINE COMPONENT) SITE REPORT, DOMINICA" (PDF). ECOENGINEERING CARIBBEAN LIMITED. July 31, 2007.
  22. ^ Collins, Margaret (1993). Dominica, 1993-1994. Smithsonian Institution Archives.
  23. ^ "Scuba diving in Dominica - Portsmouth". www.jcoceanadventures.com. Retrieved 2024-01-11.
[edit]


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