Bras D'Eau National Parks

Bras D’Eau National Park Map

Bras d’Eau National Park was proclaimed as the second terrestrial National Park of Mauritius on the 25^th October 2011 under Section 11(1) of the Wildlife and National Parks Act 1993. It is located in the North East of the island and comprises part of State Land Bras d’Eau, part of Pas Geometriques Bras d’Eau and part of reserves of Poste Lafayette Pas Geometriques. It covers a total area of 497.2 ha and is mainly under Mahogany, Araucaria, Tecoma and Eucalyptus plantations. The name Bras d’Eau originated from the outline of the mass of water protruding in the land in the shape of an arm between Pointe Radeau and Belcourt Bay.

The eastern region is known for being a very hot and humid (avg. 80%). The mean temperature in summer varies from 22 ºC to 28 ºC while in winter it varies from 17 ºC to 23 ºC.

History

Mauritius emerged from the ocean floor some eight million years ago. Following the arrival of human some 400 years ago, the island was colonised and later the sugarcane industry became the major source of income for the inhabitants. During that period, Bras D’eau was chosen by some French owners for the construction of a sugar mill. During the years that followed, people had settled around the mill, and an entire village was created. After the sugar mill closed, people left the place as well. However they left behind them remains of an impressive architecture and infrastructure that bears testimony to the vibrant life that existed in the area years before.

Bras d’Eau National Park harbours patches of native vegetation as well as our endemic birds.

Some of them are illustrated below.

Mare Sarcelle forms part of the Bras d’Eau National Park and covers an area of 89.37 ha. It consists of an important thriving population of mangroves, native plant species and also supports a few species of migratory birds. This site is ideal for recreational activities such as hiking and bird watching.

Figure 33: Mare Sarcelle

Figure 34: Migratory bird known as Whimbrel

Figure 35: Coastal Mangrove forest

Trail Descripion

Presently, there exist only two trails in the park:

· Coq des Bois Trail which takes you through the forest and ends at the Mares Chevrettes

· Coq de Bois Loop which is an extension of the existing Coq de Bois Trail.

The Coq des Bois Trail (5 km Return from Bras D’eau Visitor’s Centre) is a fairly easy one. Though only 2.5 km long, visitors may easily enjoy the different aspects of a forest since there are dwarf trees as well as tall trees along the track.

National Parks and Conservation Service

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