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Bras
D’Eau National Park Map Bras
d’Eau National Park was proclaimed as the second terrestrial National Park of
Mauritius on the 25th 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
34:
Migratory bird known as
Whimbrel |  Figure
35:
Coastal Mangrove forest |
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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. 
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