Little Inagua National Park
The Inagua National Park was established in 1965 on 183,740 acres. It is internationally renowned as home to the world’s largest breeding colony of West Indian flamingos. Today the population numbers approximately 50,000 birds after having made a 40-year journey back from the edge of extinction.
As early as 1905, concern for the West Indian Flamingo in the Caribbean was intense. The hunting of flamingos coupled with disturbances in the birds' habitat led to a drastic decline in the population. With the creation of the Bahamas National Trust and the effective management of its habitat, the flamingo population is now vibrant and thriving. The success of the Inagua National Park is evident in the repopulating of other islands in The Bahamas - Andros, Crooked Island, and Acklins Island - as well as Cuba, Turks and Caicos Islands, and Grand Cayman.
The flamingo is not the only star of Inagua National Park. The native Bahama Parrot, the endemic Bahama woodstar hummingbird, Bahama pintails, Brown pelicans, Tri-colored herons, Snowy egrets, Reddish egrets, Stripe-headed tanangers, Cormorants, Roseate spoonbills, American kestrels, and Burrowing owls abound in the Park’s interior. Wild Donkeys trot amongst the mangroves, freshwater terrapins inhabit the ponds, and natural bonsai forests grace its interior.
In 1997, the Inagua National Park was designated a Wetland of International Importance, as The Bahamas became a signatory to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance. Inagua National Park is a birders' paradise qualifying it as an Important Bird Area based on Birdlife International’s criteria.
ACCESSIBILITY
There is no pedestrian access. Wheelchair capability will depend on the type of tour vehicle used.
PET-FRIENDLY
Pets are not permitted in National Parks, in order to protect endangered wildlife.
RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Escorted tours to the Park are with an approved guide only. Permission from the Bahamas National Trust is required in advance. Ideal for birding and wildlife encounters and photo opportunities.