Mauritius has a rich heritage of 58 families of indigenous and endemic plants. National parks
protect places of natural beauty and the flora of Mauritius and consist of some 700 species of plants out of which 273 species are endemic to the island.
The total extent of forest cover in Mauritius is estimated at 47 159 hectares representing about 25% of the total land area. The forests are nowadays managed
for environmental functions rather than for the production of timber.
National Parks
1. Black River Gorges National Parks
The Black River Gorges National Park Project was proclaimed on the 15th of June 1994 by the President of the Republic of Mauritius.
It is found in the South West of the island, and covers an area of 6,574 hectares of forests including the highest point at Piton
de la Rivière Noire (828 m). The Park is managed mainly for the conservation of endemic flora and fauna, dissemination and creation of public awareness, education and the provision of leisure to both local and foreign visitors.
2. Bras d'Eau National Parks
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.
3. National Parks and Conservation Service
The National Parks and Conservation Service (NPCS) is responsible for the management of our native terrestrial biodiversity and its ecosystem.
NPCS has its main headquarters at Réduit, near the Veterinary Service Division of the Ministry for Agro Industry and Food Security.
Other outdoor sections of National Parks and Conservation Service include:
i. Black River Gorges National Park
ii. Bras d’Eau National Park
iii. Gerard Durell Endemic Wildlife Sanctuary (GDEWS)
iv. Rivulet Terre Rouge Estuary Bird Sanctuary (RTREBS)
v. Robinson Native Plant Propagation Centre (NPPC)
