H 
Introduction 
It is well known that the Cabrits Peninsula once played a very impor¬ 
tant role in the history of the island of Dominica. Located to the 
north-west of the island, this peninsula comprises two thickly wood¬ 
ed hills which are separated from the mainland by a large marshy 
isthmus The strategic location of the Cabrits was used to grea 
advantage In the deflnce of this island during the period of rivalry 
between the French and British colonial powers. 
Most of the peninsula has now been set aside for the establishment 
of the Cabrits National Park. The area supports two major vegeta. 
?fon types both of which are determined by contrasting water re¬ 
gimes. The hills are covered by a dry scrub forest which is mi u 
enced by the relatively low precipitation, and the adjoining we 
lands llilTy consists of a marsh which is inundated for several 
months each year. Both of these areas support several species o 
animal wildlife, making the entire pemnsuia a living out-door mu 
seum and laboratory for the professional biologist, students 
visitors. 
This publication has been prepared under the Cabrits Project, and 
d^aws upon previous reports and works by other authors pertaining to 
the flora and fauna of Dominica and the ^brits in particular. ^It 
is hoped that the material will give students and - f , d 
Cabrits National Park an insight into the richness of ^ ;lora and 
fauna of the peninsula, and instill a greater sense of appreciation 
for the numerous wild plants and animals encountered, even while on 
a casual tour of the peninsula. 
ARLINGTON A. JAMES 
FOREST OFFICER 
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