Trou Caïman (or Dlo Gaye) is a shallow, freshwater lake 20 km (12 miles) northeast of Port-au-Prince, in the Cul-de-Sac Plain. Trou Caïman, together with Lake Azuei and the Enriquillo wetlands in the Dominican Republic, form a fresh to salty water ecosystem of outstanding biological value. Reeds, sedges and cattails predominate in the north and east of the lake, grass fringes the western edge and there is dry shrubland on the southern edge. Mangroves growing on the northeastern side are a remnant of the coastal vegetation of a shallow sea that separated Hispaniola into two Paleo-islands during the Pleistocene. The local population of c.22,000 people lives on cultivating surrounding land for sugarcane, sweet potatoes, beans etc. Over 150 fishermen work the lake, and artisans use the reeds and sedges to weave straw products.
History[]
On May 7, 1924, at the meeting of the Council of State, the Government presented a bill requesting a credit of 15,000 - fifteen thousand gourdes for research of an irrigation project in Trou-Caiman.
Conservation[]
Trou Caïman is unprotected and no conservation actions have been undertaken, although the site was identified for protection over 20 years ago. Due to the development of sugar industry during colonial times, this area was heavily exploited for its hardwood to provide lumber for the railroad system and logs for energy. Current threats come from industrial development (using both land and water), hunting (of ducks and other waterbirds), pollution and the general unregulated direct and indirect impact of 20,000 people using the lake’s resources. The ducks were monitored by Ducks Unlimited (2002–2005) and birdwatchers regularly visit the lake. Its proximity to the capital provides an excellent opportunity to develop the the water body as a “Watchable Wildlife Pond”.
References[]
Birdlife.org - [1]