Dominica is an island rich in natural beauty – lush rainforests, towering peaks, rivers, waterfalls, flowers and much more. It is also home to a variety of wildlife, from the ocean depths to the tallest peaks and everything in between. In 1997, UNESCO recognised the unique beauty and value of Dominica, designating our Morne Trois Pitons National Park as a World Heritage Site. Here is a brief overview of Dominica’s wildlife – the fauna (animals) which includes birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, & fish; then the flora (plant life).

  • Birds
  • Land Mammals & Bats
  • Reptiles & Amphibians
  • Crustaceans
  • Insects
  • Sea Mammals
  • Fish
  • Plants

Fauna – Animal Life


Birds

179 Species


Dominica is home between 167 – 188 species of birds. With a lush and varied climate, birds happily exist all over the island from the seashore to the tallest mountain making Dominica a Bird watchers paradise.

Land Mammals & Bats

18 species – including 10 species of Bats


Apart from our marine mammals and bats, there are two land mammals that are indigenous to Dominica: the agouti and the manicou.

Agouti (pictured at right) are often found in and near gardens, munching on farmer’s produce.

Manicou (pictured below) are nocturnal, a member of the possum family, and generally eat insects, small lizards, fruits and some carrion.

 
Manicou in Banana Tree

Manicou in Banana Tree

Reptiles

17 species – including 4 of Snakes and 3 species of Turtle


The iguana, is the largest reptile found on Dominica primarily the Lesser Antillean Iguana or Iguana delicatissimaSea turtles are also commonly found in Dominica. In fact, our island is an ideal destination to see nesting turtles come ashore! Visit our sea turtle watching page for more information. There are several species of snake (none are poisonous) on island, the largest of which is the boa constrictor. Locally called tete-chien (dog-head in creole) you can see why, pictured at left. Just below the boa is another local snake with beautiful patterning, the kouwes.

Amphibians

 3 species of amphibians


Our most famous amphibian by far is the large and noisy frog known as the crapaud or Mountain Chicken. Currently endangered, these unique frogs are being studied, and hopefully saved, through a breeding program. You can read more about them on our crapaud page. The more common tree frog can be seen in forested environments.

Crustaceans

20 species of crab, 11 species of crayfish and shrimp


The land crabs are also a very popular species here in Dominica. When in season, they are the main ingredient for ‘Crab Backs’ a traditional creole dish. Out of season they are protected, especially during their annual pilgrimage (usually around April) to and from the sea which is necessary for their offspring to be born.

Sea Mammals

16 Species and counting


Various species Whales and dolphins are plentiful in our crystal blue waters and can be seen frolicking along Dominica’s coastline throughout the year. There are a number of commonly sighted species can be found year-round in the waters off Dominica. But what makes Dominica unique is the opportunity to observe the largest of all the toothed whales, and star of Herman Melville’s Moby Dick, the sperm whaleRead more on our Whale and Dolphin Watching page

Fish

45 species of inland fish


There are over 320 species of reef fish in Dominica. See the 25 most common species (Encyclopedia of Earth).

%

The amount of Dominica covered in Forest

Flora – Plant Life


When it comes to flora in Dominica, the plant life here will knock your socks off! From lush mountain rainforest to dry coastal areas, we’ve many different zones, each with its unique characteristics and plant species. There are many species of Orchids on the island, and fern species number in the hundreds. Learn more about:

Aloe Vera

Nature’s remedy

Tropical Fruits

of Dominica