The fauna and flora

…l as they harbor 50% of plant species and 42% of terrestrial vertebrate species.

Moreover, Martinique's biodiversity is unique due to its many endemic species (present since the island's origins).

This uniqueness is a combination of several factors: the island's terrain, its humidity, and precipitation volume. Martinique is indeed a volcanic island with a wide variety of terrains, forests, undergrowth, and even different climates, between the humid north and the drier south. This is regardless of whether it's on the Atlantic or Caribbean coast.

From these extremely varied terrains, with steep slopes, cliffs, numerous small valleys, and ravines, emerge a multitude of microclimates. All this results in contrasting landscapes, sometimes just a few dozen meters apart.

The rugged terrain and hard-to-reach areas have also prevented intensive deforestation despite the high population pressure and the island's small size. And this is probably what has helped preserve this delicate balance.

Indeed, the forest in Martinique plays a role in protecting biodiversity but also plays a crucial role in the organization of the territory.

Forest in Martinique, an Essential Component

The forest dominates the entire island, but it's losing ground to human activity. That's why most forests are primarily in the north and center of the island, where terrains are more rugged, and human population density is lower. In the south, the forest is encroached upon by housing and hence receives particular attention for conservation.

There are 400 to 500 tree species in Martinique, mainly found in the humid forests that form the island's vegetation core.

Martinique has several distinct forest areas. The very humid hydrophilic forest, found in the center and north of the island, the moderately humid mesophilic forest in the south, and finally, mangroves along the coasts. Hence, humid forests occupy a significant part of the island's area.

Indeed, rainfall plays an essential role in characterizing forest types. The humid forest comprises tall trees, twenty to sixty meters high, belonging to species like riverwood, mahogany, white gum, and magnolia.

These trees are surrounded by ferns, vines, and bromeliads. In these forests, only about 1% of sunlight manages to penetrate the canopy. This shapes the composition of plants below, highly exposed to humidity but with limited sunlight.

In the high mountains, for instance, at an altitude exceeding 900 meters, with temperatures between 0°C and 15°C, only altitude-adapted subtropical vegetation can survive these harsh conditions.

Vegetation can also appear in the form of savannah, where the ground is composed of cacti, wild grasses, and succulent plants.

The Mangrove

The mangrove is a tropical forest that interfaces between the sea and the land along the coasts of Martinique. It's an element of immeasurable importance to the entire ecosystem. A natural habitat for numerous animal species (crustaceans, mollusks, fish, amphibians, and birds) and vegetation (mainly mangrove trees, robust with stilt roots).

Mangroves also protect the coastline against soil erosion and tropical storms. The degradation of mangroves worldwide represents an ecological problem that weakens ecosystems as a whole.

Mangroves are present throughout Martinique, particularly in the nature reserve of the Caravelle Peninsula, and more broadly along the coast. In total, over 1835 hectares of mangroves cover the island.

Coastal Forests

The coastal state forest extends over nearly half of Martinique's coastline. It's the type of forest found in emblematic sites such as Les Salines, Anse Trabaud, Anse Céron, or Cap Macré. It's considered the island's green belt, with 90% of its surface classified as "remarkable space." As one descends towards the sea, humidity decreases, and vegetation changes.

The shorter trees allow more space for fern development, which can grow up to two meters high. Flowers flourish in a kaleidoscope of dazzling colors. Along the coasts, the forests are dry due to receiving less annual precipitation.

Martinique's Flora

Martinique's flora comprises over 3000 species, including 1220 indigenous plants. This diversity is three times higher than mainland France for an area 500 times smaller! Martinique's flora exhibits a much higher level of endemism than other Caribbean islands.

Key Flowers of Martinique

Discussing the island's flora wouldn't be complete without mentioning its flowers. Martinique boasts a vast variety of tropical flowers brimming with colors and charm. Here are the most representative flowers of the island.

Porcelain Rose

This tropical perennial of great beauty is highly popular for creating original bouquets. Belonging to the same family as ginger, it's also known as the "tropical ginger."

Originating from Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Indonesia), its long stems can reach 90 cm, while the plant itself can grow to a height of 6 meters. The flower is spectacular, so perfect that it might be mistaken for artificial reproduction.

Caribbean Heliconia

A tropical perennial plant, also called Heliconia, native to the Antilles and can grow up to 5 meters tall. The flower is easily recognizable by its flattened shape and red-orange color.

It's a typical flower of Martinique, representing the beauty and exuberance of exotic flowers. According to Aimé Césaire, this flower represents the historical wound of the black world, making it a strong political symbol for Martinique.

Hibiscus

A magnificent tropical shrub producing brightly colored flowers, the hibiscus, also known as Althea, is native to Asia and Polynesia. Hibiscus flowers are used to make crowns in Polynesian culture. In Africa, it's called Bissap and is used to make a delicious beverage of the same name.

The hibiscus belongs to the Malvaceae species, which comprises over 150 varieties, and the shrub can reach a height between 2 and 4 meters.

Bird of Paradise

Also known as Strelitzia, this plant originates from South Africa and can reach up to 2 meters in height. The Strelitzia owes its nickname to its strong resemblance to the head of an orange-colored bird. It's a common ornamental plant that adapts very well to tropical climates.

Anthurium or Flamingo Lily

This tropical plant native to South America is highly popular for making flower bouquets. Its cultivation is declining in Martinique and is subject to preservation measures in the Regional Natural Park of Martinique. Caution: It's a toxic plant that should be kept out of reach of children and pets.

Bougainvillea

It's a thorny climbing shrub with vibrant colors, originating from the tropical regions of South America. Collected in Brazil during an expedition by Louis Antoine de Bougainville, it was named in tribute to the French explorer. The colorful parts often mistaken for flowers are actually small, white flowers.

Banana Flower

Everyone knows the banana, fewer know the banana tree, and even fewer know about its flowers. Yet, the banana flower is beautiful. It grows simultaneously with the fruit, at the end of the cluster. The banana flower is edible, although it's very acidic and requires special preparation.

Beehive Ginger Flower

Primarily a decorative flower, frequently found in tropical gardens. Immediately recognizable by its appearance resembling a beehive, it's a perennial herbaceous plant with long leaves that can reach up to 2 meters in height.

Flamboyant

Originally from the island of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean, the flamboyant tree adorns itself entirely with stunning red flowers during blossoming. This tree is widespread in the Antilles, reaching heights of up to ten meters. The flamboyant flowers create the effect of a red fireworks display, always impressive to behold.

Martinique's Fauna

The symbolic animal of Martinique is the hummingbird, but the island has numerous endemic species. While terrestrial fauna is largely threatened, marine fauna remains very diverse, although also fragile due to local fishing techniques.

Terrestrial Fauna

Martinique has few native animal species. Most have been introduced by humans over the centuries. Among the most widespread wild animals, we find a species of tarantula, the "matoutous falaises," which is an endemic species.

Two species of iguanas (green iguana and the iguana delicatissima), and the famous "fer de lance" snake (kravat in Creole). Europeans introduced the mongoose to reduce the population of these snakes that were highly dangerous to humans and were present in large numbers on the island. However, this had unforeseen consequences as mongooses also eliminated many endemic bird species that have since disappeared.

In the list of extinct species in Martinique, all parrots (which were numerous in the Antilles before the arrival of Europeans), pink flamingos, and the boa constrictor are counted. Among the endangered species, the Martinique tarantula, the Lesser Antillean iguana, and a large number of birds are notable examples.

Martinique has 17 species of terrestrial mammals. Among these, only bats are native to the island. However, let's not forget the manicou, a small marsupial the size of a cat that can be encountered at night and appears harmless.

Two terrestrial mammals have completely disappeared from Martinique: the muskrat of Martinique and the Agouti, a rodent whose highly sought-after meat caused its disappearance.

Birds of Martinique

There are about forty species of birds in Martinique. Many indigenous species have completely disappeared, and many others are in danger. The most emblematic species is the hummingbird, of which you can find four different types on the island: the "Madère hummingbird" that lives in the humid mountain forest, the "green-throated hummingbird" found in drier areas near the coast, the "crested hummingbird," the smallest of all, found almost everywhere, and finally the "blue-headed hummingbird," mainly present in mountainous areas.

The name hummingbird was given by the Carib Indians and later adopted by the French. The hummingbird could be eaten, although once plucked, it was scarcely larger than a hazelnut and had little culinary interest. It was mainly hunted by children to make decorative objects.

Reptiles and Amphibians of Martinique

These species, originating from South America and the Greater Antilles, probably arrived by washing up on the shores of Martinique. But the arrival of humans puts these species in great danger, whether by hunting, deprivation of their natural habitat, or their food supply. There were, however, a large number of iguanas and turtles upon the arrival of Europeans.

The Leatherback Turtle

The largest of the sea turtles was very present in Martinique. It measures about 1.7 meters and can weigh up to 400 kilograms. Feeding primarily on jellyfish, the leatherback turtles regularly return to the beaches of Martinique to lay their eggs.

Despite the protection of leatherback turtles in the French Antilles, they are severely threatened by poaching, accidental capture in fishing nets, or the destruction of nesting sites and eggs. They have also been heavily consumed for their meat since the arrival of colonists.

The Lesser Antillean Iguana

It is especially visible on Ilet Chancel, from where it originates. It measures 170 cm and mainly feeds on leaves and fruits. The iguana is now endangered after being heavily hunted as well.

The Fer-de-lance of Martinique

Called "fer de lance," it is a venomous snake that can reach 1 meter in length. It was abundant upon the arrival of Europeans but was quickly considered a threat due to its dangerousness.

It has become rare in Martinique, and it flees from humans, sensing their movements on the ground. It's mostly encountered by sugarcane farmers. Its bite should be treated promptly.

Aquatic Fauna

Martinique has a rich marine environment. Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, its warm waters are home to numerous marine and underwater species. Among them, a significant number of endemic species.

From the perspective of aquatic fauna, the Caribbean region is considered the richest and most diverse in the entire Atlantic region. It is estimated that the Caribbean region includes 70 species of corals, over 1200 mollusk species, and 600 fish species. Here, the beauty of the sea complements the paradise-like image of the island of flowers.

If you love coral reefs, dolphins, and colorful exotic fish, this is the place. You're in the right spot. Before exploring this extraordinary fauna, let's first focus on the ecosystem in which it thrives.

Coastal Ecosystems of Martinique

The Martinique coasts alone constitute a marvel of nature. Resulting from a unique combination, the coastline is surrounded by what could be likened to three layers of protection that interact with each other.

This protection is characterized by a triple ecosystem that includes mangroves, seagrasses, and coral reefs. These three ecosystems are interdependent and interact with each other in complex ways.

Thus, the coral protects seagrasses and mangroves from the power of the waves, while the latter protect the coral reef by retaining soil and all pollutions that may come from the shore. Seagrasses also shelter around sixty species of fish, as well as sea urchins, starfish, mollusks, and seahorses.

The Essential Role of Coral Reefs

The entire Atlantic coast is bordered by a large coral reef that protects it from the waves. But that's not the only role of the coral reef, which also serves as a shelter for offshore fish and sedentary fauna. The coral reef is composed of sponges, gorgonians, and, of course, corals.

They are essential as they provide both habitat and a food source for many species and living organisms. However, coral is fragile, and its survival depends on strict conditions.

For instance, it needs water temperatures between 25°C and 29°C. As soon as the sea temperature exceeds 29°C, the coral begins to bleach, which in the long term can lead to massive mortality. The danger is that the coral reef could be destroyed faster than it is built. The growth process is very slow, and a coral reef can take thousands of years to form, growing at a rate of 2 millimeters per year!

Unfortunately, recent studies have shown that only 15 to 20% of Martinique's marine ecosystems still possess flourishing coral communities.

The proliferation of algae is another cause of coral destruction in Martinique. This algae, the sargassum, has led to the almost complete disappearance of many coral reefs in Guadeloupe and Martinique. It is the greatest threat to this ecosystem.

Marine Mammals of Martinique

There are 26 species of marine mammals in Martinique, from humpback whales and dolphins to sperm whales, to name the most impressive.

Dolphins

Dolphins are mammals belonging to the cetacean family. In the waters of Martinique, three species of dolphins can be found: the bottlenose dolphin, the pantropical spotted dolphin, and the Fraser's dolphin.

Dolphins seem to enjoy the company of humans, although some species are solitary. In Martinique, it's possible to go on sea excursions to encounter these magnificent mammals, even having the privilege of swimming among them.

Humpback Whale

Known as the humpback or jubarte, the humpback whale is a massive creature weighing an average of 25 tons and reaching lengths of up to 25 meters. Quite impressive! Why "humpback"? The whale isn't humped, but it arches its back before diving into the sea.

It also emits particularly elaborate "songs." Humpback whales are migratory: during summer, they roam cold waters in search of food, while in winter, they come to warm tropical waters to mate and reproduce.

The humpback whale is a formidable predator for small prey such as herring, sardines, and small cold-water crustaceans called krill. It has developed quite elaborate fishing techniques, using its fins to "stun" its prey by hitting the water's surface, or the technique known as the "bubble net," which involves a coordinated attack by several whales against a school of fish.

Each whale creates bubbles, creating a barrier around the school, herding the fish into a net of bubbles that gradually tightens. Until the moment the whales engulf the fish grouped in one place.

West Indian Manatee

This herbivorous marine mammal is often called the "sea cow." Its name comes from the fact that it spends most of its time (about 6 to 8 hours a day) peacefully grazing on marine algae. The rest of the time, the manatee spends sleeping or rather dozing in shallow waters since this mammal must regularly surface to breathe. The manatee is an endangered species worldwide.

Fish of Martinique

The warm waters of Martinique are populated by a multitude of colorful and exotic-shaped fish. These fish delight the eyes of divers and sometimes our taste buds when they end up on our plates. Here's a small sample of the fish you'll find in the blue waters of the Caribbean or Atlantic coast.

Jackfish

This group of fish, also known as jacks, has a forked tail and a silvery color, like the carangues. These fish are common along the Martinique coasts, where they attempt to venture into the coral reef to hunt small fish taking refuge there.

Barracuda

The barracuda is a formidable predator that can reach up to 1.5 meters. Despite its size and slightly intimidating jaws, it poses no danger to humans.

Damselfish

These beautiful small, multicolored fish (8 to 15 cm) are frequently found in coral reefs. Several species of fish living in coral formations are grouped under the name "damselfish" due to their vibrant colors, small size, and beauty.

Sergeant Major Fish

This term encompasses several species of the genus Holocentrus. Their fins are adorned with spines and can measure up to 60 cm. They are called "mardigan" or "cardinal" in the Antilles.

Flying Fish

Flying fish are found in all oceans, but they favor the warm waters of tropical regions. They belong to the Exocoetidae family, sometimes called flying fish. Their name comes from their particularly developed fins