WITHIN


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From left: Mona monkeys are known for their excellent communication skills; flamingos in Bonaire are some of the world’s largest and brightest; Jamaica’s giant swallowtail is highly endangered, living in an area covering less than 4sq miles


BONAIRE FLAMINGO The Caribbean’s candyfloss-pink flamingos are almost


impossible to miss. The three former Dutch colonies of Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao — known as the ABC islands — are great places to see the birds. Flamingos here are some of the largest and brightest in the world, often found dipping their webbed feet in shallow seawater. At the Gotomeer lagoon on Bonaire, you can expect to witness a squawking army of flamingos. It’s one of four salt ponds, known as salinas, in Washington Slagbaai National Park — a reserve that spans one fifth of Bonaire’s 111sq miles, and perhaps the best place to see the birds as they gather in gaggles of 50 or more. On a hike through the park, expect to pass Dutch- influenced cottages perched on the crystalline beachfront, rocky reefs to snorkel around, the crumbling ruins of ancient settlements and snaking forest paths winding up to incredible vantage points. HOW TO DO IT: Washington Slagbaai National Park is open every day (except Mondays) from 8am-5pm. Entry is US$40 (£30), including access to the Bonaire National Marine Park. Take tours with operators such as Hopi Bonaire. hopibonaire.com


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JAMAICA GIANT SWALLOWTAIL BUTTERFLY With a wingspan measuring a staggering six inches, the


Jamaican or Homerus giant swallowtail butterfly is one of the largest and most striking butterflies found in the Americas. The species has a specific yellow-and-black pattern and colourway featuring tinges of orange on the outer edges, and is endemic to Jamaica, flitting lazily through its impenetrable rainforests. Though sightings of the swallowtail — safeguarded by Jamaica’s Wildlife Protection Act — can be fleeting, the trek through the nation’s heartlands is worth the voyage regardless. The Troy- Windsor Trail — which crosses through more than 10 miles of the rugged Cockpit Country — snakes its way over hills and deep into valleys. Expect streams to wade through, fallen, moss-slicked logs to clamber over and leafy vines dangling snake-like from above. Make sure to go with a guide who knows the area for this endurance-testing hike, though it’s less necessary for the one- hour Windsor Loop, which traverses a shorter, three-mile section of the full trail. HOW TO DO IT: The Jamaican Caves Organisation can provide knowledgeable guides in the region. jamaicancaves.org


NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVELLER – CARIBBEAN COLLECTION 17


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