The Salina Reserve: A Hidden Wilderness of Cayman’s East End
Tucked away in the eastern reaches of Grand Cayman lies the Salina Reserve—a nearly pristine expanse of wilderness that serves as a critical refuge for some of the island’s most endangered and endemic species. Managed by the National Trust for the Cayman Islands, this 646-acre protected area is a vibrant mosaic of habitats, including primary dry forest, shrublands, buttonwood wetlands, and unique sedge swamps.
The reserve’s remote location and limited human access have allowed it to remain largely undisturbed. In fact, the Salina Reserve is home to nearly every living organism found on Grand Cayman, including the iconic Grand Cayman Blue Iguana (Cyclura lewisi), one of the world’s rarest reptiles. The Salina Reserve is a vital release site for the National Trust’s Blue Iguana Conservation Programme, offering the ideal conditions for these critically endangered reptiles to thrive in the wild.
A Living Landscape
The reserve features an array of ecological niches, from seasonally flooded grasslands to dry thickets. The “Salina” itself—an old term for a freshwater wetland that dries in the winter—gives the reserve its name. During dry months, the wetland forms a crust of dried algae that resembles salt, similar to “salinas” found across the Caribbean.
Perhaps most extraordinary is the richness of life tucked into this wild space. A network of limestone caves provides roosting sites for bat species such as the Brazilian Free-tailed Bat (Tadarida brasiliensis) and the Big-eared Bat (Macrotus waterhousii), both insect-eating species of conservation interest. Meanwhile, the margins of the sedge swamps host the island’s largest population of the endemic herb Agalinis kingsii, a delicate pink-flowering plant found nowhere else in the world except one small private location in Frank Sound.
The Salina Reserve is also a haven for birds. As a designated Important Bird Area (IBA), it supports the Grand Cayman Parrot, Vitelline Warbler, Yucatan Vireo, West Indian Whistling Duck, and the locally beloved White-crowned Pigeon or “Bald Pate.”
Conservation in Action
The Salina Reserve is protected under National Trust Law (2010 Revision), following Trust ownership since 1988. Its classification as an International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Category Ia Strict Nature Reserve underscores its importance as a site for scientific research and biodiversity conservation.
With no developed trails and only foot access across challenging terrain, the Salina Reserve embraces a non-interventionist management approach that encourages natural ecological processes to unfold with minimal disturbance.
Challenges on the Horizon
Despite its isolation, Salina isn’t immune to external threats. Surrounding agricultural lands pose risks through potential land encroachment and accidental fires—particularly damaging to the fire-sensitive sedge wetlands. The National Trust works to monitor these threats while raising awareness of the reserve’s importance.
Why It Matters
The Salina Reserve is one of Grand Cayman’s last true wilderness areas. It not only supports the survival of endangered species but also safeguards essential natural systems like groundwater recharge and carbon storage. By protecting the Salina Reserve, we are preserving the beating heart of Cayman’s natural heritage for future generations.
Want to support the Salina Reserve?
Become a member or donate to the National Trust for the Cayman Islands to help us protect this precious sanctuary. Every contribution makes a difference.