La Patience Nature Park

Summary

Over 161 plant species were found on Patience Estate including forest trees, agricultural crops, ornamental plants, vines, herbs and grasses. A number of medicinal plants were also found. Twenty-five bird species were observed including 5 endemics, six species of mammals, five reptile species, one amphibian and some river fauna also occur in the area

1.1 Mammals

Six species of mammals occur on Patience Estate (Table 1). The forested areas, agricultural and fallow lands, and riparian areas provide food and shelter for agoutis, opossums, mongoose, rats, bats and mice.

Mongoose is a common species and can be seen crossing the road during daylight hours. At night, bats, opossums, rats and mice are active. Agouti also occur in the area and are often seen by the local people.

TABLE I Mammals on Patience Estate

SCIENTIFIC NAME	COMMON NAME	LOCAL NAME
Artibeus jamaicensis	Fruit bat	Sol Souwi
Didelphis marsupialis	opossum	Manicou
Herpestes auropunctatus	Mongoose	Mongoose
Dasyprocta antilles	Agouti	Agouti
Mus musculus	Mouse	Souwi
Rattus rattus	Rat	Wat

1.2 BIRDS

Twenty-six species of birds were seen or heard in the study area (table ii). Three endemic species occur in the area, namely St. Lucia Parrot, St. Lucia Oriole, St. Lucia Black Finch, St. Lucia Pewee and the St. Lucia Warbler. Among the most common were the Banana Quit and the Lesser Antillean Bullfinch.
Both the Lesser Antillean Bullfinch and the Banana Quit were common in all habitat types. Hummingbirds seen were the Antillean Crested and the Purple-throated Carib. Scaley-breasted Thrashers were less common and were heard on several occasions. Only one bird of prey, the Broad-wing Hawk was seen in the area. There may be birds that were not recorded as more visits to the area would be needed to have a complete bird inventory.