Description   

Galion Forest is a small 15 ha swamp forest area. This type of ecosystem, very important, is the only relic of its kind in Martinique. This lake forest is located south of the municipality of Trinité. It is cataloged as ZNIEFF and was declared a biotope to be protected in 1999. 

The national road (Route Nationale 1) that crosses it, separates the eastern part of the Galion forest from the rest of the massif. 

This swampy or flooded forest is characterized by the presence of the dragon’s blood tree (Pterocarpus officinalis) which also gives it a unique and aesthetic appearance. This flooded area is surrounded by a narrow strip of secondary cloud forest that transitions into reedbeds. Which acts as a protective barrier for this fragile little-known wetland. 

Called “marsh”, the Galion forest is shaped like a swamp and bears witness to high environmental humidity.  

Biodiversity

The dragon’s blood tree (Pterocarpus officinalis) is a characteristic species of the swamp forest. This type of forest is like mangroves, a type of flooded forest. But this is much less salty since it is not in direct contact with the sea. 

The Galion forest is populated by 20 species of plants, 2 of which are critically endangered: the dragon’s blood tree (Pterocarpus officinalis) and the shoestring fern (Vittaria lineata), a hanging epiphytic fern. 

Birdlife is very present in the canopy, highlighting the spotted sandpiper (Actitis macularius), the common gallinule (Gallinula galeata) or the green heron (Butorides virescens). 

You can also see insects from the Hydrophilidae and Gerridae families, but also 3 natural heritage odonates, including the three-striped dasher (Micrathyria didyma)

Ecotourism potential

Located between the Galion factory (the only sugar factory in Martinique) and the town of Trinité, this forest is accessed by the RN1 that crosses it. 

It is recognized in particular thanks to the spectacular buttresses of the dragon’s blood tree (Pterocarpus officinalis). Rocks cut by Native Americans have also been found here. 

Although they aren’t official, several development projects are being considered to improve this unique and little-known natural space, and preserve it from possible anthropogenic pressures.