The Splits, Cayman Brac

The Splits
Cayman Islands
National Trust for the Cayman Islands
Location:	19°45’8"N, 79°44’8"W
Information

The Splits is a long line of narrow but deep, vertical-sided clefts in the limestone bedrock of Cayman Brac, the easternmost of the Cayman Islands, the bottom of which are filled with the island's groundwater. They are away from the developed parts of the island, left pristine and natural, and form a unique inland freshwater ecosystem.

The Splits run east-west incising the Bluff, the limestone platform which runs the length of the island, ending in cliffs at its eastern end (which is the highest point of the Cayman Islands).

The Splits is an area of ecological significance as a nesting site for two species of heron, home to two endemic species of freshwater fish and a popular watering hole for local and migratory birds.

Within the cleft is bare rock, vegetation, and deep, fresh water. There are flooded limestone caves beneath also.

Conservation

An area of twenty-six acres including the Splits belongs to the National Trust for the Cayman Islands, having been donated by the family of the late Dr Roy Herrman and Estelle Herrman, and facilitated by the International Reptile Conservation Fund. The family donated 17½ acres in 2004, and the rest of the Splits, at 8.6 acres, in 2013.

Nature and wildlife

The Bluff which runs along the length of the island, has a “split” down its centre, in some places so narrow it can be stepped across. However, at The Splits, in the West End of the island, it is at its widest and the deep natural fissure provides one of the few year-round sources of water to the birds and animals of the Brac.

The ravines at the Splits are 3 to 12 feet wide, with the cliff rock’s sides rising to meet the surrounding terrain approximately 10 to 15 feet above the water table. In some places, the split is so narrow it can be stepped across, however at the most western end it is at its widest and provides one of the few year-round sources of water for the birds and wild animals of Cayman Brac.

The Splits is surrounded by forest and the area is an active breeding site for yellow-crowed night herons, tri-coloured herons and green herons as well as two endemic species of freshwater fish. It is also a popular watering hole for local and migratory birds.

Outside links

• The Splits: National Trust for the Cayman Islands