If you are visiting the Dominican Republic, there are many animals you can see. There are some common ones, such as the iguana, the tiburon, the toucan, and the parrot, but there are also a number of unique creatures you might encounter. You might see a Pygmy three-toed sloth, a Hispaniolan solenodon, or a moray eel.
Iguanas
The Dominican Republic is home to a variety of iguanas. Some of them are endemic to the country, while others are not. But even though the population has stabilized in some areas, they are still threatened.
Species such as the rhinoceros iguana and ricord iguana are endemic to the Dominican Republic. These animals are very large and have robust bodies. They can grow up to 130 centimeters in length.
These iguanas are a type of herbivorous lizard. They feed on leaves and flowers. Their diet may vary depending on the species. Iguanas in the Dominican Republic are largely found on Beata Island and Cabritos Island.
Although these iguanas are endemic to the island, they are threatened by habitat destruction and illegal land occupation. In addition, they are a threat to human health because they are known to be carriers of Salmonella, which can cause diarrhea and stomach aches.
Ricord’s Iguanas are also considered to be a threatened species because they are subject to predation. They are also at risk because of harvesting and charcoal production. However, there are local NGOs and the International Iguana Foundation (IIF) that are working to protect these endangered creatures.
While the IIF has provided core support to the conservation of the iguana, there are many more efforts needed to ensure the survival of the species. There is a need to address the trade of iguanas and to develop a proper management plan to prevent the continued poaching of this species.
In the Dominican Republic, there are three subpopulations of the Ricord’s Iguana. All three are threatened by illegal land occupation and harvesting.
At this time, the IIF will develop a proper plan of action that will bring researchers together to fight for the preservation of this iguana species. It is hoped that the government will take a more active role in this effort.
Pygmy three-toed sloth
The pygmy three-toed sloth is one of four members of the Bradypus genus. It is the smallest member of the family. These sloths are found on the Caribbean coast of western Panama, including the Bocas del Toro islands.
The pygmy three-toed Sloth is endangered and listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. However, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service does not recognize the IUCN’s threat classifications. Currently, the USFWS is reviewing an emergency petition to add the pygmy sloth to the U.S. Endangered Species Act.
Scientists have discovered evidence of the sloth in the Dominican Republic. They found the bones of the sloth in a flooded cave. This discovery suggests that the sloth is a new species.
In addition, the sloth lives in red mangrove forests. However, scientists have not been able to find the sloths in the interior of the island. This could be due to the aggressive cutting of the mangrove trees. As a result, the sloth’s habitat is being threatened by climate change.
While the pygmy three-toed slots have a relatively low population of fewer than 100 individuals, their survival is at risk. Habitat destruction, increased temperatures, and drought are the primary threats to the pygmy three-toed’s survival.
In response, the Animal Welfare Institute has filed an emergency petition to list the sloth as endangered. However, the USFWS has failed to issue a final listing determination for the pygmy three-toed in fiscal year 2017. Therefore, the probability of the pygmy three-toed’s extinction is likely to increase.
Furthermore, the pygmy three-toed’s existence is threatened by the fact that it lives on an isolated island. Since the island is separated from the coastal area, it is susceptible to climatic changes. Additionally, fishermen may be hunting the sloths.
Hispaniolan solenodon
The Dominican Republic has been home to two species of threatened land mammals, the Hispaniolan hutia and the solenodon. These species are among eight species of mammals that are currently extinct on the island.
The solenodon is a mammal that is only found in the Dominican Republic. It is a venomous insect eater that lives in burrows and is known for its long snout.
Scientists have been able to determine the differences between the Cuban and Hispaniolan solenodons through DNA. They also know that both species have different distributions.
The Cuban solenodon first appeared in the mid-19th century, but scientists didn’t begin studying it until the 1970s. At that time, it was believed that the Cuban species was extinct. However, research has revealed that there is a small population of the species in the south of the country.
In 2007, the EDGE Species project named the Hispaniolan solenodon as one of the top ten focal species for conservation. This recognition led to a three-year collaborative conservation project between researchers from the Dominican Republic and the UK.
One of the main threats facing the solenodon is the destruction of its habitat. The Dominican Republic has a wide network of protected areas, but some of these are at risk due to human encroachment. Another threat is the presence of exotic predators.
According to the Dominican Republic government, the solenodon is endangered. However, the species is still considered to be “least concern” by the IUCN.
Two conservation programs have recently been funded by the Darwin Initiative. These programs are designed to protect the Hispaniolan solenodon and the Puerto Rican Hutia.
A new study will investigate the effects of invasive species on the solenodon’s habitat. It is hoped that the findings will lead to management recommendations for the solenodon.
Moray eels
Moray eels are marine creatures found in many parts of the world. Their distribution ranges from the Caribbean to New Caledonia. They are most commonly found in tropical waters. Some of the species are also found in freshwater.
There are 211 recognized species of moray. The most common species are Gymnothorax javanicus and Gymnothorax favagineus. During spawning season, a female moray eel releases 10,000 eggs into the water. These eggs are fertilized by sperm of male eels. After a period of approximately thirty to forty-five days, the larvae will develop into a eel.
Although moray eels are considered dangerous, they are actually docile creatures. They rarely bite humans, but they can be aggressive when threatened.
Despite the negative image they have, they are an important predator to healthy ocean ecosystems. In fact, they are one of the top predators on reefs without sharks.
When not hunting, they typically live in shallow, crevices in coral reefs. They hide during the day and swim out at night to hunt. Most commonly, they capture fish, squid, cuttlefish, and octopus. However, some species also hunt crabs on the shore.
A moray eel’s life span is between 10 and 40 years. Their liver contains high levels of ciguatoxins. Eating a moray’s flesh can result in ciguatera poisoning.
Morays are also very shy animals. They are often seen at dive sites around the globe. As such, they may be difficult to spot. To avoid this, they should be approached with respect and caution.
Some moray species can be spotted at night, whereas others only feed during the day. Some morays have teeth on the roof of their mouth, which can be used to crush prey.
Lago Enriquillo National Park
Lago Enriquillo National Park in Dominican Republic is a great place for wildlife enthusiasts. The park is home to various species of birds and animals. Visitors can go for boat trips to see the iguanas and crocodiles. There are also natural swimming pools.
Enriquillo is a lake in the southwestern part of the Dominican Republic. The lake is the largest in the Caribbean region and is located between the Bahoruco and Neyba mountains. It is part of the Jaragua-Bahoruco-Enriquillo Biosphere Reserve.
The lake is salty and has a high salinity. Approximately half of the surface is below sea level. Among the species found on the lake are iguanas, crocodiles, flamingos, and shorebirds. Several endemic species are found on the lake, including the thorny-tusked roughenian iguana and the Ricord iguana.
Isla Cabritos is an island in Lake Enriquillo. It is the primary tourist attraction of the park. In addition to the iguanas, visitors can feed crocodiles. A motorboat will take them to the island.
This island is 155 miles from Santo Domingo. The climate is tropical and hot. It is a great place to view the American crocodile. Other wildlife includes desert flora, a rhinoceros iguana, and a variety of bird species.
The Lake Enriquillo ecosystem is composed of spiny shrubs and plants, such as palm trees, red/buttonwood mangrove, and palma cacheo. The main rivers of the region are the Yaque del Norte and the Yuna in the highlands. Wetter areas are dominated by baria and copey.
The area has been threatened by an increasing number of invasive species. A local team worked with the Ministry of Environment of the Dominican Republic and Island Conservation to remove invasive species without harming native species.