National Parks in Dominican Republic
The government of Dominican Republic is justifiably proud of the natural beauty of their country and has taken steps to preserve it for future generations. It has set aside 20 percent of the total land area of the country for preservation and there are 83 areas that include national parks, natural monuments, marine sanctuaries, natural reserves and nine protected groups of islands which are known as panoramic views. The natural scenery is spectacular, with great diversity of landscapes and colors. It seems as though wherever you stand, the view is magnificent.
Most visitors to Dominican Republic will visit at least one, if not more, of the country’s national parks. Some parks have little by way of facilities for tourists or even roads through them, while some, like Los Haitises can only be reached by boat. Four wheel drive access is available in many of the rugged parks and Submarino La Caleta is a marine park that caters for divers and snorkelers. Jaragua is the largest park and is home to the largest bird population in the country. Not to be missed is Oviedo Lagoon where the greatest colony of pink flamingoes can be admired.
The Armando Bermudez Park was the first National Park and remains the most popular with tourists who flock to view the 10,128 foot Pico Duarte. La Isabela is consistently ranked among the top ten visited parks; it is a historic park being the site of the first European settlement. Whether your interest is in diving, marveling at the numerous caves with their examples of pre-Columbian art, bird watching or just appreciating the remote beauty of the area, the Eastern National Park is sure to delight. The landscapes within the national parks are very diverse from mountains to forests, deserts to wetlands. There is a park located in every major region of the country. They range in size from a few square miles to hundreds of square miles in size and contain the country’s most endangered wildlife areas, virgin forests, fragile desert areas, mangrove swamps and amazingly beautiful beaches.
Entrance fees vary, depending on the location, but in general the amount is fairly nominal. The fees range from $1 to $5. Guides are usually required to accompany you.
Because of the various climatic conditions in Dominican Republic, there are very different eco-systems from tropical forests to semi-deserts which are home to unique and varied flora and fauna. Towering mountains, thick jungles, pine forests, coral reefs, unspoiled beaches and arid desert areas all exist side by side in this amazing land.
The protected areas are home to more than 5,600 species. 36 percent of the country’s flora is endemic, meaning they are found nowhere else, and includes 300 species of orchid. Dominican Republic has an endemic palm – the manacle palm. Isla Saona, part of the Eastern National Park, is home to the endangered West Indian manatee. The fauna that can be seen in the national parks include over 300 bird species, of which 27 are endemic and many are endangered in other parts of the world, 300 species of butterflies and over 30 land mammals. In the marine parks, 14 percent of the coral reefs left in the world are found, and six species of marine turtle. Plan your time when you visit the Dominican Republic so that you are able to visit and enjoy its beautiful National Parks.
The Dominican National Parks
Most visitors to Dominican Republic will visit at least one, if not more, of the country’s national parks. Some parks have little by way of facilities for tourists or even roads through them, while some, like Los Haitises can only be reached by boat. Four wheel drive access is available in many of the rugged parks and Submarino La Caleta is a marine park that caters for divers and snorkelers. Jaragua is the largest park and is home to the largest bird population in the country. Not to be missed is Oviedo Lagoon where the greatest colony of pink flamingoes can be admired.
The Armando Bermudez Park was the first National Park and remains the most popular with tourists who flock to view the 10,128 foot Pico Duarte. La Isabela is consistently ranked among the top ten visited parks; it is a historic park being the site of the first European settlement. Whether your interest is in diving, marveling at the numerous caves with their examples of pre-Columbian art, bird watching or just appreciating the remote beauty of the area, the Eastern National Park is sure to delight. The landscapes within the national parks are very diverse from mountains to forests, deserts to wetlands. There is a park located in every major region of the country. They range in size from a few square miles to hundreds of square miles in size and contain the country’s most endangered wildlife areas, virgin forests, fragile desert areas, mangrove swamps and amazingly beautiful beaches.
Entrance fees vary, depending on the location, but in general the amount is fairly nominal. The fees range from $1 to $5. Guides are usually required to accompany you.
Flora and Fauna in Dominican Republic
Because of the various climatic conditions in Dominican Republic, there are very different eco-systems from tropical forests to semi-deserts which are home to unique and varied flora and fauna. Towering mountains, thick jungles, pine forests, coral reefs, unspoiled beaches and arid desert areas all exist side by side in this amazing land.
Natural set in beauty
The protected areas are home to more than 5,600 species. 36 percent of the country’s flora is endemic, meaning they are found nowhere else, and includes 300 species of orchid. Dominican Republic has an endemic palm – the manacle palm. Isla Saona, part of the Eastern National Park, is home to the endangered West Indian manatee. The fauna that can be seen in the national parks include over 300 bird species, of which 27 are endemic and many are endangered in other parts of the world, 300 species of butterflies and over 30 land mammals. In the marine parks, 14 percent of the coral reefs left in the world are found, and six species of marine turtle. Plan your time when you visit the Dominican Republic so that you are able to visit and enjoy its beautiful National Parks.
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