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Jaragua National Park |
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This Park is located in the southwestern part of the Barahona Peninsula, near the southwestern border of the Dominican Republic. It includes within its limits the islands of Beata and Alto Velo, as well as Los Frailes and Piedra Negra cays. With an area of 1,374 km2, Jaragua is one of the largest protected areas in the insular Caribbean. Jaragua National Park constitutes one of the few remaining areas of pristine Antillean wild lands, particularly those occurring in arid and coastal-marine ecosystems. The park sustains a unique sample of numerous ecosystems belonging to important biogeographic provinces of Hispaniola, which historically has served as center of plant and animal speciation for the Caribbean. Jaragua National Park represents the only portion of coastal marine lowlands of the "South Paleoisland" of Hispaniola under protection. Hispaniola was formed by two ancient islands, which were independently colonized by plant and animals, which underwent independent speciation processes. It is the only place of Hispaniola where the natural geographic distribution of several faunal groups overlaps, having all species of each taxa represented. As a result, the Park’s flora and fauna are unique, presenting high levels of endemism, both at the species and higher taxa levels. Jaragua National Park was established in 1983 by Presidential Decree No. 1315 of August 11. It has an area of 1 374 km², of which 905 km² are marine. The technical studies that supported its designation as a National Park were conducted during 1981-1982 by the Sub-ministry of Natural Resources (Subsecretaría de Recursos Naturales) from the Ministry of Agriculture, with cooperation from the German Social - Technical Cooperation Service (DED). Currently the Park is under the administration of the Protected Area and Biodiversity Sub-secretariat of the Environment and Natural Resources Secretariat. The terrain is formed by a series of terraces of marine origin that appear like giant stair steps, as well as coastal plains. Jaragua’s natural physiography and dryness has represented a historic natural protection to the area, which has been strengthened after it was designated a National Park in 1983. This has allowed in the survival of important species of Antillean and Hispaniolan flora and fauna. Twelve types of plan associations have been reported for the Park. In general terms, the vegetation has a low regeneration rate, adapted to high solar radiation and reduced rain. Dry forests with high numbers of endemic species dominate the landscape. Noteworthy endemics are canelilla (Pimenta haitensis, a medicinal and aromatic plant, with a very restricted distribution within the Park), and guanito palm (Coccothrinax ekmanii). In Oviedo lagoon's cays, spectacular cactus and bromeliads grow. Other typical plans are sea grapes (Coccoloba uvifera), mahogany (Swietenia mahagoni), guaiacum (Guaiacum officinale), and yoke-wood (Catalpa longissima). Some of the most extensive and best preserved seagrass meadows of the region are found withing the Park's marine boundaries. These meadows support some species of commercial importance, such as queen conch (Strombus gigas) and spiny lobster (Panulirus argus). Includes numerous species of high economic, fishery and conservation value (according to the UICN's Red Data Book of Threatened Species). In terms of reptiles, Jaragua has a very high diversity. The most conspicuous are the two endemic species of rock iguanas: the rhinocerous iguana (Cyclura cornuta), and Ricord's iguana (Cyclura ricordi), the latter one being a local endemic and highly endangered. The Park is also the only place in Hispaniola where all species of certain reptile genera are found, such as the lizard genus Ameiva, and of the endemic colubrid snake Uromacer. There are also endemic species with very limited natural geographic ranges (Anolis altavelensis, Sphaerodactylus ariasae). Also, the Park's beaches serve as nesting sites for sea turtles, particularly hawksbills (Eretmochelys imbricata) and leatherbacks (Dermochelys coriacea). Juvenile green turtles (Chelonia mydas) and especially hawksbills are also found in high densities in Jaragua's sea grass beds and coral reefs, respectively. The Park is also home of the elegant slider terrapin (Trachemys decorata), endemic and critically endangered. In addition, Jaragua also serves as habitat to numerous species of native, endemic, and migratory birds. One-hundred and thirty bird species are known for the Park, of which 76 are residents, 10 are endemics, and 47 are migratory. The island’s largest population of white-crowned pigeon (Columba leucocephala) forms enormous breeding colonies in the Park, possible the largest in the West Indies. Furthermore, Jaragua has the most important population of the plain pigeon (Columba inornata), an West Indian endangered species. In some of its offshore islands and cays breeds the largest known Caribbean colony of the sooty tern (Sterna fuscata). Jaragua National Park also serves as a refuge for important relict populations of both native and endemic mammals. Some of these are under imminent danger of extinction, such as the hutía (Plagiodontia aedium) and the solenodon (Soledonodon paradoxus). Also, 11 bat species have been reported for the Park. The endangered West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus), lives and forages in the extensive sea grass beds of the Park. Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) are frequently sighted near Alto Velo island. The invertebrate fauna is scarcely known, but new species have been described in recent years. Jaragua National Park is rich in achaeological sites from pre-colonial times. The oldest of such sites dates back to 2,590 BC, correspoding to advanced indigenours settlers, notably the taínos, which dominated the island upon Columbus' arrival in 1492. The taínos established a certain territorial division of the island of Hispaniola, known as the cacicazgos. Jaragua National Park takes its name from the southern cacicazgo of Xaraguá. There are numerous caves within the park , such as El Guanal, La Poza and Mongó, which contain pre-columbian drawings, stone carvings and artifacts from that period. For more information, see: López, A. Se localiza en el PNJ la cueva con arte rupestre más importante del suroeste. http://www.bahiadelasaguilas.org/parquejaragua/arterupestre.asp Oviedo Lagoon is located in Jaragua's northeast area, and measures 28 km2. Although it is known for its high salinity, it receives also freshwater inputs on its northern side, where extensive mangroves exist. Among the fishes inhabiting the lagoon, there is Cyprinodon nicholsi, the largest species in its family. The lagoon is also a remarkable habitat for many aquatic species, including the largest populations of flamencos in the island. Other common birds are the Royal, blue, and Greater Egrets, ana many Terns. The white crowned pigeon often nests in large aggregations near its freshwater mangrove areas. Bahía de las Aguilas is an 8km long beach located in the west coast of the park. Without a doubt, it is one of the most beautiful beachces in the country, if not the world. It is formed by fine white sands resulting from the beautiful coral reefs that fringe its shoreline. In recent years, the touristic development of Bahía has been a hotly debated issue in Dominican society and the local media. Due to the proximity of reefs to the shore, any pollution from land could deteriorate them rapidly. For this reason, Grupo Jaragua believes in a sustainable model for development of Bahía which is extremely respectful of the environment. Within Jaragua's boundaries, there are two islands, Beata and Alto Velo, as well as an emerging reef platform known as Los Frailes. Beata island has a very interesting reptile fauna, including an important population of Cyclura cornuta, and the smallest lizard in the world. (Sphaerodactylus ariasae, see http://www.conservation.org/xp/news/press_releases/2001/120301.xml. Alto Velo also has an endemic lizard, Anolis altavelensis. Both Alto Velo and Los Frailes are important nesting areas for marine birds, particularly of the sooty tern (Sterna fuscata), which forms its largest nesting colony of the Caribbean in Alto Velo.
Existen varios asentamientos humanos tanto dentro como fuera de los límites del Parque. Los principales pueblos están ubicados cerca de la carretera, siendo los mayores Oviedo ( population = ## ) y Pedernales (### habitantes). Otros poblados próximos al Parque en la carretera son: Juancho, La Colonia (Nueva Esperanza), El Cajuil, Tres Charcos y Manuel Goya. Dentro del Parque, existen varios campamentos pesqueros, donde la mayoría de los pescadores residen temporalmente. Los principales son: Trudillé, Piticabo, Isla Beata y Lanza Zó.
For more in depth information see the following studies: SEA/DIRENA (1993). Uso actual de la tierra y su dinámica en el parque nacional Jaragua. Santo Domingo, Secretaría de Estado de Agricultura,Subsecretaría de Recursos Naturales, Departamento de Inventario de Recursos Naturales, Servicio Social Técnico Alemán.: 19. Leon, Y.M y K.A. Bjorndal 2000. Selective feeding of the hawksbill turtle: an important predator in coral reefs. http://geocities.com/ymleon/documents/Leon_Bjorndal2002.pdf Pérez, D. E., G. O. Dominici, et al. (1995). Jaragua: New genus and two new species of American Pyrgomorphids (Orthopterra: Pyrgomorphidae) from Hispaniola, West Indies. Annals of the Entomological Society of America 88(1): 31-38. Marcano, E.J., y J. Cicero, 1978. Flórula de la Isla Beata Sánchez, R. O., G. Caminero, et al. (1983). Inventario y evaluación botánico-ecológica en el extremo sur de la península de Barahona e isla Beata. Santo Domingo, Secretaría de Estado de Agricultura, Subsecretaría de Recursos Naturales, Departamento de Vida Silvestre: 24-54. Alvarez, V. (1984). La flora de la laguna de Oviedo. Contribuciones CIBIMA 55: 12 pp.
Last Updated: 17 Nov 2005 Questions or coments about this page? contact: Yolanda León
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