Island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean
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Originally these forests occupied about 20% of the original vegetation on the island of Hispaniola, particularly in the lowlands on the western and southern coasts and the valley of Cibao (center-north) and were nearly non-existent in the eastern third of the island. They have high endemism, some relict taxons and broad ecological and species diversity for both plants and animals, some of which are endangered or at risk of becoming extinct. Currently, it is estimated that less than 8% of the island’s territory represents this ecoregion. The most pressing threats are the gathering of firewood, deforestation for development and intensive use for recreational purposes (DNP 1986; Dinerstein et al. 1995; Informe Nacional 1999).
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Scientific Code
(NT0215)
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Ecoregion Category
Neotropical
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Size
6,000 square miles
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Status
Critical/Endangered
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Habitats
Description
Location and General Description
Biodiversity Features
Current Status
Types and Severity of Threats
Justification of Ecoregion Delineation
Will be available January of 2002.
References
OAS. 1984. Écologie, Republique d'Haiti. Map 1:500,000. Organization of American States, Washington, D.C., USA.
Tasaico, H. 1967. Mapa ecologico de la Republica Dominicana. Unidad de Recursos Naturales de la Union Panamericana.
Prepared by: Ugo D'Ambrosio
Reviewed by: Not yet reviewed