Endemic Species in Danger

Flora

In terms of the richness of the vegetation in the study area, 247 species of vascular plants were recorded. Of which 29 are endemic, 196 native to the island and 19 naturalised, which have been distributed into 206 genera and 91 families of plants. A few of those are Euphorbiaceae, Bombacaceae, Arecaceae, Araliaceae, Pteridophytes, Caesalpiniaceae and Mimosaceae.

The families and genders with more biodiversity are dispersed along humid and foggy weather. According to the past families, the most abundant genders are: Buchenavia, Magnolia, Bactris, Ocotea, Prestoea, Lepanthes and Cyathea. The vegetation around the visitor center differs from the others by a high density of endemic species unique to this place such as: Corado (Hyeronima domingenisis) and Green Ebony (Magnolia hamori), understory regeneration and good germination observed seeds.

Mammals

(Solendon paradoxus) 

In the past, the Caribbean hosted a diverse range of terrestrial mammals. There were around 120 endemic species.  It is believed that just 15 out of those 120 species have survived and all but one of them are in danger of extinction. 

It is very likely that they are decreasing as people tear down their environment. Due to some factors (unknown distribution, low basic ecology, and very low awareness), it is very hard to make plans for their conservation. 

The Hutia is the only surviving rodent that is native to the Hispaniola. The Solenodontidae is the only family of insectivores that has survived in the Caribbean.

Reptiles

Two species of frogs and two lizards, are native to the Eastern Sierra de Bahoruco. The Dominican Republic has started a project dedicated to the investigation of amphibians and their state of conservation; this project is know as Proyecto Rana RD, executed by NGOs, the Dominican government and the Cuban government. Among the exotic wildlife that has been reported are: Toad or Maco Pempen (Rhinella Marina) Huron (Herpestes javanicus) and the rat (Rattus sp.).

Birds

About 31 species of birds are endemic to Hispaniola, 26 of which were recorded in the study area. Most of these are endemic forest birds, which justifies the conclusion that, in spite of changes to the area, it still maintains a good level of conservation.