The Dominican Republic is a paradise for wildlife lovers. Thanks to the most diverse landscapes in the Caribean, the extraordinary variety of habitats and the fact that a quarter of the land is protected. The Dominican Republic has 29 national parks and therefore is also rich in wildlife. It is home to more than 300 species of birds, 32 of which are endemic to Hispaniola (the island which the Dominican Republic shares with Haiti). Discover everything from whales and dolphins to crocodiles and iguanas. Whether you are visiting the island to lie on the beach, or to take part in the various adventurous activities. For some visitors, nature is the primary attraction to visit the Dominican Republic, while often for others it will be an added delight to the warm tropical air and beautiful beaches. Visit the National Parks, Protected Areas, Jungle, Deserts, Mountains or private island and you’ll be surprised by the immense beauty, that makes Dominican Republic wildlife a must-see experience.
The Dominican Republic wildlife includes an interesting variety in the country’s protected areas and national parks. You can swim here in nature with humpback whales and wild dolphins and see lots of animals that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
Dominican Republic wildlife includes the Hispaniolan Solenodon which is a nocturnal burrowing mammal with a long flexible snout and resembles a large shrew, or a dwarf Gecko (smallest lizard in world), rhinoceros iguana (threatened iguana), frogs (large capaud, tiny tree frogs), snakes (four types, non-venomous) including boa constrictors, bats (13 species), butterflies (more than 50 species), Hispaniolan hutia, and American crocodile.
The country has over 300 bird species
The country has over 300 bird species, indigenous and wintering, include Hispaniolan palm crows, warbler (white-winged, Green-tailed) Tanagers, white-necked crows,, Oriole, Crossbill, Antillean Siskin, West Indian whistling duck, pelican, Turkey vulture, Royal Tern, Antillean Piculet, ashy-faced owl, white-tailed tropicbird, Frigate bird, Vervain Hummingbird, broad-billed Toadies, narrow-billed Toadies, Mockingbird, Gull, American Redstart, golden swallow, and the American flamingo. You will also find the Hispaniolan parrot, Hispaniolan lizard cuckoo, purple Gallinute, pigeons (white-crowned, plain, scaly-naped), Dove, Yellowthroat, mangrove Cuckoo, nighthawk, grey Kingbird, Loggerhead Kingbird, red-legged thrush, Roseate Spoonbill, Quail Doves, Killdeer, purple Gallinule, Hispaniolan Pewee, woodpecker. Endangered parrots are the Sisserou parrot and the Jaco parrot.
The island also comes with an astonishing marine life. The beautiful and crystal clear waters come with coral and lots of animals like the great Barracuda, Atlantic sailfish, black Jackfish, French Grunt, butterflyfish, Caribbean sharpnose, porcupine fish, Goliath Grouper, spotted drum, several species of cowfish, Queen Angelfish, trumpet fish, lionfish, eel, green Moray, squirrelfish, yellow Goatfish, yellow stingray. But also Whales like the humpback or dolphins (bottlenose, spinner, Risso’s, Fraser’s, rarely seen pygmy killer whale), turtles (leatherback, loggerhead, hawksbill, green) ane the West Indian manatee. During the winter months (December until January) Bahia de Samana is a popular spot for Whale Watching.
At Cap el Limon we’d be happy to invite you for a local excursion to experience the Dominican Republic’s beautiful wildlife yourself.
