Isla Cabritos National Park

Birds

The park is also home to a remarkable diversity of bird species, making it a prime destination for birdwatchers. Here are some of the most notable avian residents:

American Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber)
A striking bird known for its vibrant pink feathers, the American flamingo can often be seen wading in the shallow waters of Lake Enriquillo, feeding on algae and small crustaceans.

Hispaniolan Parrot (Amazona ventralis)
A colorful and vocal bird, the Hispaniolan parrot is known for its bright green plumage and red forehead. It thrives in the dry forests around the park.

Hispaniolan Woodpecker (Melanerpes striatus)
Easily recognized by its distinctive drumming sound, this endemic woodpecker plays a crucial role in the ecosystem by controlling insect populations and creating nesting cavities for other species.

Hispaniolan Lizard-Cuckoo (Coccyzus longirostris)
Named for its preference for hunting lizards and insects, this cuckoo species is a stealthy predator that navigates the forest understory with agility.

Hispaniolan Oriole (Icterus dominicensis)
A striking black-and-yellow bird, the Hispaniolan oriole builds elaborate hanging nests in trees and is commonly found in the park’s dry forests.

Antillean Nighthawk (Chordeiles gundlachii)
This nocturnal bird is often heard before it is seen, producing a distinctive “peent” call at dusk. It hunts insects in flight using its wide mouth and sharp reflexes.

White-necked Crow (Corvus leucognaphalus)
Unlike other crow species, the White-necked Crow has a slightly musical call. It is highly intelligent and social, often seen in flocks searching for food.

Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus)
A wading bird with dark, iridescent plumage, the Glossy Ibis forages in shallow water, feeding on insects, fish, and small amphibians.

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
A powerful bird of prey, the Osprey is often spotted soaring above Lake Enriquillo, diving dramatically to catch fish with its sharp talons.

Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps)
A small diving bird that is well adapted to the park’s wetlands, the Pied-billed Grebe is known for its ability to sink quietly beneath the water’s surface to evade predators.

Isla Cabritos National Park is a vital sanctuary for many of these species, offering a unique blend of arid and aquatic habitats that support an incredible range of wildlife.

Popular

Isla Cabritos National Park is a unique and ecologically significant park located in the Dominican Republic. It is situated within Lake Enriquillo, the largest lake in the Caribbean and one of the region’s most important biodiversity hotspots. The park is known for its arid landscape, extreme salinity, and the presence of endemic and rare wildlife species adapted to the harsh environment. Below are some of the most popular species found in Isla Cabritos National Park.

American Crocodile (Crocodylus acutus)
One of the park’s most iconic residents, the American crocodile thrives in the hypersaline waters of Lake Enriquillo. These large reptiles can grow up to 20 feet long and are known for their relatively docile nature compared to other crocodile species.

Rhinoceros Iguana (Cyclura cornuta)
This large, terrestrial lizard is endemic to Hispaniola and is named for the horn-like scales on its snout. The species is primarily herbivorous but may occasionally consume insects and small animals.

Ricord’s Iguana (Cyclura ricordii)
Another rare and endangered iguana species found in the park, Ricord’s iguana is distinguished by its darker coloration and slightly smaller size compared to the Rhinoceros Iguana. It is one of the world’s most threatened iguana species due to habitat loss.

Green Anole (Anolis chlorocyanus)
A small, bright green lizard that can change its color depending on its surroundings. These agile climbers are often seen basking on tree trunks or rocks in the park.

Hispaniolan Boa (Chilabothrus striatus)
One of the largest snakes in the Dominican Republic, this non-venomous boa constricts its prey, which includes birds, small mammals, and reptiles. It plays an important role in maintaining ecological balance in the park.

Hispaniolan Solenodon (Solenodon paradoxus)
A rare and nocturnal insectivore, the Hispaniolan solenodon is one of the few venomous mammals in the world. It is a living fossil, having changed very little over millions of years.

Hispaniolan Hutia (Plagiodontia aedium)
A rodent species endemic to Hispaniola, the Hispaniolan hutia is a nocturnal, tree-dwelling mammal that feeds on leaves, bark, and fruit. It is an important part of the park’s ecosystem.

Striped Curlytail Lizard (Leiocephalus schreibersii)
This small, fast-moving lizard gets its name from its habit of curling its tail when threatened. It is often seen basking in the sun on rocky outcrops.

Greater Bulldog Bat (Noctilio leporinus)
Also known as the fishing bat, this species is notable for its ability to catch fish using its large claws. It is commonly found near the lake’s shoreline at night.

West Indian Manatee (Trichechus manatus)
Occasionally spotted in the waters surrounding the park, the West Indian manatee is a gentle marine mammal that grazes on aquatic vegetation. Though rare in the area, conservation efforts aim to protect this species.

Birds

The park is also home to a remarkable diversity of bird species, making it a prime destination for birdwatchers. Here are some of the most notable avian residents:

American Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber)
A striking bird known for its vibrant pink feathers, the American flamingo can often be seen wading in the shallow waters of Lake Enriquillo, feeding on algae and small crustaceans.

Hispaniolan Parrot (Amazona ventralis)
A colorful and vocal bird, the Hispaniolan parrot is known for its bright green plumage and red forehead. It thrives in the dry forests around the park.

Hispaniolan Woodpecker (Melanerpes striatus)
Easily recognized by its distinctive drumming sound, this endemic woodpecker plays a crucial role in the ecosystem by controlling insect populations and creating nesting cavities for other species.

Hispaniolan Lizard-Cuckoo (Coccyzus longirostris)
Named for its preference for hunting lizards and insects, this cuckoo species is a stealthy predator that navigates the forest understory with agility.

Hispaniolan Oriole (Icterus dominicensis)
A striking black-and-yellow bird, the Hispaniolan oriole builds elaborate hanging nests in trees and is commonly found in the park’s dry forests.

Antillean Nighthawk (Chordeiles gundlachii)
This nocturnal bird is often heard before it is seen, producing a distinctive “peent” call at dusk. It hunts insects in flight using its wide mouth and sharp reflexes.

White-necked Crow (Corvus leucognaphalus)
Unlike other crow species, the White-necked Crow has a slightly musical call. It is highly intelligent and social, often seen in flocks searching for food.

Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus)
A wading bird with dark, iridescent plumage, the Glossy Ibis forages in shallow water, feeding on insects, fish, and small amphibians.

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
A powerful bird of prey, the Osprey is often spotted soaring above Lake Enriquillo, diving dramatically to catch fish with its sharp talons.

Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps)
A small diving bird that is well adapted to the park’s wetlands, the Pied-billed Grebe is known for its ability to sink quietly beneath the water’s surface to evade predators.

Isla Cabritos National Park is a vital sanctuary for many of these species, offering a unique blend of arid and aquatic habitats that support an incredible range of wildlife.