Don Tomas
09-12-2004, 02:12 AM
The Isle Cabritos National Park (Little Goats Island) is the largest of three islands found in the center of Lake Enriquillo, (a large salt-water lake 144 feet below sea level, which marks the lowest point in the Caribbean). Situated in the southeastern part of the country (approximately 232 kilo from Santo Domingo), between Sierra de Neyba and Sierra de Bahoruco, the island is 12 kilometers long and 2.5 wide.
The island, which was declared a national park in 1974, is flat with no traces of reefs. Marine deposits make up the soil, which consists mainly of limestone, seashells and coral. The park has numerous species of reptiles including the endangered rhinoceros and ricord iguanas and one of the largest wildlife American crocodile populations in the world. These reptiles can be seen from the lake's shores or on the boat to the island. A variety of waterfowl also inhabit the area. There are 62 species of birds include the flamingo, burrowing owl, Hispaniolan parrot and West Indian nighthawk.
Visitors to the park must pay the entrance fee and boat ride fee. No unguided visits to the island are permitted. The boat takes about thirty minutes to reach the island and the visitor's center on the island has information about the region's history and geology.
The island, which was declared a national park in 1974, is flat with no traces of reefs. Marine deposits make up the soil, which consists mainly of limestone, seashells and coral. The park has numerous species of reptiles including the endangered rhinoceros and ricord iguanas and one of the largest wildlife American crocodile populations in the world. These reptiles can be seen from the lake's shores or on the boat to the island. A variety of waterfowl also inhabit the area. There are 62 species of birds include the flamingo, burrowing owl, Hispaniolan parrot and West Indian nighthawk.
Visitors to the park must pay the entrance fee and boat ride fee. No unguided visits to the island are permitted. The boat takes about thirty minutes to reach the island and the visitor's center on the island has information about the region's history and geology.