Lago Enriquillo. 15/05/02; Suroeste; ~ 20,000 ha; 18°28'N 071°39'W. Parque Nacional. A hypersaline lake formed by an ancient channel of the sea, at 35km in length the largest lake in the Caribbean, as well as the surrounding swamps, wet meadows, and irrigated cropland, with one large and two small islands. The site is significant for the biodiversity of the region, supporting three of the largest reptiles found on the island, all of them threatened. It also provides habitat for at least 65 species of domestic and migratory birds, of which five are considered threatened. Cave decorations with pictographs and petroglyphs from pre-hispanic Taínos people can be seen, of which the best example of taíno art can be found on an ancient coral reef called Las Caritas, an archaeological site frequently visited by tourists. Diversion of inflowing water for agricultural purposes is perceived as a potential threated to the ecological character of the site. A visitors' centre on the Isla Cabritos, the original core of the present National Park, has developed numerous educational activities. Ramsar site no. 1179. Most recent RIS information: 2002.

Suroeste