Massif de la Hotte

The Massif de la Hotte is a mountain range in southwestern Haiti, on the far-western end of the Tiburon Peninsula. The region is relatively remote and is one of the most biologically diverse and significant areas of all of Hispaniola. It also supports some of the last stands of Haiti's dense cloud forest on its peaks. About 2.5 million years ago, the Massif de la Hotte was separated from the rest of the country by a deep, wide sea channel, which resulted in a hotbed of endemism in its bird, plant, and reptile communities.[1]

Massif de la Hotte
LocationHaiti
Nearest cityJérémie
Les Cayes
Port-Salut
Coordinates18°22′59″N 74°1′32″W

Haiti has a World Heritage site located here.[2] In the wake of the 2010 Haiti earthquake, UNESCO's World Heritage Program is helping Haiti assess the damage.[3]

Biodiversity and conservation

Most of the island's endemic species exist within the 'de la Hotte Biosphere. Rising to a peak level of approximately 7700 ft (2347 m) in Pic Macaya; Haiti's second highest peak, the Massif's high and fluctuating elevations supports some of Hispaniola's highest levels of biological diversity and endemism. Much of the region lies within the Pic Macaya National Park.

Conservation International recognizes the region as one of the most conservation-urgent in the world in which 13 of Hispaniola's most critically endangered species (all amphibians) occur.[4] Among the most critically endangered frog species are Eleutherodactylus chlorophenax and Eleutherodactylus parapelates, two frog species endemic to Haiti. The Hispaniolan trogon has a recognized presence in the region.

La Hotte Biosphere Reserve

The La Hotte Biosphere Reserve was designated by UNESCO in 2016. The reserve covers an area of 435,193.5 ha (terrestrial and marine), with a core area of 117,119 ha (terrestrial 52,781.5 ha, marine 64,337.5 ha), a buffer zone of 185,027.5 ha (terrestrial 130,074.5 ha, marine: 54,953 ha), and a transition area of 133,047 ha (terrestrial 82,423 ha, marine: 50,624 ha).[5]

See also

References
  1. Andrea Townsend. "Endangered Areas". Retrieved 2007-06-11.
  2. "National History Park – Citadel, Sans Souci, Ramiers". UNESCO.org. Retrieved 23 January 2010.
  3. "World Heritage in Haiti". UNESCO.org. 2010-01-20. Retrieved 23 January 2010.
  4. "Expedition to Pic Macaya uncovers Haitian treasures". Hotspots E-News. Conservation International. 2006. Retrieved 22 September 2014.
  5. "La Hotte". UNESCO Man and Biosphere Programme, June 2016. Accessed 30 December 2020.
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