Haiti occupies the western third of the Caribbean island of Hispaniola. The nation shares this island with the Dominican Republic, and the landmass is distinguished by diverse ecosystems and numerous species found nowhere else. This environment has led to exceptionally high rates of biological diversity.
Haiti’s Status as a Biodiversity Hotspot
Hispaniola is recognized globally as a significant biodiversity hotspot. A hotspot is a biogeographic region with high concentrations of endemic species that are also experiencing significant habitat loss. Haiti’s varied topography, which includes nine distinct life zones from low desert to high cloud forests, fosters this wealth of life.
The geological isolation of the island has driven evolution, resulting in a high rate of endemism—species naturally restricted to this geographic area. Approximately 75% of Haiti’s fauna and 37% of its vascular plants are endemic to the island. This specialization means that the loss of a single habitat can result in the extinction of an entire species.
The mountainous regions, such as the Massif de la Hotte and the Chaîne de la Selle, act as “sky islands.” These areas feature unique microclimates and isolated evolution, producing high concentrations of unique flora and fauna. These regions, particularly in the southwestern peninsula, hold many of the island’s most specialized and narrowly distributed species, making them highly vulnerable.
Unique Terrestrial Vertebrates
Hispaniola is home to the last two surviving native terrestrial mammals in the Caribbean: the Hispaniolan Solenodon (Solenodon paradoxus) and the Hispaniolan Hutia (Plagiodontia aedium). The solenodon is an ancient, shrew-like insectivore. It is a nocturnal animal that uses its long, flexible snout to probe for insects and is one of the few venomous mammals, delivering toxins through grooved incisor teeth.
The Hispaniolan Hutia is a large, herbivorous rodent, known locally as the zagoutí. Resembling a guinea pig, it is a primarily nocturnal, tree-dwelling species with a semi-prehensile tail. It feeds on leaves, fruits, and bark. Both the solenodon and the hutia are found in undisturbed moist forest habitats, often hiding in burrows or hollow logs during the day.
Reptiles also show high endemism, including the Rhinoceros Iguana (Cyclura cornuta), a large, heavy-bodied lizard endemic to Hispaniola. Named for the bony, horn-like projections on its snout, it can grow up to 136 centimeters in length. Rhinoceros iguanas inhabit dry forests and rocky limestone areas, particularly in the southeastern regions and offshore islands.
Haiti’s amphibians exhibit specialization, with all native species being endemic to the Caribbean islands. The country’s moist, mountainous forests are home to numerous endemic frogs, many belonging to the Eleutherodactylus genus. Species like the Hispaniola Green Treefrog (Boana heilprini) and the Spiny Giant Frog (Eleutherodactylus nortoni) are found in specific, restricted habitats like the Grand Bois National Park.
Avian and Coastal Species
Hispaniola supports over 30 endemic bird species. The Hispaniolan Trogon (Priotelus roseigaster), the national bird of Haiti, is a vibrant species known for its emerald green back and red belly. The Hispaniolan Parrot (Amazona ventralis) is another endemic bird, a medium-sized green parrot with a prominent white forehead patch and a maroon belly.
The island also serves as a stopover point for migratory birds traveling between North and South America, including various warblers. The Hispaniolan Parakeet (Psittacara chloropterus) is another endemic species that frequents forested areas and is known for its social nature.
The country’s coastal waters support a range of marine life. Four species of sea turtles, including the Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) and the Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), utilize Haitian beaches for nesting. The West Indian Manatee (Trichechus manatus) is present in the shallow coastal waters and estuaries.
Mangrove forests provide essential nurseries and shelter for juvenile marine species, including fish, dolphins, and sharks. Other marine mammals, such as the Pantropical Spotted Dolphin and Sperm Whales, are documented in the deep waters off the Haitian coast, particularly along migration routes.
Pressures on Haitian Wildlife
The fauna of Haiti faces severe environmental threats. The most significant pressure is widespread habitat loss driven by extensive deforestation. Forests are cleared primarily for charcoal production, which serves as a major energy source, and for agricultural expansion. This loss of tree cover leads to massive soil erosion, which degrades terrestrial habitats and causes sedimentation that smothers coastal coral reefs and seagrass beds.
The introduction of non-native species also presents a serious threat to native wildlife. Feral domestic animals, such as dogs and cats, prey upon slow-moving and ground-nesting endemic species, including the Solenodon, Hutia, and Rhinoceros Iguana eggs. Invasive animals like the mongoose also contribute to high predation rates on native reptiles and birds.
Climate change intensifies these pressures by causing more extreme weather events, which are detrimental to coastal life. Increased storm frequency and intensity impact vulnerable sea turtle nesting sites and further degrade mangrove ecosystems. Because endemic species have limited ranges, these combined pressures create an environment where species are highly susceptible to localized extinction.