Vegetation Zones of the Dominican Republic: Rainforest to Semi-Desert

The Dominican Republic's diverse topography (sea level to 3,087 m at Pico Duarte) and climate create seven distinct vegetation zones:

1. Tropical Rainforest

NE slopes (Sierra de Bahoruco, Cordillera Septentrional). High rainfall (>2,000 mm), humidity. Tall canopy, lianas, epiphytes, ferns, palms. Los Haitises, Jaragua (buffer).

2. Tropical Dry Forest

S/SE coasts (Pedernales, Barahona, La Romana). 800–1,200 mm rain, distinct dry season. Deciduous trees (guayacán, guácimo), cacti, thorn scrub.

3. Mangroves

Coastal lagoons, estuaries (Montecristi, Samaná, Oviedo). Red/black/white/button mangroves. Nursery for fish/crustaceans; storm buffer.

4. Pine Forest

High elevations (Cordillera Central: Valle Nuevo, José del Carmen Ramírez). Pinus occidentalis (endemic Hispaniola pine). Cool, misty.

5. Cloud Forest

Windward ridges >1,500 m. Constant mist, mossy trees, bromeliads, orchids. High endemism. Ébano Verde, Loma Quita Espuela.

6. Savanna

Interior valleys (San Juan, Azua). Grasses, scattered trees (acacia, guayacán). Fire-maintained; cattle grazing.

7. Semi-Desert

SW tip (Lago Enriquillo basin, Jaragua). <200 mm rain. Cacti (melon cactus), succulents, xerophytic shrubs. Hottest, driest.

Conservation

29% land protected (national parks, reserves). Threats: tourism development, charcoal, agriculture, mining (gold, nickel), invasives.