Animal world of the Dominican Republic. Nature of the Dominican Republic Animal world of the Dominican Republic

Animal world Dominican Republic

Travelers in the Dominican Republic can enjoy the beauty of natural nature. And they pay off with positive emotions from meeting unique animals in their habitats.

Jaragua Park

In the south of the country there is the Jaragua Park with the famous salt lake. Laguna de Oviedo, with its emerald water, is surrounded by mangrove forests that are home to rare bird species. Pink flamingos feel like masters and are not afraid of camera flashes. Egrets, ibises and sandpipers strut proudly here.

If you are patient, you can meet large rhinoceros iguanas. May – October is the time for observing sea turtles. Green turtles, loud turtles, caguamo turtles and other species sometimes reach almost two meters in length.

Estero Hondo Park

A landmark of the Dominican Republic is the sea cow. A huge manatee sanctuary is located in Estero Hondo, which lies in the province of Puerto Plata. Animals live in a special pond. Park employees talk about this amazing endangered animal species. You can watch baby manatees in their natural environment. Here you can also buy souvenirs in the form of these unusual animals.

Samana Bay

January – March is the time of arrival of humpback whales in Samana Bay. Boat excursions are conducted by sailors. They swim as close to mammals as possible. The mating games of sea giants and their incredible jumps are clearly visible from the shore.

Los Haitises Nature Reserve

An exciting boat excursion awaits people traveling through the Los Haitises Nature Reserve. Majestic bamboo groves and mangroves have become a haven for beautiful pelicans, amazing frigate birds and other birds. Here the caves of the ancient Taino Indians with rock paintings remained in their original form.

Animal Adventure Park

A huge piece of tropical paradise on the ocean is the Animal Adventure Park. Thrill-seekers are invited to swim next to sharks and rays, which are separated from people by a transparent partition, cute fur seals and smart dolphins. Shows with fur seals and lions are held frequently, and performances by trained birds become a real treat for bird lovers.

Here live the bright striped Bengal tigers and their special brothers with blue eyes and white fur. Exotic iguanas of various sizes, toucans with huge heavy beaks, reptiles and monkeys - all this can be seen for 70 USD.

Manati Park

Manati Park – perfect place which you can visit with children. Various animal shows are held here on a scheduled basis. It is better to study the schedule at the entrance. Demonstrations of dancing horses, dolphin shows and choral singing of parrots can easily be covered in one day of visiting. It is recommended to take a walk around the park and admire predatory crocodiles, iguanas and crabs, turtles of all kinds and birds of various colors and sizes during breaks between shows.

The cost of visiting the park for adults is 35 USD, for teenagers 20. Children under 2 years old can be admitted free of charge.

The animal world of the Dominican Republic is a vibrant journey and a cure for stress.

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- a state in the West Indies, occupies two-thirds of the island of Haiti. In the west it borders on the Republic of Haiti, in the north it is washed by the Atlantic Ocean, in the south by the Caribbean Sea, and in the east by the Mona Strait.

The name of the country comes from the main city of the country, Santo Domingo.

Official name: Dominican Republic (Dominican Republic)

Capital: Santo Domingo

The area of ​​the land: 48.7 thousand sq. km

Total Population: 9.79 million people

Administrative division: The state is divided into 29 provinces and 1 national district.

Form of government: Republic.

Head of State: The president.

Population composition: 73% are mestizos and mulattoes, 16% are Europeans, 11% are blacks.

Official language: Spanish. French is maintained on the border with Haiti. English is spoken in mountainous areas where former slaves from the southern United States once immigrated, such as San Pedro de Macoris and Samana. Most Dominicans involved in the tourism business speak English, German or Italian.

Religion: 95% are Catholics.

Internet domain: .do

Mains voltage: ~110 V, 60 Hz

Country dialing code: +1-809, 1-829

Country barcode: 746

Climate

The climate in the Dominican Republic is marine tropical. Throughout the year, the relative air humidity is high here - 70-80%. The hottest are summer months and September, throughout the country temperatures at this time reach +32..+34 degrees, at night they do not fall below +22 degrees. In the remaining months, it is about +30 degrees during the day, and +18..+20 at night. It is a little cooler in the mountains; in winter, slightly negative temperatures are sometimes observed at night.

The greatest amount of precipitation falls in May and November. The average annual precipitation is 1000-1500 mm, the windward slopes of the mountains receive up to 2000 mm of precipitation, and it is driest on south coast. At the end of summer, typhoons are frequent in the Dominican Republic, the approach of which is reported by local media.

The water temperature does not drop below +26 degrees throughout the year.

Geography

State with total area 48.7 thousand sq. km. located in the West Indies, in the center of the Great Antilles, occupying eastern part islands of Haiti (formerly called Hispaniola).

In the north it is washed by the Atlantic Ocean, in the south by the Caribbean Sea, in the east the Mona Strait separates the country from Puerto Rico, in the west it borders the Republic of Haiti.

The relief of the island is very diverse. More than half of the country's territory is occupied by 4 mountain range, crossing the island from northwest to southeast, as well as the Sierra de Baoruco plateau in the southwest. The highest point of the country is Duarte Peak in the northwest (3175 m).

The coastal zone and intermountain valleys are occupied by vast savannas (most of them have long been used for farmland) and tropical forests.

Flora and fauna

Vegetable world

The flora of the Dominican Republic includes 1,800 species of unique plants not found anywhere else. In total, there are 8,000 species of vegetation on the islands. In that unique corner Tropical trees and trees of temperate latitudes easily coexist. Nature is constantly in a state of late spring, thanks to which the territory of the Dominican Republic is covered with lush greenery all year round.

The islands are surrounded by the luxury of exotic flowers. Nature was generous with colors and created indescribable palettes. Orchids are a special pride of the Dominican Republic. There are about 3,000 species of these exotic flowers on the islands. Some of them were equated to national values ​​and were prohibited from being exported from the territory of the Republic.

Very common are caesalpinias - shrubs with bright large flowers. Bouganvillea and Trinitaria bloom luxuriantly throughout the area.

Rainforests, which have only been preserved in small quantities, grow mainly on the highest points of the islands. The trees that previously covered the entire plain were destroyed. But what remains is amazing. The proximity of pine trees and palm trees, mahogany and pine nuts, and logwood cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Everything around is covered with epiphytic plants - regulars of tropical flora. Ferns, dwarf palms and various exotic flowers grow wildly on the plains, pleasing the eye with an abundance of colors.

Mangroves stretch along the Dominican beaches. This vegetation has adapted to existence in salt water, giving many birds and marine life not only reliable shelter, but also an abundance of food. Mangrove vegetation also protects the coast from hurricanes.

The arid areas found on the Dominican Islands are covered with gigantic cacti and thorny bushes.

The nature of the Dominican Republic is quite interesting from an agricultural point of view. It was from this paradise that potatoes and tobacco were exported, which became very widespread and popular throughout Europe. Various tropical fruits grow here in abundance.

The main crop exported is sugar cane, brought to the islands by the Spaniards and has taken root well in the fertile soil of the Dominican Republic. Sugar cane plantations are popular among tourists.

Next to cane in terms of importance are banana plantations. This crop was also introduced to the Dominican Republic and, like sugar cane, took root here remarkably well, becoming one of the main agricultural crops.

Coffee is another crop introduced from outside. Dominican coffee is valued for its taste. He quickly gained worldwide popularity. Now Dominican coffees are among the most expensive in the world.

The Dominican Republic has long been one of the largest suppliers of cocoa beans in the world. These capricious trees on the islands are in an ideal climate for themselves - warm and very humid. As protection from direct sunlight, which harms cocoa trees, coconut palms or mangroves are planted mixed with the crop.

Rural crops grown for domestic use do not stand out as anything special. Corn, rice and other unremarkable plants used for food are grown here. Most of them were brought by Europeans.

Fruit crops include orange trees, passion fruit, papaya, pineapples, mangoes and many others. Most of these plants have enough natural environment for normal development, so they are not even cultivated.

Because wildlife There were no more animals left on the territory of the Dominican Republic; nature reserves began to be created. Cutting down trees is prohibited by law. The authorities are trying their best to preserve at least the memory of the former luxury of the Dominican Islands.

Animal world

The nature of the Dominican Republic is unique and inimitable. But wars and the rapid spread of civilization led to the fact that there were no large mammals left on the islands. The isolation of the territories also contributed to their disappearance. However, the fauna in this paradise is still capable of surprising tourists with exotic representatives of the animal world. The rarest species of reptiles and birds are perfectly preserved here, and the underwater inhabitants delight with their diversity. Many animals are on the verge of extinction and are protected by the authorities (although sometimes protection is carried out only on paper).

Marine inhabitants amaze visitors with their diversity. The lagoon is surrounded by coral reefs, which reliably protect it from sharks, and the abundance of food allows the inhabitants to live and reproduce without problems. Large tropical fish, generously decorated by nature in the most bizarre colors, can surprise even seasoned diving enthusiasts with their beauty. Water Caribbean Sea rich in shrimp, lobsters and crabs.

The most breathtaking sight is the humpback whales. These giants are attracted to the warm and safe waters of Samana Bay. Whales come here to give birth. Near the coast of the Dominican Republic there are all conditions for their reproduction, including an abundance of food. Humpback whales are very playful creatures, constantly on the move and love to leap out of the water in spectacular fashion. Watching them in natural conditions is a real pleasure.

Quite often, American manatees (sea cows) are found in the coastal waters of the Dominican Republic. These animals can only live in warm climates, since they lack a fat layer. They feed on marine vegetation, which abounds in the Caribbean Sea near Dominican Islands. Sometimes manatees eat small invertebrate animals or fish. The absence of enemies makes the life of sea cows serene.

Dolphins are often found among the large mammals of the sea. Like everyone else, they are attracted here by the safety and abundance of food. Flocks of these beauties happily accompany ships going out to sea, putting on amazing performances for tourists.

The sandy shores of the Dominican Islands have been favored by several species of sea turtles as an ideal place to lay eggs. The largest representative of sea turtles, the leatherback turtle, has become a real treasure of the Dominican Republic. An individual of this species can reach 3 meters in length and weigh up to 900 kg. Leatherback turtles are on the verge of extinction. The population was hit hard by the 2006 tsunami, which destroyed a significant part of the beaches on which these animals laid their eggs. It was after this tragedy that they migrated to the waters of the Dominican Republic. In the Dominican Republic, leatherback turtle eggs are under the strictest protection of the authorities.

Birds are no less interesting and feathered representatives of the Dominican fauna. There are about 250 species of birds, many of which live on the islands permanently. The island of Hispaniola is especially loved by birds. It is here that unique species that are not found anywhere else in the world, such as the wavy albatrosses, have settled. These huge birds chose the island's rocks as an ideal nesting site.

Royal flamingos decorate the shores of small bodies of water with their appearance, painting them in the most incredible shades of pink. Herons and cranes live in the neighborhood. Large parrots are colorful and delight tourists with their ability to speak. Amazon parrots are especially distinguished by this skill. Tiny hummingbirds, rivaling exotic butterflies in beauty, are one of the most amazing creatures that attract tourists.

Among the colorful species of birds inhabiting the territory of the Dominican Republic, there lives an inconspicuous bird - the palmchat. Outwardly, it resembles a sparrow, but is significantly larger in size. An adult reaches 18 cm in length. Palm mints are very interesting because of their nesting method. Birds gather in flocks and build one nest for all, making a separate entrance for each pair. The mints build their homes at the base of palm leaves.

Reptiles The Dominican Republic differs from other tropical places in the complete absence of poisonous snakes. But there are boa constrictors here. These long, up to 6 meters, snakes have an interesting color. In addition to boas, there are 4 more species of snakes on the territory that do not pose any danger to humans.

The islands are rich in rare specimens of lizards, including unique specimens.

Lake Enriquillo is home to the world's largest crocodile reserve. It is home to the largest population of American crocodiles - the largest of all species. These animals feel great in the salty water of the lake, going out to drink at fresh springs.

The marine iguana also lives on the coast. She feeds on algae, which she collects at the bottom of the sea. The body of this lizard is designed in such a way that the animal not only swims without difficulty, but also dives, staying under water for as long as it needs to collect food. From time to time, marine iguanas crawl onto the rocks to warm themselves in the sun.

Next to these giants is the smallest lizard in the world. Its length is only 16 mm. It was discovered quite recently, but is already on the verge of destruction. Having disappeared from the Dominican Islands, this animal will disappear from the planet, because this species is not found anywhere else.

The mammal world in the Dominican Republic is truly sparse. Large animals such as giraffes, hippos or elephants are completely absent from the islands. But among the remaining ones there are rare animals, for example the Haitian slittooth. This animal feeds on insects. Outwardly, it resembles a large rat, but has a very elongated muzzle, which allows it to easily obtain food for itself. The gaptooth is one of the few mammals whose bite is poisonous.

Huti lives in the branches of trees growing in the Dominican Republic. These cute animals with brown fur feed on tree leaves and rarely come to the ground. The lifestyle of the Gaguti is still a mystery. No one has ever been able to study these not very noticeable animals.

During the colonization of the Dominican Republic by the Spaniards, mongooses were brought to the islands. This was done to exterminate small rodents. However, in beautiful climatic conditions islands, these animals quickly multiplied, causing irreparable harm to nature. Now they exterminate not only rodents, but also snakes, rare birds and lizards. These animals have become a real threat to the wildlife of the Dominican Republic.

Unfortunately, not much remains of the pristine nature of the Dominican Republic. But what has been preserved amazes tourists with its beauty and exoticism.

Attractions

The Dominican Republic is an exotic land of luxurious nature, hundreds of kilometers snow-white beaches, rich coral reefs, picturesque landscapes, clean rivers, unique culture and friendly people. Christopher Columbus, who discovered Hispaniola (as he named the island) in 1492, considered this land the most beautiful of all that man had set foot on. And today it is one of the most rapidly developing resort areas in the Caribbean, receiving hundreds of thousands of tourists every year.

Banks and currency

The official currency of the country is the Dominican Peso. It is equal to 100 centavos. In circulation there are banknotes in denominations of 1000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 pesos and coins of 1 and 5 pesos and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 centavos. Tourists also accept US dollars as payment, but it is better to pay with local money.

Banks operate in weekdays from 8:00 to 18:00.

Currency can be exchanged at the airport, at the hotel or at any exchange office (casas de cambio). Reverse exchange at the airport is possible if you have a certificate of currency exchange from a local bank, but usually no more than 30% of the original amount. The country also accepts credit cards for payment.

Useful information for tourists

The country's tourist areas offer vacationers numerous boutiques and souvenir shops where you can purchase various products made of wood, bone, amber, larimar, ceramics, coffee, rum, cigars, souvenirs of the Secret Indians, and Creole dolls. Cassettes with merengue and salza melodies are especially recommended.

In Santo Domingo there are the largest commercial centers where you can buy clothes, shoes, light industry products from national and foreign companies good quality and at affordable prices. You can bargain when purchasing.

The cost of service in hotels partially includes tips. In restaurants it is customary to leave a tip of 10% of the order price. The maids or porter will be grateful for 1-2 dollars.

Yellow fever vaccination is recommended. It is not recommended to drink tap water. You should avoid fresh fruits washed with non-boiled water and ice made from running water.

What interests ecotourists? First of all, the uniqueness and diversity of natural landscapes, which provide the opportunity active rest or relaxing in the lap of nature. There are not many states in the world that, like the Dominican Republic, can accommodate such diversity in a small territory natural resources. Tropical climate conditions all year round contributed to the creation here unique landscapes, flora and fauna. On an area of ​​about 50 thousand square meters. km, the inquisitive naturalist will find everything: from tropical rainforests to scorching sand dunes, from high waterfalls to deep-sea caves. Almost two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola is occupied by three mountain ranges, and the rest of the territory is filled with valleys, forests, beaches, lakes, lagoons, rivers - it is not surprising that all this attracts wildlife lovers here. Here everyone, armed with a simple camera, can feel like an artist.

The Dominican Republic has the most high points in the Caribbean - Pico Duarte (Duarte Peak, 3,175 m), La Pelona (La Pelona, ​​3,087 m), La Rucilla (La Rusilla, 3,049 m) and Pico Yaque (Yake Peak, 2,760 m). The lowest point in the Caribbean is also located here - the largest in the region. salt Lake Enriquillo, located 43 meters below sea level. The Samana Peninsula has the world's largest number of palm trees per square meter, and every year from January to March a large number of humpback whales swim to its shores to breed. Another find for ecotourists is a complex of 27 spectacular Damajagua waterfalls, half an hour’s drive from Puerto Plata.

In the Dominican Republic, the greenery of valleys and forests alternates with sand dunes, of which the dunes deserve special attention southern province Peravia Dunas de Bani, which are about 50 thousand years old. Only the beaches of the Caribbean coast with fine white sand and coconut trees stretch for more than one and a half thousand kilometers. In addition to the land, the country's territory includes beautiful nearby islands, to which excursions are offered for ecotourists - Saona, Beata, Catalina and Alto Velo. Fans of scuba diving will find one of the most beautiful underwater caves in the world, La Sirena, along with the richest coral reefs and sunken ships off the coast of the Dominican Republic.

Reserved flora and fauna

Respect for the environment is an important component of the state policy of the Dominican Republic, therefore the wealth of local flora and fauna is under the care of the country's numerous national parks. National Eastern Park, located between Bayahibe and the mouth of the Yuma River, is one of the most popular among tourists. On a protected area of ​​430 sq. km there are dense mangrove forests in which mahogany, gris-gris and sea grapes are found. The park's fauna is represented by 112 species of birds, 11 of which are endemic to the Caribbean. In addition to the land, the reserve includes the territories of Saona and Catalina Islands, near which manatees, manatees and sea turtles are found.

Two popular national parks are located in the north of the country. IN Monte Cristi National Park on the coast Atlantic Ocean Pelicans, yellow-fronted jacanas, plovers and other rare birds are found, and the nearby Siete Hermanos Islands are home to one of the largest populations of gulls in the Caribbean. South of Puerto Plata, on an 800-meter mountain, is the Isabel de Torres Scientific Reserve, where you can photograph extraordinary views of the surrounding area, walk along botanical garden and admire the original ferns, orchids and bromeliads.

In the central region, northwest of Constanta, there are national parks José Armando Bermudez and José del Carmen Ramirez, which share Duarte Peak among themselves and in which several rivers of the island originate. The flora of the José Armando Bermudez Park is represented mainly by coniferous trees; among the fauna, magpies, woodpeckers, parrots, mice, and steppe vipers live here. In the José del Carmen Ramirez Park there are coniferous, broad-leaved and mixed forests, where you can find partridges, canaries, crows, swifts, and wild boars.

Despite the typical nature of tropical rainforests, the Dominican Republic also has an arid reserve - Jaragua National Park, where there are sea shelves, many of which are more than 50 million years old. Cacti, oaks, sea grapes and medicinal herbs, inhabited by iguanas and bats, many species of birds, and off the coast of the nearby Beata Island, the southernmost point of the Republic, there are unique species of turtles and fish.

North of Pedernales is the longest Sierra del Baoruco National Park(1126 sq. km). Here the mountains give way to diverse forests, where half of all orchid species existing in the country grow, as well as rare and endangered species of mammals and birds.

Further north, on an island in the center of the salt lake Enriquillo, is located Isla Cabritos National Park. In addition to the Caribbean's largest population of American crocodiles and other reptiles, it is home to 134 species of birds, including pink flamingos and blue herons.

Popular with ecotourists Los Haitises National Park, located on the islands in Samana Bay in the north-west of the Dominican Republic, is a reserve of tropical jungle and swampy mangrove forests. 700 species of vascular plants and trees grow here, as well as 110 species of birds.

Just 17 km from Santo Domingo is located La Caleta National Underwater Park, home to many tropical fish and the famous Hickory Wreck.

The State Secretariat of the Dominican Republic for National Parks is responsible for the protection, management and development of the country's system of reserves. To visit some parks, a special permit is required, therefore, before going to a particular reserve, you must clarify in advance the need to obtain it.

Ecotourism fun

Travel companies are actively monitoring the growing popularity of eco-tourism and offering special offers to guests of the Dominican Republic. excursion programs through protected areas where you can see the unique riches of landscapes, flora and fauna and find lost harmony with nature. You can choose excursions from a travel agency, or go in search of adventure on your own. Here are some ideas on how to organize such trips.

A reminder for ecotourists

The Dominican Republic has a tropical climate all year round. Sunny weather is typical, sometimes with partly cloudy weather. In the summer there are tropical downpours, from August to the end of October the period of cyclones and possible hurricanes continues, so for long hikes, active walks and sporting events in nature, it is better to choose a different time of year. Average annual temperature ranges from 19° to 34° C (most low temperatures observed from November to April, and the hottest season lasts from May to October), so it is unlikely that you will need to take warm clothes on a research expedition. On the contrary, light and comfortable clothing will be useful, and do not neglect the advice to bring insect repellent.

Hotels operating in the Dominican Republic are trying to meet new standards of environmentally responsible tourism, and quite successfully. Thus, in June, the Sol Melia hotel in the Dominican Republic received certification from the Institute for Responsible Tourism (ITR) as a Biosphere Hotel Company - a distinctive sign for the hotel’s contribution to the environmentally sustainable development of the location area. The certification takes into account aspects such as environmentally responsible procurement of materials and products, favoring local suppliers and organic products, food safety and diversity, environmental waste management and participation in improving the lives of local communities.

If you want to become a responsible tourist, the infrastructure of the Dominican Republic is ready to support you in this endeavor. Whatever you choose to stay during your vacation - a hotel, an apartment in a tourist residence or a local bungalow, here the nature itself and the hospitality of the residents will set you up for the “ecological wave” and help restore the lost balance with environment. Come and see: such beauties as in the Dominican Republic give rise only to admiration, the desire for harmony and creation.

The fauna in the Dominican Republic is diverse. The feathered fauna of the Dominican Republic includes 250 species of birds, most of which cannot be found in any other corner of the globe. The abundance and beauty of birds such as the roseate spoonbill, the lesser rabbihunco, and flamingos are a logical reason to learn more about the birds that live only on the island of Hispaniola.
Travelers to the Dominican Republic, even on the beaches and in areas adjacent to coastal channels, can admire an abundance of herons, ibises, corncrakes, pelicans and gulls.

Moving deeper into the country, you can discover such amazing feathered creatures as the North American warbler, woodpecker bird, Amazon parrots and, of course, the bird - national symbol, which is called cigua palmera. This bird, completely unlike other representatives of its community, is extremely loud and noisy, builds its nests according to the principle of an apartment building, in which each family occupies its own bedroom.

The island of Hispaniola is home to land mammals. One of them is utia. It is a herbivorous mammal that often travels through trees and resembles a giant mole. The second is the insectivorous solenodonte, which looks like a wrinkled animal with huge paws. Both of these mammals reach up to 30 cm in length and weigh about a kilogram. Both utia and solenodont are nocturnal animals that go in search of food only in the dark. These animals belong to primitive mammals, whose age exceeds 30 million years.

Marine mammals found in the coastal waters of the Dominican Republic include manatees (manatees), humpback whales, and dolphins. In the old days, it was believed that manati were originally sirens, although in their appearance these amazing creatures resemble their distant relatives - elephants. Large, weighing up to 590 kg and about 3.7 m long, these animals live in the calm waters of the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. You can see them in the Monte Cristi National Park, where manati swim leisurely, giving us the opportunity to admire themselves.

Every winter (January–March), hundreds of humpback whales migrate from the cold waters of the Arctic and emerge in the warm tropical waters off the coast of the Dominican Republic. This is one of the few places in the world where you can see the amazing acrobatic performances of inquisitive animals, as well as take advantage of the unique opportunity to scuba dive with these sea giants.
The crystal clear shallow waters and coral reefs that line the coast of the Dominican Republic are home to a huge variety of sea ​​creatures: countless tropical fish, crustaceans, sponges, colorful corals. Diving enthusiasts will find in underwater world your favorites: glowing yellowtail, king angel, yellow angel and blue surgeonfish.

The real treasure of the country's coastal waters are the habitats and breeding grounds of sea turtles. From May to October on sandy beaches, belonging to the Jaragua National Park, you can observe the green turtle, laud tortoise, brown tortoise and caguamo, reaching a length of 1.8 m.

The fauna of the Dominican Republic includes 140 species of reptiles. It includes snakes, lizards, turtles and crocodiles. Freshwater turtles are an endemic species found in large numbers in the Rincon de Cabral Lagoon. The only place in the Caribbean where you can find American crocodiles (caimans) is the shores of Lake Enriquillo. The population of the unique boa constrictor of the island of Hispaniola has recently declined greatly due to large quantity mongooses, which also hunt this reptile. In 1998, biologists discovered the Jaragua lizard, the world's smallest vertebrate, its adults growing to a maximum of 2.8 cm in length. The complete opposite of this lizard is the rhinoceros iguana, which lives off the shores of Lake Enriquillo; its weight reaches 10 kg and its length is 1.2 m.