Conservation Plan

Barahona Peninsula: Within the boundaries of Jaragua Bahoruco Enriquillo Biosphere Reserve declared by UNESCO. However, pressure for intensive tourist development is strong. The local community in Pedernales has declared its own area a “Town of Sustainable Tourism”. In 2005, most of the C. ricordii habitat was declared a “Municipal Protected Area”, through which tourists may travel on a proposed nature trail lead by professional guides.

Southern Shore of Lago Enriquillo: No protection.

Isla Cabritos: Technically, the island has been protected as a National Park since 1974, however the land bridge, which appears whenever water levels are low has allowed the introduction of cats, which prey on young iguanas and domestic animals, which compete for vegetation.

A Species Recovery Plan was developed in 2002 and updated in 2005 by the IUCN Iguana Specialist Group and the Dominican Grupo Jaragua to prioritize conservation actions necessary to ensure the long-term survival of Ricord’s Iguanas throughout their natural range. The plan is based on research, public awareness, an in situ and ex situ captive breeding program, and a future management plan for a series of protected areas.

Photo: John Binns

Photo: John Binns

Grupo Jaragua is the driving force behind Iguana conservation and environmental protection in the Dominican Republic. The group was established in 1987 by Sixto Incháustegui and Yvonne Arias, among other concerned biologists and citizens, to provide permanent support to the country’s National Parks, particularly the Jaragua Bahoruco Enriquillo Biosphere Reserve.

Much of the success of Grupo Jaragua is based on their approach of:

1. Integration, participation and empowerment of the main stakeholders in the local communities in the conservation process;
2. Effective educational programs to inform and convince the local community of the importance and value of endangered species;
3. Promoting conservation activities that generate economic benefits for the community.