Enriquillo lake
Enriquillo Lake
Enriquillo Lake
Enriquillo
Enriquillo is a salt lake located in the southwestern part of the Dominican Republic in the provinces of Independencia and Bahoruco. The lake is the largest lake in the Caribbean islands and its surface is below sea level – falling −46 m (−151 ft) below sea level. Interesting is the fact, that Enriquillo lake is endorhetic. Lake is located near the Éntang Saumatre Lake, which was formerly part of the sea current linking Neiba (Dominican Republic) and Port-au-Prince (Haiti). In the north it is bordered by the Sierra de Niebla Mountains and in the south by the Sierra de Bahoruco. The lake and the surrounding mountains are part of a 404 m² national park – Lago Enriquillo e Isla Cabritos. In the central part of the lake lies Isla Cabritos
Enriquillo is one of the smallest salty lakes in the world that is inhabited by crocodiles. There is a significant population of American crocodiles. In addition to these creatures, there are also endemic roughenian iguana (Cyclura cornuta) and Ricord iguana (Cyclura ricordi) or several species of flamingos.
Since 2007, the water surface of Enriquillo Lake, as well as the nearby Éntang Saumatre lake, is increasing. In 2007, the surface area of Enriquillo Lake was 23,426 ha, in 2009 it was 28,134 ha, and in 2012 the water surface area was 33,425 ha – that means an increase of 42% over five years. The adjacent villages were affected by the flooding trend of the lake and its gradual spill into the surrounding landscape. Agricultural land is flooded and local residents have to move.
The area of surface began to rise in 2004, most noticable is rising after intensive hurricanes in 2007 and 2008. Since the beginning of the plateau growth on the lake, some studies and research have been carried out on the causes of this fact. The results of the individual studies are unequal, but may be a combination of several factors – including increases in rainfall in the region in recent years, increased deforestation, the hydrogeological conditions of the area, the change of the microclimate or the deforestation of the lake and milder temperatures, which are reducing the surface evaporation rate.
Excursion to Lake Enriquillo
You will start your adventure In the early morningwhen you will be picked up by an air-conditioned bus. From Pueblo Checo and surrounding area the way to to the National Park where the largest Caribbean lake with salt water – Lake Enriquillo is located takes around 4 hours. A motorboat that will take you to Cabritos Island will be waiting for you on the shore. During the voyage you can observe not only dozens of bird species such as flamingos, herons and sea gulls, but also American crocodiles. The biggest attraction of this trip are the iguanas – endemic reptiles living in the cactus jungle on this little island. You can try to feed them with fresh bananas or just to take some photos. Then you will head back to the shore, where you can relax with some snacks and enjoy the cool waters of the Sierd Lake. On and return trip, depending on the political situation, you will visit the typical Haitian market, which lies directly on the borders of Haiti and Dominican Republic, and then you can enjoy the splendor of Dominican nature again.
