There is a new refuge for birds in the Dominican Republic on the northwest border of the Sierra de Bahoruco National Park. The protection for that particular region is extended by 111 square miles. This newly protected habitat is essential for the bay-breasted cuckoo, which is an endangered species. Other resident and migratory birds that are threatened in the region will receive this much needed habitat. These birds all depend on the Island of Hispaniola.
The American Bird Conservancy and their Dominican Republic partner, the Jaragua Group, were the ones who created this essential habitat. They conducted research of the area and analyzed it before it was named a bird refuge. They found that there are 30 endemic species found on the island. Many forests are being destroyed in the area and the birds vitally need protected habitat, therefore this new refuge is a step in the right direction.
Currently, there is work to improve the Sierra de Bahoruco National Park, which is supported by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Picture: bay-breasted cuckoo credit to Hispanioland on Flickr.
