Cotubanamá National Park facts for kids
Cotubanamá National Park is a super cool place on the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic. It used to be called Parque Nacional del Este. This huge park covers about 792 square kilometers. It stretches across the La Altagracia and La Romana areas. Inside, you'll find thick forests, mangrove swamps, beautiful beaches, and mysterious caves.
This area officially became a National Park in 1975. Later, it was included in important environmental laws. A study found over 539 types of plants here. More than 50 of these plants grow only in this region.
In 2014, the park's name changed from Parque Nacional del Este to Parque Nacional Cotubanamá. This was done to honor a brave Taíno Chief named (Cacique) Cotubanamá. He was a hero to his people.
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History of the Park
Before Christopher Columbus arrived in 1492, the island of La Hispaniola was home to the Taíno people. They had five main areas called Taíno Chiefdoms. Each area was led by a Head Chief, or Cacique.
By 1502, the Spanish had built the city of Santo Domingo. They took over many southern and central parts of the island. A Spanish leader named Juan de Esquivel was very successful in battles. However, he caused trouble by harming the Caciques of Saona Island. This led to a rebellion led by Chief Cotubanamá.
Cotubanamá was the Cacique of the Higuey Chiefdom. This is where Cotubanamá National Park is today. A Spanish writer, Bartolome de las Casas, described him as a very impressive and strong leader.
After many battles, Chief Cotubanamá and Captain Juan de Esquivel made a peace agreement. But this peace did not last long. While Juan de Esquivel was away, other Spanish soldiers caused problems for the Taínos. This started a big war that lasted for many months.
The Spanish eventually won the war. Chief Cotubanamá and his family went to Saona Island for safety. But a soldier captured the Chief there. Cotubanamá was taken to Santo Domingo. The governor, Nicolas de Ovando, ordered his execution in 1504.
Park Geography
Cotubanamá National Park has a unique shape. It covers about 792 square kilometers. Part of it is in La Romana Province. The larger part is in La Altagracia Province. It connects the areas of La Romana-Bayahibe and Boca de Yuma in the San Rafael del Yuma district.
The park also includes two islands. Saona Island is on the southern coast. It covers 110 square kilometers. Isla Catalinita (Little Catalina) is much smaller, only 0.22 square kilometers. It is located north of Saona Island.
This National Park is one of the most protected areas in the Caribbean Archipelago. It has beaches, tall cliffs, and different types of forests. Most of the park sits on limestone and coral. Underwater currents flow here and connect to the coastal waters. Thick mangrove plants grow along the coast, forming a natural barrier with their aerial roots.
The park is full of diverse plants and trees. You can find Guayiga (Zamia), Bayahonda (Cambron), Caoba (Mahoganey), Beach Grape (Coccoloba Uvifera), Coconut Palms, and Grigri (Bucida Buceras). There are also many types of cacti, shrubs, and over 500 different kinds of flowers.
Amazing Cave System
Cotubanamá National Park also has important historical sites. These include more than 20 ceremonial plazas. There are also over 8 ancient burial grounds. Plus, hundreds of caves and sinkholes have been found.
The Taíno people believed these caves were sacred. They used them for ceremonies and rituals. Some of the most explored caves are Jose Maria, Ramoncito, and Berna. Here, the Taínos created thousands of Pictographs, Paintings, Petroglyphs, and Carvings.
Besides rituals, the Taínos used underwater caves for fresh drinking water. They also used this water for cooking and daily needs. A great example is the Padre Nuestro (Our Father) Complex. It has caves like Cueva de Chicho, Cueva El Toro, and Cueva Brujo, all with fresh-water pools.
About 20 kilometers from the Padre Nuestro Complex is the Manantial de la Aleta (Spring of the Fin). This natural spring was another important source of drinking water for the Taínos. It might have been a ceremonial place too. Many intact pottery pieces, bottles, and tools have been found there.
Park Wildlife
Many interesting animals live in Parque Cotubanamá. The Rhino Iguana, Jutia (Plagiodontia aedium), and Solenodon (Solenodon paradoxus) are very special. They are found only in this region. The Solenodon is the oldest native animal species here. It has lived in this area for millions of years.
The coastal waters are full of marine life. You can see healthy coral reefs. Sea mammals like Manatees and Dolphins swim here. There are also Caribbean Reef Squids, Southern Stingray, Porcupine or Puffer Fish, and Spotted Moray Eels.
Over 300 types of birds live within the park's borders. Some notable ones include the Hispaniolan Parrot, Black Crowned Palm Tanager, Ashy Faced Owl, Hispaniolan Woodpeckers, Pelicans, and Antillean Piculet.
Park Tourism
Cotubanamá National Park is the most visited park in the Dominican Republic. In 2019, it attracted 45% of all visitors to protected areas. This was about 728,000 people, and most of them were from other countries.
The park was closed to visitors for a while because of the Covid-19 outbreak.
In 2021, the park reopened. From April to June, about 30,000 tourists visited. Along with the Tres Ojos Caves in Santo Domingo, these two areas brought in more visitors than any other natural reserve in the Caribbean.
Protecting the Park
Since 1998, the Dominican Republic has been part of the Cartagena Convention. This is an important agreement that helps protect coastal areas. It focuses on keeping key ocean ecosystems safe from human pollution. Countries work together to make sure development is sustainable.
In 2021, Cotubanamá National Park joined the Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife (SPAW) list. Other parks like Jaragua-Bahoruco-Enriquillo Biosphere Reserve, La Caleta Underwater National Park, and Los Haitises National Park also joined. This brings international attention to these special places.
The SPAW agreement helps countries share ideas and experiences. They learn how to better protect Caribbean coasts. They work to save coral reefs and endangered species.
See also
In Spanish: Parque nacional del Este para niños
