Situated in the southwestern corner of the country this high mountain range is a continuation of the Massif de la Salle range in Haiti. Ranging in elevation from 4800 feet to over 7000 feet, this remote and rugged park encompasses 800 sq. kilometers. Vegetation varies from dry forest, acacia and cacti, to broad leaf plants, to extensive pine forest in the higher altitudes. The geological makeup of the Sierra del Bahoruco is of great interest to scientists and botanists due to the limestone sub-terrain that contains important species of algae. Over fifty percent of the country’s orchids flourish here; 166 species have been identified of which 32 are endemic to the island. The region is also home to over fifty species of birds including the White-necked crow (Corvus leucognaphalus), Hispaniolan parrot (Amazona ventralis), Hispaniolan parakeet, (Aratinga chloroptera), Hispaniolan trogon (Priotelus roseigaster), La Selle’s thrush (Turdus swalesi), Hispaniolan Lizard-cuckoo (Saurothera longirostris), Broad-billed tody (Todus subulatus) all of which are endemic to Hispaniola. The rare Black-capped petrel also makes its home here, flying in from the sea in the evenings to nest among the cliffs in the higher altitudes of the mountains. For the adventurous traveler that likes to explore, this magnificent wilderness park is well worth the visit. Just be sure your choice of vehicle is either four-wheel drive or off-road motorcycle!