Page 75 - CARIBE TOURIST GUIDE

Protected Areas
The Dr. Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge is a state-owned refuge administered entirely by SINAC. Because it is part of the Natural Heritage of the State, only research, training and ecotourism activities may be carried out here. Activities necessary for the use of water for human consumption may also be authorized.
This refuge has a regular topography, with no geographical features and high energy beaches with constant waves and only minor tidal changes. These characteristics determine the dynamics of the coastal ecosystems, favoring the presence of river deltas and systems of canals and lagoons that are interconnected throughout the entire coastal sector of the Caribbean plains. As such, this is fundamental for ensuring ecosystem connectivity. Likewise, estuaries are fundamental for the connections between marine-coastal and inland ecosystems, especially for species that require both systems to complete their life cycle, as is the case for sea turtles.
This ASP is part of the very humid tropical forest life zone, with an average annual temperature of 26°C
and annual precipitation ranging between 4,500 and 6,000 mm. The surrounding area is full of rivers, canals and lagoons, which are used by locals and tourists alike. These areas are flooded most of the year, which causes the formation of extensive forest masses dominated by a few species, especially in areas with permanent flooding. The RNVS- AC also has secondary regeneration forests and beach areas. The secondary forests are dominated by almendro de playa trees, and with taller trees present in the northern sector.
Photo: Richard M. Herren
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Dr. Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge