GEO Haiti 2010

GEO HAITI • 2010
110
Figure 58: The Long Nose, a mammal endemic to
Haiti
Source: Unknown
There seems to be quite a number of endangered
species in Haiti, not only in terms of their quantity
but also of their diversity. As mentioned earlier,
nearly 12 species of birds, 28 species of plants,
about 46 species of amphibians,15 species of fish
and some 10 species of reptiles and mammals
(Figure 59) are in danger of extinction in Haiti.
Figure 59: Distribution of Various Endangered
Groups in Haiti
• Birds
There are between 230 44 and 260 45 species of
birds in Haiti. This diversity was recently confirmed
by two scientific expeditions to Macaya Park in
2004 and La Viste Park in 2005 46 which revealed
that there are about 12 species in danger of
extinction.
4.3 Unprecedented Losses
The impact of the loss of biodiversity in Haiti is still
little known. However, as previously explained,
these threats have been converted into a disaster
that could be described as “silent.” However until
now, aside some experts in the field of biodiversity
in Haiti, very few people seem concerned.
In the absence of scientific data on the issue of the
biodiversity erosion and of its consequences, some
assumptions can still be made. Regarding the
wide-spread use of medicinal plants throughout
the country, is it not reasonable to fear a possible
exacerbation of some health problems as a result
of the unavailability of these curative plants
(Republic of Haiti, 2000)? Are not some ecological
imbalances due to of the loss of biodiversity, given
that species are inter-dependent? Does not the
disappearance of some aquatic organisms increase
the problem of malnutrition? These critical issues
deserve special attention.
44
audubonhaiti.org
45
Clements, in avibase.bsc-eoc.org
46
birdlife.org
Plantes
Mollusks
Fish
Amphibians
Reptiles
Birds
Mammals
Source: The Red List of IUNC, 2008
There is very little data on the possible phytogenetic
modifications in Haiti. However, there is reason to
believe, considering what is happening in some of
the neighboring countries, that Haiti could suffer
the same fate. The French Press Agency (AFP)
published an article dated February 17, 2005,
which was quoted by Le Monde Diplomatique, on a
study carried out by the Central American Alliance
for Protection of Biodiversity, and validated by the
U.S. Laboratory “Genetic ID”. It reveals that 80%
of corn, soybeans and grains analyzed in most
Central American countries and in the Dominican
Republic were genetically modified. Therefore,
there is every reason to believe in the possibility of
gene pollution in Haiti.
5. Soils
0 10 20 30 40 50
Number of Species
5.1 Overall situation and
main characteristics
Haiti, as we know, has a steep relief. Indeed, its
territory includes slopes that can reach, in some