Tiburon Peninsula

The Tiburon Peninsula, also known as the Xaragua Peninsula, is a mountainous peninsula in southwestern Haiti, jutting west into the Caribbean Sea from the country's southernmost point. The peninsula is known for its beautiful beaches and lush rainforests.

The Caribbean Sea borders the peninsula to the north and the Gulf of Gonâve to the south. The peninsula has three departments: Grand'Anse, Nippes, and Sud. In addition, a portion of the Sud-Est department is also located on the Tiburon Peninsula.

The Tiburon Peninsula is a remote and sparsely populated region with about 1.5 million people. Most of the population lives in rural areas and relies on agriculture for their livelihood. The peninsula is also home to many fishing villages.

The region is characterized by rugged and mountainous terrain. It includes a part of the Massif de la Hotte mountain range, an extension of the larger Massif de la Selle that runs through eastern Haiti.

The highest peak on the peninsula is Pic Macaya, which rises to an elevation of approximately 2,347 m (7,700 ft) above sea level. The Pic Macaya National Park protects this area, preserving its natural beauty and biodiversity.

While the mountainous areas of the Tiburon Peninsula are sparsely populated, there are several towns and communities along the coastal areas, such as Les Cayes, one of Haiti's largest cities.

Les Cayes is the largest city on the Tiburon Peninsula and the capital of the Sud department. It is a major port city and a center for agriculture and commerce.

Jérémie is the capital of the Grand'Anse department. It is a charming coastal town with a well-preserved colonial center. Miragoâne is the capital of the Nippes department. It is a bustling market town and a center for coffee production.

Coastal communities are engaged in fishing and agriculture, while some inland communities rely on subsistence farming. The region faces challenges related to poverty, limited access to healthcare and education, and occasional natural disasters, including hurricanes.

_{Topographic map of Tiburon Peninsula, Haiti}

Biodiversity

The Tiburon Peninsula is known for its unique and diverse ecosystems, including dry and cloud forests in the higher elevations. It is a biodiversity hotspot and home to numerous endemic plant and animal species. It is home to various wildlife, including monkeys, snakes, and crocodiles.

The Tiburon Peninsula experiences a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. It is one of the drier regions of Haiti, but the mountainous areas receive more rainfall and have a milder climate than the coastal areas.

Despite its arid climate, the peninsula's mountainous areas are covered with lush tropical vegetation, including forests and unique plant species adapted to the region's specific ecological conditions.

Pic Macaya National Park, located on the peninsula, is renowned for its conservation efforts and for protecting endangered species, such as the critically endangered La Selle leaf-toed gecko (Phyllodactylus laesellii).

_{Location of the Tiburon Peninsula in Haiti, shaded in green}