La Visite National Park, National park in southern Haiti.
La Visite National Park covers about 11,419 hectares of the Massif de la Selle in southeastern Haiti, reaching 2,275 metres at its highest peak. Above 1,700 metres grow pine forest, grasslands and montane broadleaf forest, with the Hispaniolan pine (Pinus occidentalis) the most widespread tree. Its northern boundary is the east–west escarpment of the massif, and the land runs to the Dominican border.
The park was established in 1983 to protect the forests and natural habitats in this mountain region. This decision came from recognizing that the highland forests and their species needed urgent protection.
Local people in surrounding villages practice farming on the slopes around the park and gather wood and medicinal plants from the forests, maintaining practices that have shaped their lives for generations.
Visitors should bring a local guide when hiking the trails, as navigation through the terrain can be challenging. Pack water, food, and appropriate clothing, since facilities are limited and mountain weather can change quickly.
The park is home to bird species found only on this island, along with frogs and reptiles that live in the mountain forests. These animals are adapted to the specific highland conditions and cannot be found elsewhere.
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