The Massif de la Hotte is a mountain range in southwestern Haiti, on the far-western end of the Tiburon Peninsula.
Massif de la Hotte mountain range; Tiburon Peninsula, Haiti
About[]
The Hood mountain is situated within the boundaries of the Chardonnières and Jérémie boroughs, as well as Corail and Les Cayes, reaching an elevation of 2,255 meters (7,398 feet). Its name is derived from its distinctive shape, resembling an inverted hood when viewed from Roche à Bateau. The mountain comprises several ranges, including the Cahouanne, Cartaches, Macaya, and Platons. When Haiti emerged from the sea, the peaks of the Hotte were among the first to rise above the water, with the highest points of the central Cibao being the most prominent.
Atop this mountain lies the Brossard habitation, where Acao tragically took his own life in 1846. Not too far from the mountain is the Hotte habitation located in the Verona rural section, within the commune of Les Anglais, characterized by state-owned farmland cultivated by local farmers.
This mountain extends from Platons in the Les Cayes borough and culminates at Cap à Foux near Tiburon. Its height is comparable to that of Cibao, measuring 2,400 meters (7,874 feet). It frequently collapses with loud noises, suggesting the presence of dormant volcanoes. This theory is supported by its conical shape, the existence of several water-filled depressions at its summit, and numerous thermal springs. The Cavaillon River, Grande-Rivière des Cayes, Voldrogue, Rivière des Roseaux, Grande rivière de Jérémie, and Guinaudée all originate from this mountain. The mountain is characterized by white marble with grey veins.
The region is relatively remote and is one of the most biologically diverse and significant areas of all of Hispaniola. It also supports some of the last stands of Haiti's dense cloud forest on its peaks. About 2.5 million years ago, the Massif de la Hotte was separated from the rest of the country by a deep, wide sea channel, which resulted in a hotbed of endemism in its bird, plant, and reptile communities.
Bromeliads drip from broadleaf forest in Pic Macaya National Park, Massif de la Hotte
Pic Macaya; Haiti's highest point at 7,700 feet (2,347 m)
Biodiversity and conservation[]
Most of the island's endemic species exist within the Massif 'de la Hotte Biosphere. Rising to a peak level of approximately 7700 ft (2347 m) in Pic Macaya; Haiti's second highest peak, the Massif's high and fluctuating elevations supports some of Hispaniola’s highest levels of biological diversity and endemism. Much of the region lies within the Pic Macaya National Park.
Pteridium aquilinum var. arachnoideum, Massif de la Hotte, Grand Anse Department, Haiti
Location in southwestern Haiti