Environmental institutions renew warning over high-risk species import

Santo Domingo.- The Natural Sciences and Environment Commission of the Dominican Republic Academy of Sciences and the Environmental Commission of the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo (UASD) reaffirmed their November 23 complaint warning about the environmental risks posed by invasive species that the National Zoo (Zoodom) plans to import from Puerto Rico. They say this reiteration responds to what they describe as a disinformation campaign by Zoodom’s director following the public impact of their initial warning.

Invasive species already a major problem in Puerto Rico

Both institutions insist that the species Zoodom intends to import are well-known invasive pests in Puerto Rico, where they have escaped into natural ecosystems, reproduced rapidly, and caused serious harm to native biodiversity. They argue that the zoo’s claim that the snakes are non-venomous is irrelevant, since the real danger lies in their invasive nature and ecological impact.

Puerto Rican authorities currently spend significant financial and human resources capturing and removing these animals. Many are confiscated from pet owners or voluntarily surrendered due to their rapid proliferation. The commissions warn that, if these species were to escape in the Dominican Republic, the country could face the same environmental damage now affecting Puerto Rico—including threats to native species, agriculture, and public health.

The institutions also dispute Zoodom’s claim that the animals would be donated, alleging that the zoo’s own director was the one who requested them.

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They urge the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources and the Ministry of Agriculture’s Animal Health Department to apply the precautionary principle required by environmental legislation before considering any permit for their import.

Raccoon overpopulation puts Isla Catalina’s wildlife at risk

Isla Catalina as a clear domestic example of what can happen when invasive species are introduced without proper controls. The island—just off the coast of La Romana—faces a severe ecological imbalance due to an unchecked population of raccoons introduced during the Trujillo era. These invasive mammals have multiplied rapidly, preying on hawksbill turtle nests, disturbing visitors, and destabilizing the island’s already fragile fauna. Despite receiving cruise passengers and daily tour excursions, Catalina’s tourism potential remains limited, in part because of environmental management challenges and strict protected-area regulations.

As Catalina continues to struggle with the long-term effects of an invasive species introduced decades ago, experts warn that importing new species without proper safeguards could create similar ecological damage elsewhere in the Dominican Republic.