Recent echinoderms from Hispaniola

Abstract

A historical chronology of researches on the echinoderms of Hispaniola Island, from 1857 to the present is given, with reference to ten international expeditions including more than 50 localities, collections from national projects in more than 100 coastal localities, records from six museums that contain 541 specimens of 132 species, and more than 30 taxonomic and ecological publications. In summary, 156 echinoderm species are known from Hispaniola Island: 79 for Haiti and 123 for Dominican Republic. The present review documents 22 species of crinoids (8 for Haiti and 18 for Dominican Republic), 33 species of asteroids (18 for Haiti and 22 for Dominican Republic), 30 species of ophiuroids (21 for Haiti and 24 for Dominican Republic), 50 species of echinoids (21 for Haiti and 41 for Dominican Republic) and 21 species of holothuroids (11 for Haiti and 18 for Dominican Republic). Two species: the asteroid Henricia downeyae A. M. Clark, 1987 and the holothuroid Holothuria (Halodeima) grisea Selenka, 1867 have Haitian type localities. The compiled species are representative of mangroves, seagrass beds and coral reefs from the shore down to approximately 50 m depth, and rocky bottoms and/or soft substrate down to 3,500 m depth. The principal threat to echinoderms is the destruction of ecosystems and habitats caused by coastal development and the absence of studies and regulations of species subjected to extractive commercial uses. The importance of preparing national specialists is emphasized to promote taxonomic and ecological investigations that assist in a better knowledge and management of echinoderm populations.