El Yunque National Forest

Natural Resources

Endangered and Threatened Species

El Yunque, the El Yunque National Forest is the habitat of a total of 5 endangered species, (meaning they can die out in a short time), and 1 threatened species, (meaning it has the potential of dying out over a long lapse of time). Special consideration is given to the preservation of these species. The following paragraphs describe the 5 endangered species.

The Puerto Rican Parrot (Amazona vittata) is one of the ten rarest birds in the world and is only found on the Island of Puerto Rico. The Island parrot population was estimated to number in the hundred of thousands when first encountered during Columbus' second voyage of discovery. It dropped to a low of 13 birds in 1975. After this date the population reached an estimated 47 birds in the wild, declining again to 23 birds after Hurricane Hugo in 1989. Currently the wild flock is climbing but challenges to this wild flock are many and its future still hangs in the balance. There are a total of 79 adult birds in captivity in the aviaries of the El Yunque National Forest and Rio Abajo State Reserve. The remaining parrots and their nesting habitat are constantly monitored and managed through a cooperative effort between the Forest Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Puerto Rican Department of Natural Resources.

For more information:
http://caribbean-ecoteam.fws.gov/PRP_partners.htm

Other Endangered Species

Puerto Rican Boa (Epicrates inornatus) - Is found throughout the island, and lives in El Yunque below an elevation of 1200 feet (365 meters). Although the recovery plan for the boa was approved in 1986, its ecology is only now being understood through research conducted by the USDA Forest Service International Institute of Tropical Forestry.

Puerto Rican broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus brunnescens) - Is a subspecies of the broad-winged hawk and is found in isolated mountain areas preferring to hunt from lofty perches. This hawk’s prey consists of frogs, lizards, other birds and insects. As of 1992 its population on the island was estimated at approximately 124 individuals. The cause of its decline has been due to forest destruction and habitat loss due to construction.

Puerto Rican Sharp-shinned hawk (Accipiter striatus venator) - Another subspecies of the sharp-shinned hawk, is a small forest hawk. Currently it is restricted to five isolated mountain-forest areas. Primarily it feeds on small birds. If you are fortunate you may see one streak by in the Forest. Nest failures, deforestation, and habitat loss due to construction have played a significant role in the decline of this species.

Non-native Invasive Species

What is an invasive species? An invasive species is defined as a species that is non-native (or alien) to the ecosystem under consideration and whose introduction causes, or is likely to cause, economic or environmental harm, or harm to human health. On the EYNF we are infested with the Small Indian Mongoose (Herpestes auropunctatus) and various rat species (Rattus spp). Currently we have an active management program, however you should be cautious if you see any of these animals on forest trails, as they could be infected with rabies and thus be a danger to you. If you encounter a Mongoose who does not scurry away at your approach, do not come near that animal. Report your sighting to the nearest forest employee for disposal.

Abandoned dogs and cats may also be observed on the forest, again, be careful if you come in contact with these creatures as they may have become feral and thus their behavior is unpredictable.

For more information:
http://wfcb.ucdavis.edu/www/Faculty/desley/Programs.htm
http://www.invasivespecies.gov/

Wildlife Species

Coqui frogs/Lizards/Insects

Coqui frogs are plentiful and considered a national treasure on the forest. There are currently 13 species of coquis. These tree frogs are endemic (only found) in Puerto Rico. A satellite population of coquis has recently been discovered in Hawaii possibly transported there in plants.

There are about 14 different lizard species that make the EYNF their habitat. They can be seen on the various forms of vegetation once you enter the Forest.

Insects are an important part of the ecology of the EYNF and the diversity of these creatures throughout the forest will astound any insect enthusiast. At one research site alone, a list of 1,200 insect species was collected; ranging from ants to beetles to flies.

Neotropical Migrant Birds

These migratory birds are those types of birds that breed in North America and migrate to the south for the winter. Approximately 35 species of these migratory birds either winter or pass through El Yunque during this season. They contribute significantly to the total animal diversity of the Forest. The recent decline in the population of migratory birds throughout North America, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean is of growing concern. Major causes of declines in the populations of many of these species are believed to stem from the fragmentation of North American breeding habitat; also the loss of wintering habitats in Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean.

For more information:
http://avesdepuertorico.org/ingl_site/index.htm

Aquatic Creatures

Rivers and Streams provide aquatic habitats for organisms that are important elements of the Forest’s biological diversity. Most perennial, (flowing year-round), and many ephemeral, (flowing in short periods, yearly), streams on the Forest support many aquatic species; including: 7 species of fish, 9 species of freshwater shrimp, and 1 species of freshwater crab. For ecological, as well as recreational reasons, the Forest’s aquatic resource values are very significant. Within the Forest boundary exists some of the most pristine and productive aquatic habitats remaining on the island. These nonrenewable resources are illegally fished with traps and spears. Harvest of these species as yet unregulated, both on and off the Forest. Monitoring surveys to determine their distribution, habitat needs, population status and trend are conducted regularly to protect these aquatic members of the Forest’s family.

For more information:
http://www.trout.forprod.vt.edu/catt/catt.htm

USDA Forest Service - El Yunque National Forest
Last Modified: Tuesday, 16 December 2008 at 14:09:03 EST