Frequently Asked Questions
Questions most asked by visitors.
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How much does it rain in the rain forest?
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Where does all the water come from?
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Are there any snakes in the El Yunque National Forest?
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Is there any gold left in the rivers of the El Yunque National Forest?
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Why are there no large animals in the El Yunque National Forest?
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I have heard that it “rains frogs” in the El Yunque National Forest. Is this true?
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Why is the Puerto Rican Parrot almost extinct?
Have “aliens” been seen in the forest?
How much does it rain in the rain forest?
That depends on which part of the forest you are in. Generally speaking, the
higher you are in the forest, the more it will rain. Maximum amounts occurring
at the forest’s highest elevations have reached over 250 inches (635 centimeters)
annually, while lower elevations receive only 50-60 inches (120-150 centimeters).
For the current rainfall readings at selected locations in the forest, see
the USGS Rainfall Sensor Map.
Where does all the water come from?
It comes from rainfall much of which is brought to us by the Trade Winds. The
Trade Winds, with their moisture laden air sweep westward across the Atlantic
ocean and Caribbean sea from Africa. These constant wind currents were named
the Trade Winds because they filled the sails of ships sailing from Europe
and Africa that carried trade goods to and from the new world. When the Trade
Wind clouds reach mountain ranges like those in the El Yunque National Forest,
they are driven upward along the slopes. As the moisture laden air rises
it becomes colder and condenses into raindrops which fall on the forest below.
This phenomenon is known as “orographic” rainfall and it produces much of
the rain the forest receives each year. It is estimated that the forest’s
average rainfall (120 inches-304 centimeters/year) would yield 160 billion
gallons (605 billion liters) annually, enough to supply the municipality
of San Juan with a population of half a million persons for over two years!
Are there any snakes in the El Yunque National Forest?
Yes, there are 5 or 6 species of snakes that live in the forest. They are rarely
seen, are non-poisonous and pose no threat to humans. The largest of these
is the Puerto Rican Boa which can reach a length of 6 feet. It is a tree
climbing predator, hunting at night for small animals and bird eggs. It can
sometimes be seen at lower elevations coiled-up and sleeping during the day.
The other snake species found in the forest are much smaller and do not climb
trees and so are much harder to find. To read more about the Puerto Rican
Boa check-out EYNF Wildlife Facts-November 2002.
Is there any gold left in the rivers of the El Yunque National Forest?
Yes, but don’t expect to become wealthy by searching for it; estimates vary,
but at most you could expect to collect no more than US$2.00 worth for a full
day’s hard work! In the early days gold was removed from the sands of rivers
such as the Rio Mameyes which parallels PR 191 on the way to the El Yunque National Forest, but the source of the gold was never discovered and the work
was eventually discontinued.
Why are there no large animals in the El Yunque National Forest?
The island of Puerto Rico was formed by volcanic activity during the Triassic
period. Thrusting out of the Caribbean sea it had no land bridge to any continent.
Consequently, the animals of Puerto Rico (and the El Yunque National Forest)
originally arrived on the island by either swimming, floating or flying,
and thus were smaller in size than those found on large continents. The largest
mammalian animals in the forest are the rats, bats and the mongoose (see
EYNF Wildlife Facts). A reptile, the Puerto Rican Boa can grow to a length
of 6 feet but poses no threat to humans. None of the animals of the forest,
large or small (including insects) are poisonous. The tarantulas, scorpions
and centipedes found in the forest can provide a venomous bite (similar to
a bee sting) but are only dangerous to those who are allergic!
I have heard that it “rains frogs” in the El Yunque National Forest.
Is this true?
This interesting forest legend involving Puerto Rico’s indigenous Coqui frog
Eleutherodactylus coqui is actually based on scientific fact! During those
times of the year when the humidity is high, the tiny Coqui frogs will climb
to the forest canopy, sometimes as high as 100 feet (30 meters). Predators
such as the Tarantula anticipating this behavior, lay in wait for the frogs.
Many frogs are caught by the predators during their ascent. Instead of returning
to the ground by the same dangerous path, the surviving frogs prefer to launch
themselves into the air, thus bypassing their predators on the way down. The
tiny frogs are almost weightless so that they float to the forest floor unharmed.
If you are lucky enough to be sitting under a tree when this is happening,
you will indeed be “rained upon” by tiny frogs! To read more about the Coqui
frog check-out EYNF Wildlife Facts
Why is the Puerto Rican Parrot almost extinct?
The Puerto Rican Parrot Amazona vittata is the only native parrot on the island.
When Christopher Columbus arrived here on his second voyage of exploration
in 1493, these birds were a common sight throughout the island. This parrot
is a forest bird which requires large hollow tree trunks for nesting. As
trees were cut-down by the original settlers to make way for farms, the parrots
gradually retreated into the remaining patches of forest. During the ensuing
centuries it is estimated that 85% of the island was deforested. Only in
the protected El Yunque National Forest could the parrots still find the
large trees that they needed for nesting. Until laws were enforced that stopped
parrot hunting in the forest the parrot population decreased substantially.
In 1968 the Puerto Rican Parrot was placed on the Federal Endangered Species
List and cooperative effort by the USDA Forest Service, the US Fish and Wildlife
Service, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental
Resources and the World Wildlife Fund were begun to recover this important
species. The continuing decline in the parrot population results from
a number of factors; nest competition by the Pearly-eyed Thrasher, an aggressive
bird that has invaded the parrot’s prime habitat; an infusion of honeybees
that have taken over cavities in many of the Palo Colorado trees suitable
for parrot nesting, and for various other reasons. A parrot aviary managed
by the USFWS has been established in the El Yunque National Forest. Here
parrot eggs are hatched and fledged in captivity, birds are prepared for
living in the wild and subsequently released. The present population in the
wild numbers less than 50 individual birds but captive individuals and pairs
are being released into the wild on a yearly basis, and their survival rates
are encouraging. For more information on the Puerto Rican Parrot check-out
EYNF Wildlife
Facts-August 2004 or CLICK HERE to read the amazing story of
how the Puerto Rican Parrot was rescued from estinction.
Have “aliens” been seen in the forest?
There is no scientific evidence that “aliens” have “visited” the El Yunque National Forest, however local folklore has kept this story alive for years.
The most reasonable explanation for any “alien sightings” in the forest is
easily explained. From the early 1960’s until quite recently the US Navy maintained
an Electronic Tracking Facility on Pico del Este (East Peak) a part of the
El Yunque National Forest that overlooks many of Puerto Rico’s major northeastern
roadways and towns. At night the lights of the facility, seen from below during
military exercises cast an eerie glow over the mountain peak, which most probably
added fuel to the legend. However, only the forest animals know the full story
behind these supposed nocturnal “alien visits” and so far they’re not telling
us!
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