Virgin Islands National Park contains examples of most western tropical Atlantic terrestrial, coastal and marine ecosystems. These include various types of subtropical dry to moist forest, salt ponds, beaches, mangroves, seagrass beds, coral reefs and algal plains. Terrestrial topography is quite dramatic with average slopes being 30 percent. The highest mountain peak plunges sharply to the sea over a distance of three quarters of a mile.
Did You Know?
A wasp common to St. John is called the Jack Spaniard. These paper wasps are not aggressive, but will sting you repeatedly if disturbed. The sting can be quite painful, and should be treated with common sting relief remedies. The discomfort can last three days.