Puerto Rico, an island nestled in the northeastern Caribbean, boasts unique and diverse ecosystems. Its geographical position, coupled with a varied topography encompassing mountains, coasts, and forests, contributes to a rich biodiversity. The island’s tropical climate also supports a wide array of life forms.
Mammals
Bats are the only native terrestrial mammals in Puerto Rico. Thirteen species inhabit the island, playing a significant ecological role. These nocturnal creatures contribute to pollination and seed dispersal, with some, like the red fig-eating bat, being essential for the tabonuco forest’s ecosystem in the Luquillo Mountains. They also control insect populations, consuming hundreds per hour. Most of the island’s bat species are cave-dwellers.
Other mammal species have been introduced by humans over time. These include domestic animals such as cats, goats, and sheep, as well as the small Indian mongoose and escaped monkeys. Fossil records indicate Puerto Rico once had native shrews, sloths, and several rodent species that are now extinct.
Birds
Puerto Rico has a diverse bird population, including many endemic species. Its varied habitats, including forests, wetlands, and coastal areas, support a wide range of avian life. The critically endangered Puerto Rican Parrot (Amazona vittata) is an iconic endemic bird. This parrot is primarily green with a red forehead and blue wing feathers, typically measuring about 12 inches long. They form stable pair bonds and nest in tree cavities, consuming wild fruits, seeds, and flowers.
Another endemic bird is the Puerto Rican Tody (Todus mexicanus), a small, vibrant bird measuring approximately 4 inches. It features bright green upper parts, a yellow belly, and a distinctive red throat patch. The Tody is known for its acrobatic flight, often catching insects and small fruits in mid-air. Other endemic species include the Puerto Rican Lizard-Cuckoo, Puerto Rican Screech-Owl, Puerto Rican Woodpecker, and the Yellow-shouldered Blackbird. Migratory birds also visit the island.
Reptiles and Amphibians
Puerto Rico’s reptilian and amphibian populations are diverse, with many endemic species. Coquí frogs, especially the common coquí (Eleutherodactylus coqui), are cultural symbols of the island. These small arboreal frogs, typically one to two inches long, are named for the distinctive “co-quí” call made by males at night. The “co” sound repels other males, while the “quí” attracts females.
Puerto Rico is home to 16 distinct species of coquí, each with a unique call. Unlike most frogs, coquís lay their eggs on land, and tiny froglets hatch directly from the eggs, bypassing a tadpole stage.
The island also hosts other reptiles, including common anoles. Geckos and iguanas are present, with introduced iguanas establishing large populations. Native snakes are generally non-venomous. The Puerto Rican boa, the largest native snake, averages 6 to 7 feet and feeds on lizards, birds, rats, mice, and bats. The Puerto Rican slider is the only freshwater turtle species native to the island.
Marine Life and Invertebrates
The waters surrounding Puerto Rico host rich marine biodiversity. Coral reef ecosystems are found along the island’s coasts, including the Tres Palmas Marine Reserve, home to all seven species of endangered Caribbean corals. These reefs support diverse fish species, such as parrotfish, butterfly fish, and queen angelfish. Over 240 reef fish species have been reported in Puerto Rico’s waters.
Marine mammals also inhabit Puerto Rican waters, including the vulnerable Antillean manatee. These herbivores graze on seagrass beds, and the island’s waters serve as a breeding area for them. Dolphins and humpback whales are also found here, with humpbacks visiting as a breeding site during the Northern Hemisphere’s winter. Sea turtles, including leatherback, green, and hawksbill turtles, nest on the island’s beaches.
Invertebrates constitute a large portion of the island’s fauna, both terrestrial and marine. Terrestrial invertebrates include insects, spiders, and crustaceans. Within coral reef ecosystems, invertebrates like sea urchins and crustaceans play important ecological roles.