Puerto Rico is a vibrant Caribbean archipelago that serves as a unique laboratory for evolution and biodiversity. Its isolated geography has fostered a remarkably high level of endemism, meaning many animal species are found here and nowhere else in the world. As part of the Caribbean Islands Biodiversity Hotspot, the island’s varied ecosystems—from the tropical rainforest of El Yunque to dry forests and extensive coastlines—support a distinct collection of fauna.
Amphibians and Endemic Icons
The most famous of Puerto Rico’s animal residents is the Coquí, a small tree frog from the genus Eleutherodactylus, which has become a powerful cultural symbol for the island. The name Coquí is an onomatopoeia derived from the distinctive two-note call of the male frog, where the “co” part establishes territorial boundaries and the “quí” attracts a mate. There are 17 species of Coquí, with most being endemic to the archipelago, thriving in the humid, dense vegetation of the forests.
These tiny frogs possess a unique life cycle known as direct development, which allows them to bypass the typical tadpole stage entirely. Instead of laying eggs in water, the females lay clutches on land, often on palm leaves or in abandoned bird nests, and miniature frogs hatch directly from the eggs. The male Coquí provides parental care by guarding and hydrating the eggs until they hatch. Another notable endemic amphibian is the Puerto Rican crested toad (Peltophryne lemur), also known as the Sapo concho, a larger, rare species found predominantly in the arid, southern regions.
Birds of the Canopy and Coast
Puerto Rico’s skies and forests are home to a diverse array of avian life, including both endemic residents and numerous migratory species that use the island as a temporary stopover. The most recognizable and endangered bird is the Puerto Rican Parrot (Amazona vittata), a vibrant green parrot with a distinctive red forehead. Its population plummeted due to habitat loss, making it one of the rarest birds globally.
Intensive conservation efforts, including captive breeding and release programs at facilities like the Iguaca Aviary, are focused on establishing stable wild populations in areas like El Yunque National Forest and Río Abajo State Forest. Smaller, more common endemic birds include the Puerto Rican Tody, a tiny, bright green bird that nests in burrows, and the Puerto Rican Spindalis, known for its striking plumage of yellow, black, and orange. Hummingbirds, such as the endemic Puerto Rican Emerald, are frequently seen feeding on nectar in the forest canopy and gardens. Along the coast, various seabirds like terns and pelicans utilize the rocky cliffs and offshore cays for nesting and feeding.
Terrestrial Reptiles and Mammals
Reptiles are one of the most prominent groups of terrestrial vertebrates in Puerto Rico, with lizards being particularly abundant across all habitats. Anoles, a diverse group of small, often brightly colored lizards, are ubiquitous, with different species occupying distinct niches from tree trunks to grassy areas. The island is also home to larger reptiles like the non-venomous Puerto Rican Boa (Epicrates inornatus), which can grow to significant lengths and plays a role in controlling rodent populations in forested areas.
In contrast to the diverse reptile population, native terrestrial mammals are limited, consisting solely of 13 species of bats. These flying mammals occupy various ecological roles; for example, the Jamaican fruit bat acts as a seed disperser, while the Antillean ghost-faced bat feeds primarily on insects. These bats are cave-dwellers, with colonies numbering in the hundreds of thousands in certain cave systems, making them the only native land mammals to have survived the island’s colonization. A common non-native mammal is the small Indian mongoose (Urva auropunctata), an introduced predator brought in to control rats that instead became a threat to native ground-nesting birds and reptiles.
Marine and Coastal Fauna
The warm, clear waters surrounding Puerto Rico host a rich collection of marine and coastal fauna that rely on diverse underwater habitats. Extensive coral reef systems, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests provide shelter and foraging grounds for countless species of fish and invertebrates. Coral reefs are home to typical Caribbean fauna, including parrotfish, angelfish, and various species of snapper.
The West Indian Manatee (Trichechus manatus) is frequently found grazing on seagrass in shallow, protected coastal areas, estuaries, and lagoons. These large, slow-moving marine mammals are a protected species, and their presence indicates healthy coastal habitats. Puerto Rican beaches are also important nesting sites for several species of sea turtles, including the Green, Hawksbill, and Leatherback sea turtles, which migrate long distances to lay their eggs on the sandy shores. During the winter months, larger marine visitors like the Humpback Whale can be seen in the offshore waters as they migrate to the region for breeding.