Puerto rico rainforest: El Yunque National Forest – Home – Conoce las especies de Puerto Rico

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March 25, 2022
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Puerto rico rainforest: El Yunque National Forest – Home

10 Things to Know Before Visiting El Yunque Rainforest

Endangered Puerto Rican Parrot | © US Fish and Wildlife Service/flickr

Kris Pethick

16 January 2018

El Yunque on Puerto Rico’s east side is the only rainforest included in the US National Forest Service and it is known for its rare trees and birds. It is one of the smallest rainforests, but has a diverse habitat. As of January 2018 El Yunque is closed as it recovers from the massive damage sustained during Hurricane Maria, but you can continue to check their website and plan a trip as soon as it reopens. Here are some things to know before you go.

There are many waterfalls and rivers in the rainforest. On La Roca (The Rock) on the south side of the park there are Taino petroglyphs, some of which depict their god, Yikiyú, who they believed lived in the mountains of the rainforest. There are over 240 species of plants and trees in El Yunque.

Beautiful waterfall in El Yunque | © Ricardo Mangual/flickr

One of the most colorful birds is the little tody, which the locals call San Pedrito. Todies are often seen in El Yunque traveling in pairs, eating insects and chirping to each other. The Puerto Rican screech owl can also be found in the rainforest, and it is the only owl on Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands.

Perhaps the most stunning bird of El Yunque is the Puerto Rican parrot, but it is also one of the saddest stories. At the time of the first Spanish colony in the early 1600s, there were believed to be a million parrots on the island, but over the years, as human population increased and deforestation occurred, the numbers dropped drastically until in 1973 there were only 13 iguacas, the Taino word for the parrot. The Puerto Rican Parrot Recovery Program was making great strides to renew the population and at last count, before Hurricanes Irma and Maria, there were almost 60 parrots in the wild.

After Irma, Marisel Lopez and other scientists did a count and found 31, but after the stronger and much more devastating Maria, Lopez and others were first unable to find any of the wild parrots. Many people are helping in the search and reporting sightings to the scientists, as well as posting them on Facebook, so the hope is that some of the flock have just moved to find better shelter and food and will return. Unfortunately some of the parrots were located through the transmitters they wore and were found dead.

Narrow-billed tody | © Ron Knight/flickr

The island was created during the Triassic period as a result of volcanic activity, so any wildlife on the island had to swim, fly, or float here. As a result, the only mammal native to Puerto Rico is the bat. In El Yunque you may also see rats and mongoose, the rats brought here on ships as an inherent part of sailing, and the small Indian mongoose imported in 1877 in an attempt to control those very rats in the sugar cane fields.

The real wealth of wildlife is the many reptiles and amphibians. The trees are abundant with coquí, you may also see worm lizards, Puerto Rican boa (although all snakes in El Yunque are very timid and rarely seen), galliwasps, skinks, and so much more.

Fauna of El Yunque | © Todd Van Hoosear/flickr

While it may seem odd, the US Forest Service gets this question often, and the answer is technically no, but they explain what happens to make it seem as if it is raining coquí. They explain this on their website: “This interesting forest legend involving Puerto Rico’s indigenous coquí frog (Eleutherodactylus coquí) is actually based on scientific fact. During those times of the year when the humidity is high, the tiny coquí 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!”

Coquí | © US Fish and Wildlife Service/flickr

At the highest points of the mountains, the constant cloud cover and rain make it difficult for plants and trees to take root because the soil is so wet, so the plants seem to grow miniaturized versions of themselves.

The prism of color in El Yunque | © schizoform/flickr

While it would seem that the wet environment would result in a prolific mosquito population, the water in El Yunque is constantly running down the mountain and rapidly, and it rains about four times a day preventing any standing water, so there are no mosquitoes in the rainforest. You can wear insect repellent if you choose, but if so DO NOT go into any water sources. The chemicals in bug spray are hazardous to the fragile ecosystem. Perhaps just cover with long pants and long-sleeved shirts instead of using repellent.

Spend a day at El Yunque | © Todd VanHoosear/flickr

There are many well-maintained hiking trails. There are 16 different hiking areas, so you could easily explore for a few days. El Yunque Trail begins at the visitors center and takes you up the mountain, where at the end of the trail you can explore the dwarf forest. Mt Britton trail takes you to the stone tower made by the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) in the 1930s, which you can climb up and see for miles. The most popular trail is La Mina, which follows the river by the same name through the lush foliage and crosses the water in several places. La Mina is less than a mile, but is rated as challenging due to steep curving steps. Certain trails will take you up as far as 3,000 feet.

La Mina Falls, El Yunque | © BluEyedA73/flickr

The truly adventurous spirit may want to have a 24-hour experience in El Yunque and set up camp. A permit must be obtained a minimum of two weeks in advance, and it is very rustic camping. You must bring all necessary supplies and equipment, and make sure everything gets hauled back out with you. Being able to share stories of the night sounds and activities will be a treasure you will hold forever.

It is quite a bit cooler in the rainforest, so it is best to wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt. This also helps with any insects there may be, and there are some plants that could potentially cause irritation if they come in contact with skin. It is also very important to remember, IT RAINS EVERY DAY in El Yunque, about four times a day, so bring rain gear. A poncho can easily be stored in a backpack. Also make sure you wear comfortable sturdy shoes with good traction. Hiking trails are groomed, but there are some areas of mud and the stone can be slippery at times.

Yokahu Tower in El Yunque | © vxia/flickr

There is no lodging within El Yunque, but there are a number of hotels, resorts and vacation rentals nearby. It is only about a 40-minute drive from San Juan to the entrance of the park, so you can make it a day trip.

Fore more information, you can contact the US Forest Service at +1 787 888 1810 or +1 787 888 1880 or visit the El Yunque website.

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Rainforests are adapted to hurricanes, but climate change could wipe them out

When Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico in September 2017, the island’s forests were a pitiful sight of split tree trunks, fallen branches and leaves. Particularly hard hit was the El Yunque Tropical National Forest, covering more than 110 square kilometers, located in northeastern Puerto Rico. It is known for its pristine beauty and high biodiversity. The winds that hit it at speeds up to 250 kilometers per hour left behind only leafless, partially damaged tree trunks. Four years later, the rainforest still contains clear signs of a major storm. But the ecosystem is gradually recovering. Scientists from the US Forest Service, as well as NASA and some other organizations, are actively studying this process. For researchers, the observations allow us to figure out how forests will change in the near future, when hurricanes as a result of global warming become more powerful and similar to the recent hurricane Ida. Most of all, scientists are interested in the question – does global warming threaten the complete destruction of tropical forests, which are generally adapted to hurricanes.

El Yunque Reserve, four years after Hurricane Maria, begins to recover

How the rainforest recovers from Hurricane

To understand the damage to the forest caused by Hurricane Maria, the strongest since 1928, scientists studied it from a bird’s eye view. In addition to aerial photography, they used LIDAR, that is, a laser rangefinder, as well as other tools that made it possible to create a three-dimensional map and indicate the composition of the ecosystem on it.

The damage was more severe than expected. What used to be rainforest with a continuous closed canopy has turned into a “patchwork quilt” of separate fragments of closed forest and open areas. The rainforest has become more like a savannah ecosystem, the researchers say. But, most importantly, it has become much lower. On average, according to scientists, the forest lost 7 meters in height. We can say that a powerful hurricane “trimmed” El Yunque.

Hurricane Maria, which hit Puerto Rico in 2017, was the worst since 1928 the most destructive to the forest on record.

At the same time, the researchers found that not all types of tropical forests suffered the same destruction. Many large hardwoods that grew on low elevations were broken in half as a result of the storm. At the same time, low palm trees, which grow mainly in the high parts of the forests of El Yunque, endured the hurricane quite well. As the researchers note, their trunks are able to bend rather than break in strong winds.

More information about the most exciting and unexpected scientific observations you will find on our Telegram channel

Six months after the hurricane, many grasses, shrubs and sprouts of the tropical tree Cecropia began to actively grow and recover, taking advantage of the sunlight that was no longer obstructed crowns of trees. As the scientists say, these “pioneers” will be pushed out later as the forest ecosystem continues to recover, causing the canopy to close. But, in any case, the latest data shows that El Yunque’s recovery is going faster than scientists expected.

Rainforest recovers unevenly after a hurricane, which is a mystery to scientists

Rainforest recovers unevenly

Scientists in 2020 repeated aerial photography and survey of damaged forest. These data were recently published in the journal Springer Nature. As it turns out, about two-thirds of the forested areas that lost height during Hurricane Maria quickly regained it between 2018 and 2020, which is to be expected from hurricane-adapted forests. However, almost a third of the forest areas have not grown at all since then. According to scientists, it was an unexpected find that surprised them.

It is possible that some areas of the forest have been damaged to such an extent that the trees can no longer grow quickly. It is also possible that for some reason, instead of wasting energy on growing, these trees are investing more resources in restoring their root system. But why this happens remains a mystery to scientists. This process does not appear to be related to specific tree species or topographical features of the area or other factors that often affect reforestation in El Yunque.

Global warming will change the rainforests

In the last 30 years, El Yunque has experienced three major hurricanes, ie Category 3 and above. Storms of this intensity have occurred about every 50 years. But over the past three decades, the situation has worsened. As a result, the changes that are happening now in El Yunque are suggesting to scientists what could happen to all the rainforests on the planet in the future.

Over the past 30 years, the number of palm trees has increased in the reserve

Scientists note that the number of palms in El Yunque has recently increased. If the forest is hit by such storms about every ten years, the palms will begin to dominate the trees, causing the forest to become lower and absorb less carbon.

Such a forest may be more resistant to strong hurricanes, since the palm trees are not prone to break in strong winds. But other anticipated impacts of climate change, such as increased droughts, will also affect palm trees. Unlike trees, they cannot survive in conditions of lack of moisture.

Materials about global warming that were not published on the site, you can read on our Yandex. Zen channel will turn into completely different ecosystems with a predominance of shrubs that tolerate hurricanes and droughts well. Finally, let me remind you that climate warming threatens not only the nature of the earth, but also human health, as I have already talked about.

Global warmingNature of the EarthNatural phenomena

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`tropical forests, white sand beaches, mysterious caves and other tourist attractions`

`From Masterweb`

11/18/2019 23:42

Puerto Rico is one of the best vacation spots on the planet. Incredibly beautiful pristine nature, untouched by human hand, clear waters of the Pacific Ocean, warm sandy beaches, diving and many other entertainments can surprise any tourist. On a small island, there are a lot of places where you can go and have fun. But in this article we will look at 10 of the most popular and interesting ones.

`Playa Tortuga`

This beach is one of the cleanest in the world. It is located on the small island of Culebra, located 27 kilometers from Puerto Rico. Therefore, if you decide to spend your vacation in this country, then you should definitely visit it. You can get to Playa Tortuga by water taxi for just a few dollars or by renting a private boat. The main tourist attraction of Culebra is the old lighthouse. But its main advantage is that there are practically no people here. Arriving here, you can not only sunbathe on the white sand, but also fully enjoy the silence and solitude.

`El Yunque`

Always dreamed of visiting the rainforest, but never got the chance? Then come to Puerto Rico and go to El Yunque. This is a conservation area located near the Rio Grande. The nature of these places has been preserved the same as it was several thousand years ago, and its beauty is truly amazing. There are several hiking trails in the national forest, which you can walk on your own or as part of a group accompanied by an experienced guide.

`Reises Fountain`

If you want to spend an unforgettable romantic evening with your loved one, then Puerto Rico has one unique place for you. In Old San Juan there is a fountain "Rayses". Come here shortly before sunset - and you are guaranteed an unforgettable experience. Also in the evenings, street shops selling a wide variety of goods open here. And if you climb the ancient city wall, you will have a beautiful view of the San Juan Bay. It is especially beautiful at night when the moon and stars are reflected in it.

`Kamui Rivers`

This is a huge park consisting of many caves connected by a network of underground tunnels. It is located near the small town of Quebrada. There are many tourist excursions in the Kamui River, which include not only sightseeing of local attractions, but also a whole lecture on speleology. Therefore, if you are interested in nature, then be sure to come here. Similar places located all over the world can be counted on the fingers of one hand.

`Arecibo Observatory`

Do you want not only to have fun, but also to spend your time usefully and discover something new? Then, having arrived in Puerto Rico, go to the city of Arecibo. There is an observatory with the world's largest radio telescope. Its dimensions are simply amazing. The building occupies about 20 acres of land. Tourist excursions are held here daily, during which everyone can look at the stars through a powerful telescope.

`Mosquito Bay`

There is probably nothing better than this in all of Puerto Rico. "Why?" - you ask. The local waters are inhabited by plankton, which begin to glow at night, creating a real light show in the water. Microorganisms are completely safe, so you can safely swim in the water. Mosquito Bay is the brightest bay in the world, so it certainly deserves attention.

`Rincón Lighthouse`

By itself, it has no historical or architectural value. However, many tourists recommend coming here not for the sake of the building. Humpback whales migrate off the west coast of Puerto Rico every winter and can be seen from Rincón Lighthouse. The best time for this is the period from December to March. Majestic mammals periodically rise to the surface to replenish air supplies. At this very moment, you can look at them.

`El Morro Fort`

This ancient fortification is over 400 years old and is located near San Juan. Fort El Morro has repeatedly taken part in the defense of the city from pirates and other invaders. It will be difficult to get to it on your own, so it is best to hire an experienced guide. He will not only show the most interesting places, but also tell about their history. And if you are fond of mysticism, then come to the fort at night. It is said that after sunset, the ghosts of the fallen defenders begin to roam around it. True or not, you have to find out.

`Campamento Piñones`

This small town is ideal for a relaxing and measured holiday. In it you can get acquainted with the culture and way of life of the local population. There are many shops, bars and eateries in Campamento Piñones, so no one will be bored. Also nearby is a small but very clean beach. And don't forget to try the local dishes. Cuisine in Puerto Rico is very simple, but at the same time incredibly tasty and colorful.

`Ponce Carnival`

Tired of boring time on the beach and meaningless wanderings through the streets and shops? Then take part in the carnival "Pons". It has been held annually in February for more than 100 years. This event has not only cultural but also religious significance for Puerto Ricans. The central object of the holiday is the demon Vejigante, who was expelled from the island in ancient times. A special actor puts on his costume and walks around among the crowd of onlookers, performing ritual dances. Undoubtedly, "Pons" is inferior in scale to the carnival in Rio de Janeiro and Mardi Gras, but it will be no less interesting and fun.

These are just a few of the places and things to do when visiting Puerto Rico.