Puerto Rico
Protected areas
As in many islands of the Caribbean, in Puerto Rico there is also a large number of unique species, and the country is a well-known focus of biodiversity - particularly rich in flora, birds, marine fauna and famous for its reptiles and amphibians. There are no national parks on the island, however the US Fish and Wildlife Service manages nine protected areas in the region. The Puerto Rico Conservation Center also offers opportunities for volunteers who want to participate in research activities. In the twentieth century there was a change in land use towards agriculture, in particular coffee and corn, which caused deforestation and fragmentation of habitats that are now gradually being recovered through reforestation projects.
Whale watching
The warm coastal waters of Puerto Rico provide important places for the breeding of West Indian manatees, sea turtles and humpback whales. February brings a large number of tourists to the west coast, particularly Rincon, to try to see whale and dolphin species in the mating and birthing season. It is very important therefore to choose an agency that does not allow you to get too close, pursue or interfere with these endangered species during this critical period. More information.
Birdwatching
Cabo Rojo and Laguna Cartagena are Wildlife Refuges that cover the coastal plains, mangroves, salt marshes and freshwater marshes, all of which are habitats rich in endemic and migratory birds. Some of them are seen very rarely and offer birdwatchers the opportunity to add data to eBird, a database program to increase knowledge of the species. The Puerto Rican parrot (Iguaca) is especially known – it is one of the rarest birds in the world for which the US Fish and Wildlife Service operates a recovery program. The figures have shown some recovery from 23 to 50-70 wild specimens through more than 30 years of conservation
More information about birdwatching.
Stray animals
There are large numbers of stray animals in Puerto Rico, which often live in very bad conditions. The stray cat and dog populations are controlled by unregulated mass slaughter which usually involves very cruel slaughter methods. If you find these animals, you can help them by giving them some food or water, but avoiding close contact with them in order to avoid contagious illnesses. Before traveling you can find the contacts of local animal protection NGOs to inform them in case you find very ill animals or victims of animal abuse, or in case you want to make a donation. More information.
Here is a list of local NGOs that can be contacted in case you want to make a donation, a complaint or find an animal that needs help in Puerto Rico:?
Asociación Protectora de Animales de Cabo Rojo
Association For Shelter and Protection of Animals (APAYPA)
Ciudadanos pro Albergue de Animales de Aguadilla
Puerto Rico Animal Welfare Society (PAWS)
The Ark of San Juan Companion Animal Rescue
Vieques Humane Society and Animal Rescue
