Puerto Rico’s natural beauty is more than just its beaches—it’s a vibrant tapestry of wildlife and plant life found nowhere else. This tropical Island is home to extraordinary animals and lush vegetation, from tiny singing frogs and colorful birds to towering trees and exotic flowers. With ecosystems ranging from El Yunque National Forest to the Guánica Dry Forest, Puerto Rico nurtures an astonishing variety of fauna and flora. Whether you’re a birdwatcher, nature enthusiast, or eco-conscious traveler, the Island offers incredible opportunities to connect with nature.
Wildlife Wonders: Discover the Fauna of Puerto Rico
The Iconic Coquí Frog
One of Puerto Rico’s most famous residents is the coquí, a tiny tree frog named for its distinctive nightly call. Male coquí frogs sing “co-quí”—the first note wards off rival males, and the second attracts females. With 17 species of coquí (most of them endemic to Puerto Rico), these little amphibians have become an unofficial national symbol, representing Island pride with the saying “De aquí como el coquí”—“From here, like the coquí.”
The Endangered Sapo Concho
Another fascinating amphibian is the Sapo concho, Puerto Rico’s only native toad. This critically endangered species is mostly found in the Guánica Dry Forest, camouflaging itself among the dry leaves and trees. Conservation programs are working to protect its dwindling population, and visitors are encouraged to respect its habitat to aid in its recovery.
Birdwatching in Puerto Rico: Species to Look Out For
Puerto Rico’s skies are filled with birds, both vibrant and rare.
Puerto Rico’s National Bird
The Island’s national bird, the Puerto Rican spindalis (reina mora), is a small songbird with striking orange, black, white, and green plumage.
The Puerto Rican Screech Owl
Another endemic bird is the múcaro, also known as the Puerto Rican screech owl. This nocturnal predator, with its soft brown and gray feathers, is often spotted in forests and rural areas. It has deep cultural significance, with its name originating from the Taíno word múcuru, meaning “eagle of the night.”
The Endangered Amazona Vittata
Puerto Rico also harbors one of the world’s most endangered parrots–the emerald-green Puerto Rican parrot (Amazona vittata). Once nearly extinct with only 13 individuals in 1973, conservation efforts helped the population recover before hurricanes in 2017 set them back. Today, dedicated programs in El Yunque and Río Abajo State Forest continue working to save this beautiful bird.
The Majestic Guaraguao
Another majestic bird soaring over the Island is the guaraguao, a subspecies of the red-tailed hawk. Recognized by its keen eyesight and impressive hunting skills, this bird of prey was revered by the Taínos as a symbol of strength and resilience. It can be spotted gliding over forests, mountains, and coastal areas throughout the Island.
Reptiles, mammals, and marine life
Puerto Rico’s only native terrestrial mammals are bats. Any monkeys or mongooses you might spot were introduced by humans. However, lizards and iguanas are abundant, from small geckos to large iguanas basking in the sun. Along the Island’s coastline, keep an eye out for marine visitors: dolphins, manatees, and even migrating humpback whales in winter. Endangered sea turtles like the hawksbill and leatherback also come ashore to nest on Puerto Rico’s beaches.
Explore The Lush Flora of Puerto Rico
The biodiversity of El Yunque National Forest
Puerto Rico’s landscapes are blanketed with tropical greenery and bright blossoms. The Island’s crown jewel is El Yunque National Forest, a lush rainforest famed for its biodiversity. This forest alone harbors over 240 plant species—from towering tree ferns to the native Puerto Rican magnolia. Its dense vegetation provides critical habitat for many animals (including the coquí and Puerto Rican parrot) and delights visitors with its tropical splendor.
Guánica Dry Forest and coastal mangroves
In contrast, the Island’s drier regions host very different plant life. The Guánica Dry Forest, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, contains hardy cacti, acacias, and other drought-resistant plants. This arid habitat is home to over 700 plant species, including 16 found nowhere else in the world. Meanwhile, red mangroves thrive along the Island’s coastlines, their tangled roots stabilizing the shores and providing essential shelter for marine life. Some of the best places to see these mangrove forests are La Parguera, Piñones, and Jobos Beach.
Iconic trees and flowers of Puerto Rico
Some of Puerto Rico’s most emblematic trees and flowers carry cultural significance:
- The Ceiba Tree: The ceiba (kapok tree) is the Island’s national tree, often reaching over 75 feet tall with a massive umbrella-like canopy. Some ceiba trees are centuries old, standing as living monuments of Puerto Rican heritage.
- Flor de Maga: This brilliant red blossom, often mistaken for hibiscus, was declared Puerto Rico’s official flower. This endemic beauty grows throughout the Island’s forests and holds deep cultural meaning, appearing in art, poetry, and national celebrations.
- The Flamboyán Tree: Every summer, roadsides and hillsides burst into color as the flamboyán (flame tree) erupts in fiery red-orange blooms. Though originally introduced from abroad, its dazzling flowers have become a beloved symbol of the Island’s tropical beauty.
