El Yunque

El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System and is located in Puerto Rico. It is famous for its beautiful waterfalls, lush green trees, and the sound of the tiny coquí frog. Visitors can explore scenic hiking trails to see rare plants and animals found nowhere else on Earth.

Puerto Rican Parrot

The Puerto Rican parrot, also known as the Iguaca, is a bright green bird about a foot long with a distinctive red forehead and white rings around its eyes. As the only native parrot remaining on the island, it is critically endangered and survives mainly in deep forest canopies where it eats fruits, seeds, and flowers. These social birds are famous for their loud "bugle" calls and for nesting in natural tree cavities to protect their young.

El Coqui

The coquí is a tiny, beloved tree frog native to Puerto Rico that is famous for its powerful two-note "ko-kee" call. Though they are only about an inch long, these nocturnal singers can be as loud as a lawnmower, with the first note warning off other males and the second attracting mates. Unlike most frogs, coquís skip the tadpole stage entirely and hatch from eggs as fully formed miniature froglets.

Puerto Rican Boa

The Puerto Rican boa, or "culebrón," is the largest snake on the island, growing up to seven feet long with smooth, dark brown or tan scales that help it blend into the forest floor. It is a non-venomous hunter that uses constriction to catch prey and is famous for hanging from cave ceilings to snatch bats right out of the air. Although it was once endangered due to habitat loss, this shy snake is a beneficial species that helps control rodent populations across the island.

Puerto Rican Spindalis

The Puerto Rican spindalis, widely known as the Reina Mora, is a small, colorful bird found only on the island. Males are easily recognized by their bold black-and-white striped heads, orange necks, and bright yellow-green backs, while females have duller olive-green feathers for camouflage. These birds play a vital role in the ecosystem by eating fruits and spreading seeds throughout forests and gardens.

Mona Island Iguana

The Mona Island iguana is the largest native lizard in Puerto Rico, growing up to four feet long with thick, gray-brown scales and small "horns" on its nose. Found only on the remote, rocky Mona Island, these heavy-bodied reptiles spend their days sunbathing on limestone cliffs and retreating into deep caves or sinkholes at night. They are essential "gardeners" of the island, primarily eating fruits and flowers and helping native plants grow by spreading seeds in their droppings.