Vieques National Wildlife Refuge

The Vieques National Wildlife Refuge (Spanish: Refugio nacional de vida silvestre de Vieques) is a National Wildlife Refuge on the island of Vieques in the Puerto Rico archipelago. It is part of the Caribbean Islands National Wildlife Refuge Complex.

Vieques National Wildlife Refuge
IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area)
Aerial view of Vieques
Location	Vieques, Puerto Rico, Caribbean
Coordinates	18.1167°N 65.4167°W / 18.1167; -65.4167
Area	17,771 acres (71.92 km2)
Established	2001
Governing body	U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Website	Vieques National Wildlife Refuge

The refuge contains several ecologically distinct habitats including; beaches, coastal lagoons, mangrove wetlands, and upland forested areas. Some of the best examples of sub-tropical dry forest in the Caribbean can be found on refuge lands.

The marine environment surrounding the refuge contains coral reefs and sea grass beds. The refuge and its surrounding waters are home to at least two plants and eight animals on the Federal endangered species list including; the Antillean manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus), the brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis), and four species of sea turtles.

In addition to its ecological value, the refuge contains important resources of archeological and historic significance, a legacy of the Taíno culture and sugarcane era.

Coral reef ecosystem of Puerto Rico

References

 This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

External links

• Puerto Rico portal

• Refuge website