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First List of the Vertebrates of Los Tres Picachos State Forest, Puerto
Rico, with Data on Relative Abundance and Altitudinal Distribution
LEOPOLDO MIRANDA-CASTRO
1,2
,ALBERTO R. PUENTE-ROLÓN
3
,AND
SONDRA VEGA-CASTILLO
3
1
North Carolina Fish and Wildlife Cooperative Research Unit, Department of Zoology,
North Carolina State University, Raleigh, N.C. 27695
2
Present address: US Fish & Wildlife Service, PO Box 491 Boquero´n, Puerto Rico 00622
Leopoldo_Miranda@fws.gov
3
Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico, Mayagu¨ez, Puerto Rico 00680
ABSTRACT.—Located in the Central Mountains, Los Tres Picachos Forest is the latest addition to the Puerto
Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources network of state managed forests. To protect and
adequately manage this valuable ecosystem, basic information on species presence, abundance, and distri-
bution is needed. We present the first comprehensive list of vertebrate species for this forest. We also present
data on distribution and abundance based on 27 visits made from April 1997 to May 1999. We observed and
identified 7 fish, 9 amphibians, 11 reptiles, 72 birds and 6 mammal species. The importance of adequately
protecting and managing this tropical montane ecosystem is discussed.
RESUMEN.—Localizado en la Cordillera Central, el Bosque de Los Tres Picachos es la adicio´n ma´s reciente
al sistema de bosques insulares manejados por el Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales de
Puerto Rico. Para protejer y manejar adecuadamente este valioso ecosistema, se necesita informacio´n ba´sica
sobre la presencia, abundancia y distribucio´ n de las especies. Presentamos aquı´ la primera lista exhaustiva
de los vertebrados que habitan en este bosque. Tambie´n presentamos datos sobre distribucio´ n y abundancia
basados en 27 viajes realizados entre abril de 1997 y mayo de 1999. Observamos e identificamos siete 7
especies de peces, 9 especies de anfibios, 11 especies de reptiles, 72 especies de aves y 6 especies de mam-
ı´feros. Se discute la importancia que tiene el protejer y manejar adecuadamente este ecosistema montano
tropical.
INTRODUCTION
Puerto Rico, like many other tropical is-
lands, has suffered severe deforestation. It
is estimated that by 1930 only about 6 to 15
% of the surface area of Puerto Rico was
covered by forest (Birdsey and Weaver,
1982; Brash, 1987). Today, less than 1 % of
the original forest remains (Little et al.,
1974; Birdsey and Weaver, 1982). Net loss
of forest will continue due to the ever-
increasing human population pressure.
This situation makes the remaining forests
critical components in present and future
conservation efforts.
Most of the local information about ter-
restrial vertebrates is restricted to protected
areas such as the Caribbean National Forest
(Reagan and Waide, 1996) and the Gua´nica
State Forest (Alvarez-Ruiz et al., 1990). Few
research projects have been published from
areas outside these and other state man-
aged forests. The recently designated Los
Tres Picachos State Forest is one of the least
studied areas in Puerto Rico and only some
preliminary studies have been made for the
area (Scatena, 1996 USDA Forest Service,
IITF, unpublished report). To manage for-
ests effectively we need basic information
of the resource to be managed. Information
about living resources is extremely impor-
tant for the proper development of man-
agement plans for the forest and its sur-
rounding areas. We present herein data on
presence, distribution, and abundance of
the vertebrates of the newly designated for-
est.
Caribbean Journal of Science, Vol. 36, No. 1-2, 117–126, 2000
Copyright 2000 College of Arts and Sciences
University of Puerto Rico, Mayagu¨ez
117
STUDY AREA AND METHODS
Los Tres Picachos Forest (LTPF) is lo-
cated between the municipalities of Ciales
and Jayuya, in the Cordillera Central of Pu-
erto Rico. The elevational range is between
380 to 1,205 m above sea level, making it
the third highest elevation in the island.
Most of the forest at LTPF is considered
subtropical wet forest (Ewel and Whit-
more, 1973), where the abundant moisture
is evident by the presence of epiphytic
ferns, bromeliads and orchids (Birdsey and
Weaver, 1982). The average annual rainfall
is 2,000 to 4,000 mm and the average an-
nual temperature is 18 to 24 °C (Ewel and
Whitmore, 1973).
Three forest associations are found at
LTPF. On the peaks (above 1,090 m) is the
Elfin woodland association or dwarf forest.
Bellow the Elfin woods association (850 to
1,090 m) is the sierra palm (Prestoea mon-
tana) forest. Very often, almost pure stands
of this species are evident, especially on
very steep slopes. The third association, the
tabonuco forest, is found between 700 to
850 m and is dominated by the tabonuco
tree (Dacryodes excelsa). At lower elevations
there are active and abandoned shaded cof-
fee plantations. Most lands surrounding
the LTPF are agricultural fields (shaded
coffee groves, citrus, plantains and ba-
nanas). In many places, particularly along
the Rı´o Saliente in Jayuya, agriculture has
caused extensive networks of gullies and
brooks that deliver sediments to the stream
channels.
We made 27 visits to the LTPF between
April 1997 and May 1999, for a total of 984
sampling hours. For each vertebrate species
we recorded the date, habitat and elevation
where it was found on each trip. We
searched the area at random and observed
birds using 10 × 42 binoculars. We identi-
fied bird species using field guides (Raf-
faele, 1989; Raffaele et al., 1998) and tape
recordings. For amphibian and reptiles we
used tape recordings and identification
keys (Rivero, 1998). For amphibians, we
took into account only overnight field trips.
We did not systematically sample aquatic
habitats. For this reason we do not present
relative abundance for fishes. All fish spe-
cies were identified by the senior author
using identification keys (Erdman et
al.,1984). We described relative abundance
as: very common (observed in all visits),
common (observed in half or more of the
visits), uncommon (observed in less than
half of the trips) and rare (observed in one
visit).
RESULTS
FISH
1. Eel, Anguila (Anguilla rostrata). Ob-
served at Toro Negro and Cialitos rivers
(380 m) and at Las Delicias waterfall (610
m).
2. Violet goby, Chupa-piedra (Gobionel-
lus broussoneti). As preceding entry.
3. River goby, Saga (Awaous tajasica).
Observed at Toro Negro and Cialitos
rivers (380 m).
4. Bigmouth sleeper, Guavina (Gobio-
morus dormitor). As preceding entry.
5. Sirajo goby, Olivo (Sicydium plumieri).
As preceding entry.
6. Mountain mullet, Dajao (Agonostomus
monticula). As preceding entry.
7. Mosquito Fish, Gupi (Gambusia affi-
niss). As preceding entry. Observed also
at Las Delicias waterfall (610 m) and Sa-
liente river.
AMPHIBIANS
1. Melodous Coqui, Coquı´ melodioso
(Eleutherodactylus wightmanae). Very
common. Observed under leaf litter in
all habitats and elevations. More com-
mon below 1,000 m.
2. Common Coqui, Coquı´ comu´n (Eleu-
therodactylus coqui). Very common.
Observed in all habitat types and eleva-
tions. Usually calls from bushes and tree
trunks during the night and retreats un-
der logs, rocks and leaf litter.
3. Cochran’s Tree Frog, Coquı´ pitito
(Eleutherodactylus cochranae). Uncom-
mon. Observed only along roadsides
and disturbed areas, up to 945 m.
4. Grass Coqui, Coquı´ de las yerbas (Eleu-
therodactylus brittoni). Common. Ob-
L. MIRANDA-CASTRO ET AL118
served along roadsides, trails and grass
areas, up to 980 m.
5. Field Coqui, Coquı´ churı´(Eleuthero-
dactylus antillensis). Common, espe-
cially in wide-open canopy areas, up to
980 m.
6. Puerto Rican Mountain Coqui, Coquı´
de la montan˜a (Eleutherodactylus por-
torricensis). Uncommon. Heard at Las
Delicias Creek (610 m) and in the tabo-
nuco forest (875 m).
7. Cricket Coqui, Coquı´ grillo (Eleuthero-
dactylus grillus).Uncommon. Observed
at 1,198 m in the Elfin woods forest and
heard in the northern slopes of the tabo-
nuco forest (845 m).
8. Cane or Surinam Toad, Sapo comu´n
(Bufo marinus). Common. Observed
along roadsides and in ponds. Tadpoles
seen on road 533 at 591 m.
9. White Upper Lip Frog, Ranita de labios
blancos (Leptodactylus albilabris).
Very common. Adults, juveniles and
tadpoles observed at Las Delicias creek
(885 m).
REPTILES
1. Common Anole, Lagartijo comu´n
(Anolis cristatellus). Common. Ob-
served in all habitats except the Elfin
woods, up to 980 m.
2. Banded Anole, Lagartijo manchado
(Anolis stratulus). Very common, espe-
cially on roadsides and trails up to 945
m.
3. Yellow-beard Anole, Lagartijo barba
amarilla (Anolis gundlachi). Very com-
mon in all habitats and elevations.
4. Small Green Anole, Lagartijo verde
(Anolis evermanni). Very common in
all habitats and elevations.
5. Orange Dewlap Anole, Lagartijo de
las yerbas de la montan˜a (Anolis
krugi). Common in all habitat types
and elevations.
6. Snake Anole, Lagartijo de las yerbas
(Anolis pulchellus). Common. Ob-
served along roadsides, trails and pas-
ture areas up to 945 m.
7. Green Giant Anole, Lagarto verde
(Anolis cuvieri). Very common in all
habitats and elevations including the
Elfin woods. One individual seen at
1,192 m.
8. Dwarf Anole, Largartijo enano (Anolis
occultus). Common in the tabonuco
forest up to 980 m. Not seen elsewhere.
9. Common Gecko, Salamanquita co-
mu´n (Sphaerodactylus macrolepis spa-
nius). Very common under leaf litter at
all elevations.
10. Puerto Rican Galliwasp, Culebra de
cuatro patas (Diploglossus pleii). Rare.
One individual observed under leaf lit-
ter at 610 m.
11. Ground Snake, Culebrita de jardı´n
(Arrhyton exiguum). Rare. Three dead
individuals found on road 533.
BIRDS
1. Cattle Egret, Garza ganadera (Bubul-
cus ibis). Common only on the lower
reaches of LTPF, especially in agricul-
tural fields.
2. Little Blue Heron, Garza azul (Egretta
caerulea). Uncommon. Observed only
at the lower reaches of LTPF near Toro
Negro (425 m) and Cialitos Rivers (545
m). More common in Rı´o Saliente in
Jayuya below 600 m.
3. Snowy Egret, Garza blanca (Egretta
thula). Common at the lower reaches of
LTPF near Toro Negro (425 m) and Ci-
alitos Rivers (545 m). More common in
Rı´o Saliente in Jayuya below 600 m.
4. Great Egret, Garza real (Casmerodius
albus). As preceding entry.
5. Green Backed Heron, Martinete (Bu-
torides striatus). Uncommon. Ob-
served only at the lower reaches of
LTPF near Toro Negro (425 m) and Ci-
alitos Rivers (545 m).
6. Yellow-crowned Night Heron, Yaboa
comu´n (Nyctanassa violacea). Uncom-
mon. One juvenile observed at Las
Delicias Creek in the tabonuco forest
(840 m). Another juvenile observed
at the Toro Negro River, Road 157
(435 m).
7. Spotted Sandpiper, Playero Coleador
(Actitis macularia). Uncommon. Ob-
served only at Toro Negro River near
Hacienda Negro´n (450 m).
VERTEBRATES OF LOS TRES PICACHOS FOREST 119
8. Broad-winged Hawk, Guaraguaito de
Bosque (Buteo platypterus). Uncom-
mon. Two individuals seen in the tabo-
nuco forest at Las Delicias Creek
(835 m).
9. Red-tailed Hawk, Guaraguao comu´n
(Buteo jamaicensis). Very common in
all habitats and elevations.
10. Sharp-shinned Hawk, Falco´ n de sierra
(Accipiter striatus). Uncommon. On
July 26, 1997 we observed at 966 m one
individual overflying the tabonuco for-
est. On September 29, 1998 the senior
author observed one individual near
Las Delicias waterfall on road 533. On
April 3, 1999, the senior author and
Maria Juncos (Metropolitan University)
observed two individuals flying in
the palma de sierra forest near the
northern slopes of Las Tres Palmas
Ridge (1,000 m).
11. American Kestrel, Falconcito (Falco
sparverius). Very common in all habi-
tats and elevations, especially below
900 m.
12. Merlin, Falco´ n migratorio (Falco co-
lumbarius). Rare migratory species.
One individual observed on February
27, 1999, at the intersection of roads 144
and 149 (640 m). The bird was chasing
rock doves perched on roofs of nearby
houses.
13. Osprey, Guincho (Pandion haliaetus).
Rare migratory species. One individual
observed on February 27, 1999 at the
intersection of road 144 and 149 (640
m). It was overflying the area going
south. The species is common on Lago
El Guineo reservoir at the adjacent Toro
Negro State Forest.
14. Scaly-napped Pigeon, Paloma turca
(Columba squamosa). Very common in
all habitats and elevations, especially
below 900 m.
15. Rock Dove, Paloma casera (Columba
livia). Common along roadsides near
urban development. Not seen in other
habitats.
16. Zenaida Dove, To´ rtola cardosantera
(Zenaida aurita). Common in open ar-
eas below 850 m.
17. White-winged Dove, To´ rtola aliblanca
(Zenaida asiatica). Common. Ob-
served only along roadsides and in cof-
fee plantations near the forest, below
750 m. More common on the southern
part of LTPF (Barrio Coabey, Jayuya).
18. Common Ground Dove, Rolita
(Columbina passerina). Common at
lower elevations. Not seen above
735 m.
19. Ruddy Quail-dove, Perdiz pequen˜a
(Geotrygon montana). Common up to
1,100 m. Not observed in the Elfin
woods near the peaks.
20. Mangrove Cuckoo, Pa´jaro bobo
menor (Coccyzus minor). Common in
most habitats except the Elfin woods.
Not observed above 950 m.
21. Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Pa´jaro bobo
piqui-amarillo (Coccyzus americanus).
Rare. One individual seen on July 25,
1997 near Las Delicias Waterfall (630
m).
22. Puerto Rican Lizard Cuckoo, Pa´jaro
bobo mayor (Saurothera vieilloti).
Common in most habitats except near
the peaks in the Elfin woods. More
common below 900 m and in shaded
coffee plantations adjacent to the forest.
23. Smooth-billed Ani, Judı´o (Crotophaga
ani). Common, especially in wide open
canopy areas such as grass and shrub
patches, and in adjacent coffee planta-
tions. Most sightings occurred at 380 to
650 m but on July 26, 1997 we observed
seven birds at 910 m in a grass-shrub
patch near the tabonuco forest.
24. Puerto Rican Screech-Owl, Mucarito
de Puerto Rico (Otus nudipes). Very
common in all habitats. We recorded a
call at the Elfin woods (1,205 m).
25. Short-eared Owl, Lechuza (Asio flam-
meus). Rare. The senior author ob-
served one bird perched on a power
line pole near the intersection of roads
144 and 149 in Barrio Coabey, Jayuya
(630 m).
26. Black Swift, Vencejo negro (Cypseloi-
des niger). Common migratory species.
Flocks of 15 to 20 birds observed dur-
ing most visits between May and Au-
gust in the valley of Las Delicias Creek
(750 m to 1,000 m).
27. Puerto Rican Emerald, Zumbadorcito
L. MIRANDA-CASTRO ET AL120
(Chlorostilbon maugaeus). Very com-
mon in all habitats up to 1,205 m. More
common at lower elevations in coffee
plantations.
28. Antillean Mango, Zumbador dorado
(Anthracothorax dominicus). Uncom-
mon. We observed one bird on June 22,
1998 in a shaded coffee plantation
within the forest (580 m). A second in-
dividual was observed on May 23, 1999
in a similar plantation near the intersec-
tion of roads 533 and 141 (612 m).
29. Green Mango, Zumbador verde (An-
thracothorax viridis). Very common in
all habitats up to 1,205 m. More com-
mon at the lower elevations of the ta-
bonuco forest and in coffee plantations.
30. Puerto Rican Tody, San Pedrito (To-
dus mexicanus). Very common in all
habitats, including the highest peaks
(1,205 m). More common at lower el-
evations (425 to 750 m) in abandoned
shaded coffee plantations.
31. Puerto Rican Woodpecker, Carpintero
de Puerto Rico (Melanerpes portoric-
ensis). Very common in all habitats.
More common at 425 to 850 m in aban-
doned shaded coffee plantations.
32. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Carpintero
pechi-amarillo (Sphyrapicus varius).
Rare migratory species. An individual
was observed in an abandoned shaded
coffee plantation near Las Delicias wa-
terfall (625 m).
33. Gray Kingbird, Pitirre (Tyrannus do-
minicensis). Very common in all habi-
tats, especially below 975 m.
34. Loggerhead Kingbird, Cle´rigo (Tyran-
nus caudifasciatus). Very common in
all habitats, especially below 920 m.
35. Puerto Rican Flycatcher, Juı´ de Puerto
Rico (Myiarchus antillarum). Common
below 950 m, especially in abandoned
shaded coffee plantations.
36. Puerto Rican Pewee, Bobito de Puerto
Rico (Contopus portorisencis). Com-
mon. Observed only between 425 m
and 900 m. More common in aban-
doned shaded coffee plantations.
37. Cave Swallow, Golondrina de cuevas
(Pterochelidon fulva). Common, espe-
cially below 750 m. More common on
the southern portion of LTPF.
38. Caribbean Martin, Golondrina de ig-
lesias (Progne dominicensis). Uncom-
mon migratory species. Seventeen indi-
viduals observed on March 12, 1999
near road 533 in barrio Cialitos, Ciales.
Nine birds observed on April 7, 1999 in
a shaded coffee plantation adjacent to
LTPF in barrio Cialitos, Ciales (630 m).
39. Red-legged Thrush, Zorzal de patas
coloradas (Turdus plumbeus). Common
in all habitats, especially below 950 m.
40. Northern Mockingbird, Ruisen˜or(Mi-
mus polyglotos). Common, especially
below 750 m in disturbed habitats near
roads and in coffee plantations.
41. Pearly-eyed Thrasher, Zorzal pardo
(Margarops fuscatus). Very common in
all habitats, especially below 1,000 m.
Particularly common in the tabonuco
forest (845 m).
42. Yellow-Throated Vireo, Bien-te-veo
gargantiamarillo (Vireo flavifrons).
Rare migratory species. An individual
was observed at 600 m near road 533
(km 0.6) on January 15, 1998. It was on
a shaded coffee plantation within the
LTPF.
43. Puerto Rican Vireo, Bien-te-veo de Pu-
erto Rico (Vireo latimeri). Very com-
mon in all habitats, including the high-
est peaks (1,205 m).
44. Black-Whiskered Vireo, Julia´n chivı´
(Vireo altiloquus). Very common mi-
gratory species. Common throughout
the entire area from December to the
following September.
45. Black and White Warbler, Reinita
trepadora (Mniotilta varia). Common
migratory species. Observed in the ta-
bonuco forest (up to 950 m) from Sep-
tember to May.
46. Worm-eating Warbler, Reinita gu-
sanera (Helmitheros vermivorus). Un-
common migratory species. One indi-
vidual observed on January 18, 1999 at
road 533 km 3.8, Barrio Cialitos, Ciales.
47. Northern Parula, Reinita pechidorada
(Parula americana). Very common mi-
gratory species. Observed (always be-
low 1,000 m) from September to May.
48. Cape May Warbler, Reinita tigre (Den-
droica tigrina). Uncommon migratory
VERTEBRATES OF LOS TRES PICACHOS FOREST 121
species. We observed two individuals;
the first on January 5, 1998 at Las Deli-
cias Waterfall (610 m) and the second
on February 18, 1999 at the intersection
of roads 149 and 156 at Barrio Toro Ne-
gro, Ciales (409 m).
49. Prairie Warbler, Reinita de pradera
(Dendroica discolor). Uncommon mi-
gratory species. We observed one indi-
vidual on September 30, 1998 and an-
other on May 10, 1999. Both were at
road 149 Km. 38.0 (423 m).
50. Magnolia Warbler, Reinita Manchada
(Dendroica magnolia). Uncommon mi-
gratory species. We observed two indi-
viduals; one on October 5, 1997 in a
shaded coffee plantation within the for-
est (623 m) and the other on February
18, 1999 at the intersection of roads 149
and 156 at Barrio Toro Negro, Ciales
(409 m).
51. Yellow-Rumped Warbler, Reinita gar-
gantiamarilla (Dendroica coronata).
Rare migratory species. One invididual
observed on January 9, 1999 in a
shaded coffee plantation within the for-
est (584 m).
52. Black-throated Blue Warbler, Reinita
azul (Dendroica caerulescens). Com-
mon migratory species. Observed be-
low 925 m from October to April.
53. Adelaide’s Warbler, Reinita mari-
posera (Dendroica adelaidae). Uncom-
mon. Seen in a shaded coffee plantation
(620 m) near the intersection of roads
533 and 149, on January 9 and February
27, 1999.
54. Black-throated Green Warbler, Rei-
nita verdosa (Dendroica virens). Rare
migratory species. The second author
and biologist Jose´ A. Sustache (Depart-
ment of Natural and Environmental
Resources) observed the species at an
abandoned shaded coffee plantation
near Las Delicias waterfall on March 9,
1999 (640 m).
55. Ovenbird, Pizpita dorada (Seiurus au-
rocapillus). Common migratory spe-
cies. Observed from September to May.
More common in shaded coffee planta-
tions below 800 m.
56. Louisiana Waterthrush, Pizpita de rı´o
(Seiurus motacilla). Common migra-
tory species. Observed from September
to May. More common along creeks up
930 m.
57. American Redstart, Candelita (Se-
tophaga ruticilla). Common migratory
species. Observed from September to
May. More common below 840 m in
shaded coffee plantations.
58. Bananaquit, Reinita comu´n (Coereba
flaveola). Very common in all habitats.
59. Antillean Euphonia, Jilguero (Eupho-
nia musica). Very common in all habi-
tats, especially below 850 m.
60. Puerto Rican Stripe-headed Tanager,
Reina mora de Puerto Rico (Spindalis
portoricensis). Very common in all
habitats, especially below 1,000 m.
61. Puerto Rican Tanager, Llorosa (Neso-
spingus speculiferus). As preceding en-
try.
62. Puerto Rican Bullfinch, Comen˜ ame
(Loxigilla portoricensis). Very com-
mon in all habitats, especially below
850 m in coffee plantattions.
63. Yellow-faced Grassquit, Gorrio´n
barba amarilla (Tiaris olivacea). Com-
mon below 750 m, especially along
roads and trail-sides. Observed at 911
m in an area covered by grasses and
shrubs near the tabonuco forest. Also
common on the southern side of LTPF
near active sun coffee plantations and
other farmlands.
64. Black-faced grassquit, Gorrio´ n negro
(Tiaris bicolor). As preceding entry.
65. Shiny Cowbird, Tordo (Molothrus
bonariensis). Uncommon. Observed
only along road 144 in Jayuya and road
149 km 38.0, near coffee plantations
and other farmland (up to 650 m).
66. Greater Antillean Grackle, Chango
(Quiscalus niger). As preceding entry.
67. Black-cowled Oriole, Calandria (Ic-
terus dominicensis). Common in all
habitats except above 1,000 m in the
Elfin woods forest association. More
common below 850 m.
68. Baltimore Oriole, Calandria del norte
(Icterus galbula). Uncommon migra-
tory species. We observed three indi-
viduals in coffee plantations. One was
seen on February 15, 1997 at road 533
km 0.4 (620 m). Another was observed
L. MIRANDA-CASTRO ET AL122
on December 30, 1998 at Hacienda Ne-
gro´n near the intersection of roads 149
and 157 (450 m). The third individual
was observed at Las Delicias waterfall
on January 5, 1999 (610 m).
69. Troupial, Turpial (Icterus icterus).
Rare. We observed one pair on August
9, 1998, near Hacienda Negro´n, road
149 km 38.4 (431m).
70. Pin-tailed Whydah, Viuda colicinta
(Vidua macroura). Uncommon. We ob-
served five individuals on road 144 Km
2.1 in Barrio Coabey, Jayuya, near “La
Mina” (690 m). The first two individu-
als were a pair, observed on April 17,
1998 on road 149 km 38.0. The second
group was composed of two males and
one female, and was observed at the
same area on April 29, 1998.
71. Orange-cheeked Waxbill, Veterano
(Estrilda melpoda). Common, espe-
cially along road 144 of Jayuya and
near Hacienda Negro´n at road 149 km
38.0. Not seen above 550 m.
72. Bronze Mannikin, Diablito (Lonchora
cucullata). As preceding entry.
MAMMALS
1. Feral Cat, Gato (Felis catus). Uncom-
mon. We observed feral cats at mid and
low elevations, especially along roads
and in the tabonuco forest (845 m).
2. Mouse, Rato´n (Mus musculus). Uncom-
mon. Observed at Las Delicias waterfall
on road 533 (610 m) and near Hacienda
Negro´n on Road 149.
3. Brown or Roof Rat, Rata comu´n(Rattus
rattus). Very common at all elevations
and forest types. More often observed in
the sierra palm and Elfin woods forest
associations at mid and high elevations
(800 to 1,205 m).
4. Norway Rat, Rata de pecho blanco
(Rattus norvegicus). Common below
750 m.
5. Small Indian Mongoose, Mangosta
(Herpestes auropunctatus). Common.
Not seen above 800 m. More abundant
in the lower reaches of the forest, espe-
cially in abandoned agricultural fields
and along roadsides.
6. Jamaican Bat, Murcie´lago de Jamaica
(Artibeus jamaicencis). We have ob-
served this species at mid and lower el-
evations.
DISCUSSION
Puerto Rico has 63 species of freshwater
fishes (Bunkley-Williams and Williams,
1994) but most are exotics introduced from
southeastern North America, Africa, and
South America (Erdman, 1984). Most of the
Puerto Rican native freshwater fishes are
present at LTPF. Only one exotic fish was
found in the forest (Gambusia affiniss) and
only at low elevations. We observed native
species only at the northern slopes of the
forest, which are part of the Rı´o Grande de
Manatı´ watershed. The absence of water
reservoirs in this river facilitates migration
to the upper reaches of the watershed. The
rivers on the southern slopes of the LTPF
(e.g., Rı´o Saliente) are the main tributaries
of Caonillas reservoir, one of the largest in
Puerto Rico. Reservoirs are known to have
detrimental effects on the movements of
freshwater macrofauna in Puerto Rico
(Holmquist et al., 1998; Benstead et al.,
1999).
Eight of the nine amphibian species
found at the LTPF are endemic to Puerto
Rico and all have been reported from adja-
cent forests (Joglar, 1998). Joglar and Bur-
rowes (1996) report a population decline of
Eleutherodactylus portorricensis in some ar-
eas of the Caribbean National Forest and
the species is uncommon in LTPF. Al-
though E. wightmanae populations are de-
clining elsewhere (Joglar and Burrowes,
1996) this species is probably the most com-
mon coquı´ in the LTPF. The elevations re-
ported herein for E. brittoni and E. cochranae
(980 and 945 m, respectively) are the high-
est recorded for these species in Puerto
Rico. The maximum elevations reported for
these two species were 640 and 335 m, re-
spectively (Schwartz and Henderson,
1991).
Nine of the 11 reptilian species found in
the LTPF are endemic to Puerto Rico. We
found one Anolis cuvieri at 1,192 m, repres-
enting a new elevational record for the spe-
VERTEBRATES OF LOS TRES PICACHOS FOREST 123
cies. Another interesting anole found in the
forest was the dwarf anole (A. occultus). As
its scientific name suggests, this primitive
species is difficult to find; we observed in-
dividuals on ferns and twigs from 10 cm to
5 m above the ground. We did not find the
Puerto Rican boa (Epicrates inornatus) but it
is probably present at the LTPF because it
occurs in adjacent areas (second author,
pers. obs.).
Puerto Rico has 311 bird species, of
which 106 are breeding residents, 126 are
non-breeding migrants and the remaining
are exotics (Raffaele, 1989; Raffaele et al.,
1998). Of the breeding resident species, the
Puerto Rican Broad-winged Hawk and the
Puerto Rican Sharp-shinned Hawk are en-
dangered and protected. Our report of
these two species at LTPF is a new locality
for their distribution. Although uncommon
within LTPF, these individuals could rep-
resent resident populations because they
were observed in the same area during
summer and winter. Apparently, the
Sharp-shinned Hawk is widely distributed
throughout LTPF, as individuals have been
observed in adjacent shaded coffee planta-
tions north of the reserve (J. A. Colo´n, pers.
comm.).
Of the 18 species of non-breeding migra-
tory birds found at LTPF, the Black
Throated Green Warbler is perhaps the
most interesting sighting. This species is
very rare in Puerto Rico (Raffaele et al.,
1998). It has also been observed in adjacent
shaded coffee plantations (J. Saracco, pers.
comm). We report some late records for
Neotropical migrants. These are for the
Louisiana Waterthrush and Prairie War-
bler, observed on May 10, 1998 and May 10,
1999, respectively. The presence of most of
the Neotropical migrants recorded for Pu-
erto Rico demonstrate the importance of
this forest for the conservation of these spe-
cies.
We observed several avian exotics (e.g.,
Troupial, Orange-cheeked Waxbill) within
LTPF, all of which were near urban devel-
oped areas and agricultural fields. Most of
these sightings were of individuals on the
southern slopes, the area with most urban
and agricultural development. Our obser-
vations of Troupials constitute the highest
elevation records for the species in Puerto
Rico. This species usually inhabits coastal
and lowland forests and is very rare at high
elevations. Other exotic species found at
LTPF that had not been reported from the
highlands of Puerto Rico (Raffaele et al.,
1998) are the Orange-cheeked Waxbill, the
Bronze Mannikin and the Nutmeg Manni-
kin.
Always of concern is the presence of ex-
otic mammals in the LTPF. Feral cats, the
two rat species and the small Indian mon-
goose are known predators of native fauna
(Snyder et al., 1987; Willig and Gannon,
1996; Joglar, 1998). Feral cats depredate Pu-
erto Rican Parrots (Rodrı´guez-Vidal, 1959
in Snyder et al., 1987) and rats are one of the
most important problems in the manage-
ment of the wild parrot population in the
Caribbean National Forest (Snyder et al.,
1987; Zwank and Layton, 1989). In the
LTPF, roof rats are more common in the
sierra palm forest. This also the case in the
Caribbean National Forest (Willig and Gan-
non, 1996). Snyder et al. (1987) state that
sierra palm fruit is an important food for
this rodent, explaining its higher abun-
dance in sierra palm forest. Other animals
affected by predation of exotic mammals
are the coquı´es (Eleutherodactylus spp.)
(Stewart and Woolbright, 1996; Joglar,
1998), lizards and snakes (Reagan and
Zucca, 1982). During the past 150 years at
least 7-12 extinctions and 12-13 extirpations
of amphibians and reptiles have occurred
in the West Indies (Henderson, 1992).
Rats also feed on many plant species,
probably destroying many seeds and seed-
lings. We observed roof rats feeding on ta-
bonuco (Dacryodes excelsa) seedlings. These
rats have been observed feeding on Magno-
lia portoricensis seeds, apparently reducing
their recruitment (N. Repollet, pers.
comm.).
The relatively high diversity of terrestrial
vertebrates at Los Tres Picachos Forest
could be due to a combination of historical
and current land-use patterns within and
around the forest. Most of the surrounding
land is used for agriculture, especially tra-
ditional shaded coffee plantations. These
plantations are a valuable habitat for many
vertebrate species (Beehler et al., 1987; Bor-
L. MIRANDA-CASTRO ET AL124
rero, 1986), and may have played an impor-
tant role in ameliorating extinction rates of
Puerto Rico’s avifauna (Brash, 1987). To
serve in this capacity, plantations must af-
ford suitable foraging areas and provide es-
sential breeding habitat, thus increasing
biodiversity. To maintain high diversity,
future management of the LTPF should in-
clude shaded coffee agro-ecosystems,
which are important assets for the conser-
vation and management of the vertebrate
fauna. Economical and technical incentives
should be given to private landowners to
maintain forest cover and shaded coffee
plantations in the areas surrounding this
new and valuable state forest.
Acknowlegments.—We would like to
thank R. A. Pe´rez-Rivera, W. Arendt, E.
Ford, and J. A. Collazo for their comments
on improving the manuscript. We also ac-
knowledge the help of J. Sustache, O. Dı´az-
Varona, L. O. Ortı´z, A. Jorda´n, J. Saracco, G.
Ruiz-Hue, P. G. Miranda-Ruiz, M. Juncos-
Gautier, J. Colo´ n, T. Carlo, A. Sastre, J.
Rivera, and the members of Guardianes de
la Montan˜a.
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