Animals in Puerto Rico

Below you can find a complete list of Puerto Rican animals. We currently track 189 animals in Puerto Rico and are adding more every day!

Puerto Rico is a small Caribbean island and an unincorporated territory of the United States. It is in the southeast Caribbean Sea. Puerto Rico is part of the Greater Antilles chain of islands. It borders the Dominican Republic to the east, the Virgin Islands to the west, and the Atlantic Ocean to the north.

A popular tourist destination, Puerto Rico has mountain peaks, coastal areas, and acres of tropical rainforest. More than one-fourth of the island is covered in mountains and hills. Lush, humid rainforest areas cover the northern part of the island.

The southern side has dry, scrubby plains.

Puerto Rico is home to many exotic animal species. It has over 200 unique bird species. The island has no large native mammals, and its small mammals include bats and shrews. Although they are not native, mongooses also live in Puerto Rico.

The island has a high number of amphibians and reptiles, including nonpoisonous snakes, lizards, frogs, and iguanas.

The Official National Animal of Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico does not have an official national animal, but the common coqui frog (Eleutherodactylus coqui) is an important cultural symbol and an unofficial national animal. There are 17 species of coqui, and 14 are endemic to Puerto Rico.

A popular saying on the island is, “De aqui como el coqui,” which translates to, “From here, like the coqui.”

The common coqui frog, also known as Eleutherodactylus coqui, is a small tree frog that is native to Puerto Rico. Despite its small size, this frog is known for its loud and distinctive call, which has made it a beloved symbol of the island.

The common coqui frog is a small frog, typically measuring less than 2 inches in length. It has a plump, round body and large eyes that are used to locate prey. The skin of the coqui frog is typically brown or gray with a mottled pattern, and it has small, sticky pads on its toes that allow it to climb trees and other surfaces.

The call of the common coqui frog is one of its most distinctive features. Males of the species make a loud, high-pitched call that sounds like “co-kee, co-kee.” The call is repeated rapidly, creating a distinctive and often deafening chorus. In fact, the coqui frog is known for being one of the loudest frogs in the world, with a call that can be heard up to half a mile away.

The Official Bird of Puerto Rico

The official bird of Puerto Rico is the Puerto Rico Spindalis, also known as the striped-headed tanager. Easily recognized by its black and white stripes and bright yellow-orange chest, this songbird is a common sight throughout Puerto Rico.

The Puerto Rico Spindalis, also known as Spindalis portoricensis, is a colorful songbird that is endemic to Puerto Rico. It is a member of the tanager family and is one of the island’s most distinctive and recognizable bird species.

The Puerto Rico Spindalis is a small bird, typically measuring around 6 inches in length. It has a bright yellow breast and a black head, with a distinctive red band across the forehead. The wings are black and white, and the tail is black with white tips. The female is similar in appearance to the male but has a duller yellow breast.

The Puerto Rico Spindalis is primarily found in forested habitats, including both wet and dry forests. It is an omnivore, feeding on a variety of insects, fruits, and seeds. The bird is known for its distinctive song, which is a series of melodious, whistled notes that sound like “sweet-sweet-sweet, cher-cher-cher.” The song is often heard in the early morning and late afternoon, when the bird is most active.

The Largest Animals that Live in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is home to a number of large and impressive animals, both on land and in the water. Here are some of the largest animals that can be found in Puerto Rico:

• West Indian Manatee: The West Indian manatee is a large, herbivorous marine mammal that can grow up to 13 feet in length and weigh over 1,000 pounds. These gentle giants are found in the waters surrounding Puerto Rico and are listed as an endangered species.
• Humpback Whale: Humpback whales are a common sight in the waters off the coast of Puerto Rico, particularly during the winter months when they migrate to the area to breed and give birth. These massive creatures can grow up to 50 feet in length and weigh up to 40 tons.
• Leatherback Sea Turtle: The leatherback sea turtle is the largest of all sea turtles and can be found in the waters around Puerto Rico. These turtles can grow up to 7 feet in length and weigh up to 2,000 pounds.
• Puerto Rican Boa: The Puerto Rican boa is a large, non-venomous snake that can grow up to 6 feet in length. While not as big as some of the other animals on this list, the boa is still an impressive sight and an important part of Puerto Rico’s natural heritage.

These are just a few examples of the largest animals that can be found in Puerto Rico.

With its diverse array of habitats and ecosystems, the island is home to a wide variety of fascinating and impressive creatures that are well worth seeking out and observing in their natural habitats.

Rarest Animals in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is a tropical paradise with a rich variety of wildlife, from colorful birds to majestic sea turtles. Unfortunately, many of these species are threatened or endangered due to habitat loss, pollution, and other human activities.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the rarest animals in Puerto Rico:

• Puerto Rican Parrot: The Puerto Rican parrot, also known as the iguana, is the only native parrot species in Puerto Rico. It’s also one of the rarest parrot species in the world, with a population of fewer than 200 individuals. The main threats to the parrot’s survival are habitat loss and predation by non-native species, such as rats and mongooses.
• Leatherback Sea Turtle: The leatherback sea turtle is the largest of all sea turtle species and is found in oceans all around the world. In Puerto Rico, the leatherback sea turtle is one of the rarest sea turtle species, with a declining population due to habitat loss and hunting. Conservation efforts are being made to protect the turtles and their nesting sites on Puerto Rican beaches.
• Mona Island Iguana: The Mona Island iguana is a critically endangered species of iguana that’s found only on Mona Island, off the west coast of Puerto Rico. The iguanas are threatened by habitat loss and predation by non-native species, such as feral cats and goats. There are believed to be fewer than 500 individuals left in the wild.
• Puerto Rican Boa: The Puerto Rican boa, also known as the crested anole, is a species of boa constrictor that’s found only in Puerto Rico. It’s listed as a threatened species due to habitat loss and over-collection for the pet trade. The boa plays an important ecological role in controlling populations of rats and mice in its natural habitat.
• Giant Anole: The giant anole, also known as the Puerto Rican giant anole, is a large species of lizard that’s found only in Puerto Rico. It’s listed as a threatened species due to habitat loss and predation by non-native species, such as feral cats and mongooses. The giant anole is an important part of the ecosystem, feeding on insects and other small animals.

In conclusion, Puerto Rico is home to some of the rarest animals in the world, with many species facing significant threats to their survival.

Where To Find the Top Wild Animals in Puerto Rico

The waters surrounding Puerto Rico are important breeding areas for humpback whales. Whale watching is a popular activity in Puerto Rico.

• The Caribbean National Forest is a wonderful place to see many of the island’s exotic bat species, including the red fig-eating bat (Stenoderma rufum), sooty mustached bat (Pteronotus quadridens), big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus), and Mexican free-tailed bat (Tadarida brasiliensis). It is a protected area where you can see rare species of orchids and the small green Puerto Rican parrot.
• Bosque Cambalache National Park is a large forest reserve that’s popular among bird watchers. Birders can spot exotic native species like the Puerto Rican Woodpecker, Puerto Rican bullfinch, and Puerto Rican cuckoo.
• Cabo Rojo Wildlife Refuge is part of the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network. It is an excellent place to see gulls, herons, and other waterfowl.
• Scuba diving and snorkeling are popular activities on Vieques Island and Culebra Island. The clear waters are filled with exotic fish, manta rays, sea turtles, and humpback whales. These islands are protected areas with healthy coral reef formations.

The Most Dangerous Animals in Puerto Rico Today

While Puerto Rico is generally a safe place for tourists and locals alike, there are a few animals that can be dangerous if encountered. One of the most notable is the Puerto Rican boa, a non-venomous snake that can grow up to 6 feet in length.

While the snake is not aggressive and typically avoids contact with humans, it can deliver a painful bite if provoked. Another potentially dangerous animal is the tarantula, which is found in forests and other wooded areas. While tarantulas are not generally aggressive towards humans, their bite can cause pain and swelling.

Another animal that can be dangerous in Puerto Rico is the Caribbean reef shark, which is found in the waters surrounding the island. While the shark is not typically aggressive towards humans, it can be dangerous if provoked or cornered.

Here are a few honorable mentionable:

• Giant centipede: This brightly colored insect can reach 12 inches in length. Its bite is extremely painful. It’s rare to come across them unless you’re hiking in the rainforest. The giant centipede’s venom is not fatal, but it will make you very sick.
• Spiders and scorpions: Like most islands, Puerto Rico has a high number of spiders, including the brown recluse. It also has a healthy population of scorpions. Scorpions won’t kill you, but their bite is painful.

Extinct and Endangered Animals in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is home to a number of unique animal species, many of which are threatened by habitat loss, pollution, and other factors. Some species have already gone extinct, while others are considered endangered and are in danger of disappearing in the near future.

One of the most notable extinct animals from Puerto Rico is the Puerto Rican ground sloth, a large herbivore that lived on the island until around 4,000 years ago. The sloth was about the size of a black bear and weighed up to 300 pounds. Other extinct species include the Puerto Rican cave rat and the Puerto Rican ameiva, a type of lizard.

Today, many animals in Puerto Rico are considered endangered, including the Puerto Rican parrot, which is one of the most endangered birds in the world. The parrot is a bright green bird with a distinctive blue forehead and red feathers under its wings.

Habitat loss, hunting, and the introduction of non-native species have all contributed to its decline. Additionally, here are a few endangered animals:

• Puerto Rican parrot: This rare bird is one of the 10 most endangered birds in the world. It is a small parrot that almost became extinct in 1975. Since then, conservation efforts have helped preserve this unique bird.
• Sea turtles: The hawksbill turtle and leatherback sea turtle are native to Puerto Rico. Both species are in danger of becoming extinct.

Several native species have become extinct in Puerto Rico. Conservation groups and the Puerto Rican government have taken steps to reverse population declines among its most endangered animals.

Puerto Rico’s Unique Wildlife

Puerto Rico’s unique location and ecology have given rise to a diverse array of plant and animal life that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. The island’s wildlife includes a variety of endemic species, which are found only in Puerto Rico and a few nearby islands.

Other unique animals include the Puerto Rican parrot, the Puerto Rican boa, and the Puerto Rican broad-winged hawk, all of which are found only in Puerto Rico and a few nearby islands.

Puerto Rico is also home to a variety of marine life, including coral reefs, sea turtles, and dolphins. The island’s coastal areas and offshore waters provide important habitats for a variety of fish and other marine creatures, including the endangered hawksbill turtle and the Caribbean reef shark.

It is a small island with many exotic species. Its clear waters are home to sea turtles, manatees, and manta rays. Small mammals, snakes, and bats share the forests with iguanas and frogs. Wildlife and bird tours are popular activities for visitors to the island.

You can also read:

• the best dog parks in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Furthermore: native trees in Puerto Rico:

Puerto Rico has tons of beautiful native trees embellishing its land. From well-known palms to rare guavas, it’s a popular destination for tree lovers!

Puerto Rican Animals

Admiral Butterfly

Stunningly beautiful wings

Amazon Parrot

These parrots can be trained to be "talking birds" that mimic human speech

American Eel

Don't eat raw eel! Their blood is poisonous to humans when consumed raw.

Anole Lizard

There are just under 400 species, several of which change color.

Ant

First evolved 100 million years ago!

Armadillo

Can curl into a hard, protective ball!

Armyworm

They are so named because they "march" in armies of worms from one crop to another in search of food

Barn Owl

Found everywhere around the world!

Barn Swallow

Older offspring help care for new hatchlings.

Bat

Detects prey using echolocation!

Bear

There are 8 different species!

Bed Bugs

Bed bugs feed for 4-12 minutes.

Bee

Rock paintings of bees date back 15,000 years

Beetle

There are more than 350,000 different species

Bird

Not all birds are able to fly!

Biscuit Beetle

The biscuit beetle form a symbiotic relationship with yeast

Black Widow Spider

They typically prey on insects!

Blue Tang

One of the most colorful members of the genus Acanthurus

Booby

Seabirds found across the South Pacific!

Brazilian Treehopper

“Mild-Mannered Minimonsters”

Brown Dog Tick

Can live its entire life indoors

Burrowing Owl

The burrowing owl lives in underground burrows

Butterfly

There are thought to be up 17,500 species!

Caecilian

Some species' babies use their hooked or scraper-like teeth to peel off and eat their mother's skin

Camel Cricket

The camel crickets that are found in the USA are light brown in color. They also have dark streaks all over their body.

Carpenter Ant

Carpenter ants can lift up to seven times their own weight with their teeth!

Cat

First domesticated by the Ancient Egyptians!

Caterpillar

The larvae of a moth or butterfly!

Catfish

There are nearly 3,000 different species!

Centipede

There are about 3,000 documented species!

Chicken

First domesticated more than 10,000 years ago!

Cockroach

Dated to be around 300 million years old!

Codling Moth

Pupae are able to undergo diapause to survive poor fruit yield years and winter.

Collared Peccary

Form bands of up to 12 individuals!

Common Furniture Beetle

The common furniture beetle feeds exclusively on wood

Common House Spider

House spiders have the ability to eat most insects in a home.

Common Yellowthroat

The Common Yellowthroat stays close to the ground and uses stealth to survive!

Corella

Corella birds are noisy, especially during the early morning or late evening.

Cormorant

They can fly 35 mph and dive 150 feet below water.

Cow

There are nearly 1.5 billion worldwide!

Crab

There are 93 different crab groups

Crab Spider

Crab Spiders can mimic ants or bird droppings

Cricket

Male crickets can produce sounds by rubbing their wings together

Crocodile

Have changed little in 200 million years!

Crocodylomorph

Crocodylomorphs include extinct ancient species as well as 26 living species today.

Crow

A group of these birds is called a Murder.

Cuckoo

Dog

First domesticated in South-East Asia!

Dog Tick

Dog ticks feed on dogs and other mammals

Donkey

First domesticated 5,000 years ago!

Dragonfly

It's larvae are carnivorous!

Dubia Cockroach

The most popular species of feeder roach

Duck

Rows of tiny plates line their teeth!

Dung Beetle

The dung beetle can push objects many times its own weight

Earthworm

They are hermaphrodites, which means they have male and female organs

Earwig

There are nearly 2,000 different species!

Eel

Eels can be a mere few inches long to 13 feet!

False Widow Spider

False spiders actually prey on black widow spiders and other hazardous spiders

Firefly

The firefly produces some of the most efficient light in the world

Flamingo

Sleeps on just one leg!

Flea

Adult fleas can jump up to 7 inches in the air

Fly

There are more than 240,000 different species!

Flying Squirrel

Can glide up to 90 meters!

Frog

There are around 7,000 different species!

Fruit Fly

Fruit flies are among the most common research animals in the world

Gar

Can grow to more than 3m long!

Gecko

There are thought to be over 2,000 species!

German Cockroach

The most common type of urban roach

Glowworm

Found inhabiting dense woodland and caves!

Gnat

Males form large mating swarms at dusk

Grasshopper

There are 11,000 known species!

Gray Catbird

Their songs have cat-like qualities and can mimic other birds and animals, like tree frogs.

Great Blue Heron

Their wingspan is larger than an eagle’s; both males and females help hatch the eggs; rich in symbolism

Guppy

Also known as the Millionfish!

Hamster

Able to run as quickly backwards as forwards!

Harpy Eagle

Talon's the size of a grizzly bear's claws!

Harris Hawk

Their vision is eight times better than a human's

Hawk Moth Caterpillar

Many hawk moth caterpillars eat toxins from plants, but don’t sequester them the way milkweed butterflies do. Most toxins are excreted.

Hercules Beetle

This dynastine scarab beetle makes a weird huffing sound when it’s disturbed.

Herring Gull

They are loud, spirited birds with raucous cries that sound like bursts of laughter.

Honey Bee

There are only 8 recognized species!

Horse

Has evolved over 50 million years!

Horsefly

Horseflies have been seen performing Immelmann turns, much like fighter jets.

Housefly

The fly has no teeth

Human

Thought to have orignated 200,000 years ago!

Hummingbird

Beat their wings up to 80 times per second!

Huntsman Spider

Some huntsman spiders have an interesting way of moving around. Some cartwheel while others do handsprings or backflips.

Ibis

Found in swamps, marshes and wetlands!

Iguana

Uses visual signals to communicate!

Insects

There are an estimated 30 million species!

Jacana

The jacana has the ability to swim underwater

Jack Crevalle

One of the biggest species in the Caranx genus

Jumping Spider

Some can jump 50 times the length of their bodies

Kentucky Warbler

The Kentucky Warbler appears to wear bright yellow cat-eye glasses!

Kingfisher

Inhabits wetlands and woodlands worldwide!

Ladybug

There are more than 5,000 species worldwide!

Leatherback Sea Turtle

They are the largest living turtle and the only sea turtle without a hard shell!

Leech

Has 10 pairs of eyes!

Lizard

There are around 5,000 different species!

Lone Star Tick

Only females have the ‘lone star’ marking

Macaw

The largest species of parrot in the world!

Maggot

Will only live in wet areas

Marine Toad

Produces a toxin used in arrow darts!

Mayfly

There are 2,500 known species worldwide!

Mealybug

They have a symbiotic relationship with ants.

Millipede

Some species have a poisonous bite!

Mockingbird

Mockingbirds are incredible mimics that can learn hundreds of songs!

Mole Cricket

Adult Mole crickets may fly as far as 5 miles during mating season and are active most of the year.

Molly

Known for their calm and peaceful nature!

Monarch Butterfly

During migration, Monarch Butterflies may travel 250 or more miles each day.

Mongrel

Has characteristics of two or more breeds!

Monkey

There are around 260 known species!

Moorhen

Feeds on aquatic insects and water-spiders!

Mosquito

Only the female mosquito actually sucks blood

Moth

There are 250,000 different species!

Mountain Lion

Has no real natural predators!

Mourning Warbler

The Mourning Warbler was named for its gray head, which resembles a mourning veil!

Mouse

Found on every continent on Earth!

Mule

The offspring of a horse and donkey parents!

No See Ums

There are more than 5,000 species.

Ocelot

Also known as the Painted Leopard!

Orb Weaver

Females are about four times the size of males

Otter

There are 13 different species worldwide

Owl

The owl can rotate its head some 270 degrees

Ox

Panther

Prefers to hunt at night than during the day!

Parrot

Can live for up to 100 years!

Pheasant

Females lay between 8 and 12 eggs per clutch!

Pigeon

They can find their way back to their nests from up to 1300 miles away.

Poison Dart Frog

Inhabits the jungles of Central and South America!

Pompano Fish

They are bottom-feeders

Porcupine

There are 30 different species worldwide!

Praying Mantis

The mantis can turn its head 180 degrees.

Puma

Has longer back legs than front legs!

Quahog Clam

Their hinged shell protects their soft body

Quail

Inhabits woodland and forest areas worldwide!

Quetzal

The tail feathers of the male can be 1m long!

Rat

Omnivores that eat anything!

Rattlesnake

Rattlesnakes may have evolved their rattle to warn bison away from them.

Ring-billed Gull

The ring-billed gull feeds on vast quantities of human waste and garbage.

River Turtle

Inhabits freshwater habitats around the world!

Rodents

The capybara, the world’s largest rodent, likes to be in and around bodies of water. Because of this, the Catholic Church in South America decided that it was a fish, and people were allowed to eat it during Lent and First Fridays.

Rooster

Will mate with the entire flock!

Roseate Spoonbill

The only Spoonbill in the western hemisphere!

Ruby-Throated Hummingbird

Ruby-throated hummingbirds can beat their wings more than 50 times per second.

Saber-Toothed Tiger

Canines up to 7 inches long!

Sable Ferret

Ferrets were used during the Revolutionary War to keep down the rat population.

Salamander

There are more than 700 different species!

Sand Crab

The sand crab burrows beneath the sand with its tail

Scorpion

There are around 2,000 known species!

Sea Eagle

The sea eagle tends to mate for life with a single partner

Seahorse

Males give birth to up to 1,000 offspring!

Sharp-Shinned Hawk

In captivity, sharp-shinned hawks can live up to 13 years. However, in the wild, this number is significantly reduced to 3 years!

Shrimp

There are 2,000 different species worldwide!

Skink Lizard

Some skinks lay eggs in some habitats while giving birth to skinklets in other habitats.

Sloth

It's body temperature is between 30 - 34 degrees!

Slug

They glide around on one foot, which is aided by the slime they produce

Smokybrown Cockroach

Has up to 45 eggs per egg case

Snail

There are nearly 1,000 different species!

Snake

There are around 4,000 known species worldwide

Sparrow

There are 140 different species!

Spider Wasp

They prey on spiders to feed their larvae or they parasitize other spider wasps.

Squirrel

Small rodents found in woodlands worldwide!

Stick Insect

There are more than 3,000 different species!

Swallowtail Butterfly

N/A

Swan

Populations have been affected by pollution!

Tarantula Hawk

Tarantula hawks are excellent pollinators, especially for milkweed.

Termite

Their mounds can be up to 9 meters tall!

Thrush

The American robin is called the robin because its red breast reminded European settlers of the robin back in the old country.

Tick

They inject hosts with a chemical that stops them from feeling the pain of the bite

Tiger Beetle

The adult tiger beetle is one of the fastest land insects in the world

Tortoise

Can live until they are more than 150 years old!

Toucan

There are more than 40 different species!

Tree Frog

Found in warmer jungles and forests!

Turkey

Closely related to pheasants and chickens!

Turtles

Some species of aquatic turtles can get up to 70 percent of their oxygen through their butt.

Umbrellabird

Migrates up and down the mountains!

Upland Sandpiper

They make jerky movements as they walk through the grass, searching for food.

Vampire Bat

Have a heat sensor on the end of their nose!

Vinegaroon

Vinegaroons can spray 19 times before the glands are depleted

Vulture

There are 30 different species worldwide!

Wasp

There are around 75,000 recognised species!

Whiptail Lizard

Many whiptail species reproduce asexually.

White-Faced Capuchin

One of the world's most intelligent monkeys!

White Ferret / Albino Ferrets

There are two different types of white ferrets!

Wolf Spider

Carnivorous arachnid that hunts its prey.

Woodlouse

This animal can roll up into a ball

Woodpecker

There are 200 different species!

Worm

Doesn’t have eyes.

Puerto Rican Animals List