Vieques National Wildlife Refuge Explained

Vieques National Wildlife Refuge
Iucn Category:IV
Map:Puerto Rico
Relief:1
Map Width:283
Mark:DeepPink pog.svg
Location:Vieques, Puerto Rico, Caribbean
Coordinates:18.1167°N -65.4167°W
Area:17771acres
Established:2001
Governing Body:U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Website: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.

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.

External links