Jobos Bay Reserve, Puerto Rico

Jobos Bay Reserve, Puerto Rico

Flora (Plant Life)

Dominant ecosystems in Jobos Bay are the mangroves. All four Caribbean species of mangrove are found here. The red mangrove forms a fringe forest close to the water, the black and white mangroves grow behind the red mangrove zone, where the tide inundates the area. Further inland you find buttonwood mangrove, palms, swamp ferns, cattails and other freshwater vegetation.

Fauna (Animal Life)

The West Indian manatee is known to forage within the Jobos Bay and Mar Negro area. The Hawkbill sea turtle has been seen near the seagrass beds. Mar Negro serves as nesting grounds for native and migratory birds such as, the yellow-shouldered blackbird, the brown pelican and various wading birds.

Endangered Species

Threatened species found at the reserve include the West Indian manatee, the Hawksbill sea turtle and the Yellow-shouldered blackbird.