Guide to the ecological systems of Puerto Rico

Miller, Gary L.; Lugo, Ariel E. 2009. Guide to the ecological systems of Puerto Rico. Gen. Tech. Rep. IITF-GTR-35. San Juan, PR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, International Institute of Tropical Forestry. 437 p. This guide is an introduction to the ecological systems of Puerto Rico. It covers the diversity of ecological systems in the island, their most common plant and animal species, and salient aspects of their structure and functioning. Terrestrial, wetland, coastal, and marine ecosystems are included, as well as agroforest and urban systems. The discussion of the ecological systems of Puerto Rico is presented in the historical, cultural, and natural disturbance regime of the Island. In addition, we discuss the environmental infrastructure and organizations responsible for the conservation of Puerto Rico’s natural resources, and provide useful information to facilitate field visits to representative examples of the Island’s ecological systems.