Maricao State Forest


Maricao State Forest is located on the island of Puerto Rico, spread through the towns of San Germán, Sabana Grande and Maricao. It is commonly known as only the Monte del Estado.
The forest is located on the western region of the Cordillera Central of Puerto Rico, and encompasses of land in a high rainfall area. Guanajibo River and the Río Grande de Añasco flow through the forest.

History

The Maricao State Forest was created after a proclamation on December 22, 1919. The forest has hiking trails and is featured in Caribbean guides as an important destination for bird-watching.

Biology and ecology

Flora

There are 1,164 species of plants in the forest. Of the 128 species of endemic plants of Puerto Rico, 23 are in the Maricao State Forest. There are plantations of mahogany, eucalyptus, Honduras pine, and others.

Fauna

There are 136 species of birds recorded in the park, 23 of which are endemic. Some examples are the Puerto Rican sharp-shinned hawk, which is an endangered species, and the Puerto Rican emerald.

Climate

In summer the climate is warm and humid. Thunderstorms are common, along with temperature around 85 °F with heat index in the upper 90s during the daytime. In summer, nighttime is usually cool with low temperature in the mid- to lower 60s. In winter, it is very dry, the forest with mild temperature in daytime and cold in nighttime. Occasional days drop to 40 °F with mid-30s wind chill.