In this page you will find a series of question and answers.
1.How many rainforest zones (or forest types) are there in El Yunque?
There are 4 forest types in El Yunque and they are called Sierra Palm Forest, The Dwarf Forest, Palo Colorado Forest and the Tabunuco Forest.
Sierra Palm Forest: In this forest there aren't many floras. Sierra Palm succeed where other tree species can not because this forest is found in steep slopes and unstable soils. This forest covers about 5,000 acres.
Dwarf Forest: The Dwarf Forest is also known as elfin woodlands. They are found at the upper edges of the Palo Colorado and Sierra Palm Forest near the ridge tops. In this area trees are short and most minerals input for plants become dissolved in the rain and the fog. This forest covers 1,111 acres.
Palo Colorado Forest: The Palo Colorado Forest is a swamp with short statured trees with shallow root systems. This forest type has an elevation of above 2,000 feet and contains 50 tree species. A forest like this covers about 8,000 acres.
Tabunuco Forest: Tabunuco Forest is the lowest level. This forest is characterized by tall trees and low light intensities in the ground level. It contains the richest floras on the forest and has 175 tree species. This zone appears on the foothills and slopes below 2,000 feet in elevation, which covers some 13,417 acres.
2. How much rain falls at El Yunque?
In El Yunque it rains about 3,400 mm of rain that is about 240 inches per year.
3. How much water runs off the rainforest in a year?
Around 10 billion water runs off the rainforest per year.
4. Why are Puerto Rican Parrots endangered?
Puerto Rican Parrots are endangered because of their lack of nesting areas, the competition for available nests, mankind, hunting them and city growth.
5. Briefly describe the history of El Yunque.
When the Spanish Conquistadors arrived to Puerto Rico the island was populated by Taino Indians. Taino Indians created many rock carvings. They are found throughout the island and they are thought to be created from the pre-Taino Indians with very good chisel tools. In the early 1500's of Spanish invasion the mountain streams of El Yunque and other rivers on the island were filled with gold, with enslaved Taino Indians used for labor. After the gold supply ran out the King of Spain decreed the El Yunque rainforest a nature reserve. The U.S. invaded Puerto Rico in 1898, just as the Spanish American War was ending. Puerto Rico became US territory in the 'Treaty of Paris'.
6. What does El Yunque mean?
El Yunque is known as a Taino word called Yu-ke which is thought to be "White Lands".
