Maricao State Forest
| Maricao State Forest Spanish: Bosque Estatal de Maricao | |
|---|---|
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Water stream at El Monte del Estado | |
| Geography | |
  | |
| Location | Maricao, Puerto Rico |
| Coordinates | 18°07′22″N 66°58′29″W / 18.1227371°N 66.9746221°WCoordinates: 18°07′22″N 66°58′29″W / 18.1227371°N 66.9746221°W [1] |
| Elevation | 1,388 feet (423 m) |
| Area | 10,264 acres (41.54 km2) |
| Established | 1919 |
| Governing body | Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources |
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, which refers to the mountain of that name located in the forest.
The forest is located on the western region of the Cordillera Central of Puerto Rico, and encompasses 10,264 acres (41.54 km2) 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 proclaim on December 22, 1919.
Biology and ecology
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Flora
There are 1,141 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 60 species registered, 29 of which are endemic. Some examples are the Puerto Rican sharp-shinned hawk (Accipiter striatus venator), which is an endangered species, and the Puerto Rican emerald (Chlorostilbon maugaeus).
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.