National Wildlife Refuge
|PO Box 510
Boquerón, PR 00622
Phone Number: 787-851-7258
|Visit the Refuge's Web Site:
|An important freshwater habitat for migrating waterfowl and aquatic birds in Puerto Rico.|
Laguna Cartagena National Wildlife Refuge
Laguna Cartagena National Wildlife Refuge The present lagoon is a remnant of what was once a large open expanse of water and one of the most important freshwater habitats for migratin waterfowl and aquatic birds in Puerto Rico. Due to agricultural practices, about 90 percent of the lagoon is covered with cattail. Intensive cattle grazing and sugar cane production have greatly altered the original landscape.
In addition to the lagoon, there are uplands that include pastureland, abandoned sugar cane fields, and 263 acres in the foothills of the Sierra Bermeja. These hills, geologically the oldest in the Caribbean, protect native forest with many endemic plant species. The area is a stopover for neotropical migrants and several species of waterbirds. The endangered yellow-shouldered blackbird and peregrine falcon have been reported on the refuge.
Getting There . . .
From Cabo Rojo drive on Route 100 until the end, then turn left onto Route 101. At kilometer 12.2 on Route 101 turn right onto Hacienda Desengaño. A pedestrian gate on the left side will provide the easiest entry.
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The lands surrounding the lagoon are being managed to convert agricultural and grazing lands to a forested area for native birds. Limited grazing is being used as an intermediate management tool to reduce buildup of grass fuel loads, and to open grass areas to facilitate woody vegetation regeneration. Through water management the lagoon will be opened for aquatic birds. Other management tools used are education/interpretation, forestry, law enforcement and plant control. These challenging management programs will take time to accomplish but its result will improve habitat for native widlife.