Maricao State Forest
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (April 2009) |
| Maricao State Forest Spanish: Bosque Estatal de Maricao | |
|---|---|
 Water stream at El Monte del Estado | |
| Map | |
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| Geography | |
| Location | Maricao, Puerto Rico |
| Coordinates | 18°07′22″N 66°58′29″W / 18.1227371°N 66.9746221°W[1] |
| Elevation | 1,388 feet (423 m)[citation needed] |
| Area | 10,264 acres (41.54 km2)[citation needed] |
| Administration | |
| Established | 1919[citation needed] |
| 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)[citation needed] 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.[citation needed]
Biology and ecology
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Flora
There are 1,141 species of plants in the forest.[citation needed] Of the 128 species of endemic plants of Puerto Rico, 23 are in the Maricao State Forest.[citation needed] There are plantations of mahogany, eucalyptus, Honduras pine, and others.
Fauna
There are 60 species registered, 29 of which are endemic.[citation needed] 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.
