Reptiles are the first group of vertebrates to successfully colonize land. They are

characterized for having epidermic scales which prevent desiccation and provide

protection from physical injury. Also, they have internal fertilization, are ectothermic

and produce shelled, amniotic eggs.

Snakes: Are long, slender vertebrates without legs nor external ear opening nor movable

eyelids, nor urinary bladder. They have scales that are overlapping and tile-like. There are

three families of snakes that are represented in Puerto Rico: Typhlopidae (Typhlops); Boidae

(Chilabothrus); and Colubridae (Borikenophis and Magliophis).

Puerto Rican boa (Chilabothrus inornatus) Fig 8, 9 and 10: Endemic to Puerto Rico and it

is the largest native snake. In 1970, the species was listed by USFWS as endangered by the

Endangered Species Act of 1973. They occur in different habitat types (wet montane forest,

lowland wet forest, mangrove forest, limestone karst, offshore cays, suburban and urban

areas where boas occur in outbuildings and houses), and from sea level to 480 m. Their size

are ~2ft to ~7 ft SVL and they can prey on mice, rats, small to medium size birds, lizards and

coquies. The Puerto Rican boa has been sighted throughout the base by staff and residents

and since 2013 there is an ongoing Puerto Rican boa tagging project inside the installation.

Figure 9 is a one month old boa and Fig 11 is a rare reddish morph of an adult.

Puerto Rican Racer (Borikenophis portoricensis ) Fig 11 and 12: Second largest snake

endemic (up to 3 ft long) and widely distributed on the island. It has a brown color in the

dorsal region and pale white in the ventral region. Also, it can have a yellowish color in

snout region. It is a diurnal hunter. When cornered it can raise itself and expand the skin of

the neck. They can prey on anoles, coqui and its eggs, among others. Not listed as

endangered.

There are 4 species of Amphisbaenids found in Puerto Rico. Amphisbaenids are limbless,

worm –like lizards with elongated bodies and nearly uniform in diameter.

Two headed snake (Amphisbaena caeca) Fig 13: Although snake-like, Amphisbaenids are

limbless, worm-like lizards covered with rectangular scales arranged in rings. Their eyes are

degenerated and appear as spots under the scale. Their diet consist of beetle larvae, termites,

earthworms and other invertebrates. They can be found burrowing on the ground, under

rocks and logs, among others.

There are 11 anoles of the formerly known genus Anolis that are endemic to the island. They

are arboreal or grass lizards of median length. Males are bigger than females, have bigger

heads and more colored dewlaps.

Common anole [Ctenonotus (Anolis) cristatellus] Fig 14: It is widely distributed on the

island. Generally, it has a yellow-orange, cream or olive dewlap and variable body coloration

(usually brown). Male adults may have cresta in their tail. Not listed as endangered

Other anoles that can be found in the base: C. stratulus, C. pulchelus, among others.

Green Anole [Ctenonotus (Anolis) evermanni] Fig 15: One of two bright green anoles in PR.

The dewlap is yellow with brown scales and has blue colored eyes.

Common Coquí (Eleutherodactylus coquí) Fig 1: The most widely distributed species of coquí.

Their coloration is mainly brown, but they are morphologically diverse. They range in size from

50 to 63 millimeters, females are bigger that the male. Not listed as endangered.

Coquí Churí (Eleutherodactylus antillensis) Fig 2 and 3: Widely distributed on the island,

mainly of low elevations. They range in size from 20 to 29 millimeters. They sing “Churi”

instead of “Coquí”. Other than by their son, they can be distinguished by the red coloration in

their eyes. Not listed as endangered. Figures 2 and 3 are morphs of the same species.

White lip toad (Leptodactylus albilabris) Fig 4 and Fig 5: It is a native species that passes

through a tadpole stage. It is a terrestial toad whose sing sounds like water drops falling. They

are heard singing in the evening and night, and are especially louder if it has rained. They have

a beautiful black, white and brown morphologic pattern and a smooth skin. Their size is very

small (~13~mm). Not listed as endangered.

Other species of amphibians have been introduced on purpose or accidentally imported in

agricultural material. These species are exotic and may have a negative effect on the native

fauna.

Cane toad (Rihnella marina) Fig 6: This frog species is invasive; it was introduced to Puerto

Rico in 1920 in order to control the white grub of sugar cane. Due to the lack natural predators,

it reproduced quickly and spread through the island. They prey on insects, small mammals

(rats), and coquis. Their mating call sounds like an onboard motor. Not listed as endangered.

Cuban frog (Osteopilus septentrionalis) Fig 7: It is an introduced species from Cuba and Las

Bahamas. Probably imported in some agricultural material or as pets. It is brown, bronze or

green with no lateral stripes.

Figure 1

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 8 Figure 9

Amphibians:

Coquí Pitito (Eleutherodactylus cochranae)

Bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana).

Reptiles:

Turtles:

Jicotea (Trachemys s. stejnegeri)

Snakes:

Garden snake (Magliophis sp.)

Blind or worm snakes (Typhlops sp.)

Lizards:

House geckos (Hemidactylus sp.)

“Salamanquitas” (Sphaerodactylus sp.): Fig 16

“Siguanas” (Ameiva sp.)

“Lagartijo manchado” (Anolis stratulus)

Common anole (Anolis cristatellus)

Common grass anole (Anolis pulchellus)

Green iguana (Iguana iguana)

Figure 3

References

• Henderson, R and Powell, R. (2009). Natural History of West Indian Reptiles and Amphibians. Gainesville, FL: University Press of Florida

• Rivero, J. (1998). The Amphibians and Reptiles of Puerto Rico (2ed). San Juan, PR: Editorial Universidad de Puerto Rico

• Proyecto Coquí (2001). En http://proyectocoqui.org/home.html.

• Joglar, R. (2005). Biodiversidad de Puerto Rico: Vertebrados terrestres y ecosistemas. San Juan, PR: Editorial del Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña

Photographs provided by Eneilis S Mulero Oliveras, José R Almodóvar, Alberto Puente Rolón, Fernando Bird Picó and Brian Muñiz.

Figure 2

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Other amphibians and reptiles found inside US Army Fort Buchanan:

Herpetofauna is defined as the amphibians and reptiles of a particular region, habitat or geological period. The West Indies are considered a biodiversity hotspot and its islands harbor 3% of the world’s

amphibians and 6.3% of the world’s known reptiles, while constituting only 0.15% of Earth’s land area. However, herptile species extinctions have occurred at an unparalleled rate in islands and have

been mainly attributed to human activities. In addition, these species are more prone to extirpation because most are endemic to specific islands and have limited geographical range.

It is a matter of the utmost importance to learn about our species in order to conserve them for the future generations and help maintain a healthy balance on this great island where we all live, the Earth.

Amphibians are vertebrate animals that are characterized by a naked skin that serves

both as a respiratory organ and secretory apparatus. They have the capacity of exploiting

aquatic and terrestrial environments during different stages of their life cycle.

Coquí Frogs: Their genus, Eleutherodactylus, means free fingers, referring to the lack of

membrane between their fingers. They prey on small insects and live in hidden, humid habitats

from short plants leaves, trees, the ground and urban places. Coquis are animals of direct

development, meaning that they do not have a tadpole stage, their eggs hatch and as their

offspring are born they are miniature copies of the adults. The male usually takes care of the

eggs. All of the 17 species, except for two, sing differently than the usual “Coquí” song. They

are mainly nocturnal and it is the male the one that sings, in order to protect their territory from

other males and to call the female for reproduction.

Figure 16

If you have any questions regarding these program please contact Fort Buchanan

Directorate of Public Works Environmental Division at (787) 707-3508/3575 Fort Buchanan

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