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For the coastal and marine portions of this atlas, mapping of sea turtle nesting beaches was emphasized. A few known sea turtle in-water concentrations were also mapped. Using information provided by the USFWS (US Fish and Wildlife Service), it was determined that nearly every coastal USGS (US Geological Survey) topographic map with sand beach habitats (or mixed sand and gravel beach) had records for sea turtle nesting on at least one beach. It is likely that all such beaches have the potential for sea turtle nesting in Puerto Rico. Accordingly, nesting sea turtles have been indicated on nearly every sand beach (ESI = 3A or 4) and mixed sand and gravel beach (ESI = 5) in this atlas. Known sea turtle in-water areas were mapped mainly using expert knowledge, although DRNA (Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales) DPN (Division de Patrimonio Natural) and NMFS (National Marine Fishery Service) records were consulted as well. Note that designated critical habitats for nesting and in-water sea turtles are also mapped as special natural resource management areas. Locations for rare and protected amphibians and reptiles in coastal and inland areas (coqu\xEDes, toads, lizards, snakes, and freshwater turtles) were based mainly on information provided by the DRNA DPN, augmented with information from DRNA wildlife biologists and resource managers, USFS (U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service) biologists [coqu\xEDes in CNF (Caribbean National Forest)], USFWS, and the DRNA reports on Critical Wildlife Areas. Seasonality and life-history information for rare and protected amphibians and reptiles was mainly derived from Rivero (1998), supplemented by expert information. | Description Source: Research Planning, Inc.

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