El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System, is the headwaters for eight watersheds that provide an estimated 11.6 billion gallons per day of the precious liquid. The forest’s average annual rainfall of 120 inches yields enough water to meet the needs of all surrounding communities.
Among the most interesting users of this water in the forest are the seven unique species of fish and 10 species of shrimp and crabs that are endemic to the area—they are found nowhere else on Earth. They have evolved over millions of years in the rivers of the Luquillo Mountain Range and have adapted to their environment by assuming different protective shapes and sizes.
The indigenous Taíno people believed in the sacredness of the Luquillo Mountains and regarded the waterfalls as places of veneration. Because of the challenging terrain, no one knows exactly how many waterfalls there are in the forest but there are many! Probably the best known is La Coca, which visitors can experience right next to road PR191 in the forest, and the most popular is La Mina, where visitors often take a cool dip after hiking along the Big Tree Trail. One of the great delights of hiking the forest is encountering such treasures as the dramatic two-level Juan Diego Falls, which is a short walk from PR191 at km 9.8.
Water is necessary for life and was held in high regard in the ancient world. It wasn’t seen as something to be exploited but rather as an element to respect as a gift.
[Editor’s Note: Felipe Cano is a Wildlife Biologist at El Yunque National Forest. You can see pictures and learn fun facts about the wildlife that depends on the clean water of the forest by visiting www.fs.fed.us/r8/el_yunque and selecting Wildlife Facts. El Yunque is a finalist for the New Seven Wonders of Nature competition. Please vote before the Nov. 11, 2011 deadline by visiting www.new7wonders.com.]
No hay comentarios:
Publicar un comentario