What Animals Live in Vieques (and Why Are There So Many Horses on the Island)?

Vieques Island is rich in mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and aquatic organisms. It has 190 bird species, and some of these are Waterfowl, Shorebirds, and Caribbean Coot. Antillean manatee, whales, and a few dolphin species are the marine mammals here. You can also see some rats and domestic animals on the island. It also contains 22 reptiles and amphibians, such as turtles, frogs, lizards, and snakes. Mollusks and different fishes, estuarine and marine animals live on this island.
What Animals Live in Vieques?
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Did you know that the abundance of horses was from hundreds of years ago? This was when Spaniards brought them to Vieques. Since then, the horses have multiplied, and that’s why there are a lot of horses on the island.

How Many Horses Are on Vieques Island?

The island has about 2,000 wild horses. Residents use such horses for transportation and informal races. Tourists like their existence on the island, so they always take pictures of the horses.

Despite the benefits, these horses have disadvantages to the community. They destroy things and create messes to please their thirst and hunger. Not all horses have owners that take care of them enough.

Where Are the Horses in Vieques?

With their’ “free-range rights,” owners allow horses to roam around wherever they want. The usual places they go to are on the beaches, streets, hills, and open fields.

What Breed Are the Horses on Vieques?

The horses’ breed on Vieques Island is Paso Fino, which means “fine step.” This breed is a blend of the Barb, Andalusian, and Spanish Jennet breeds. This mix has provided horses with better endurance and a more comfortable gait.

Does Vieques Have Wild Horses?

Some sound Vieques Island horses have no owners, and this fact counts them like wild horses. Despite the many horses you perceive here, most are domestic horses.

How Many Wild Horses Are in Vieques?

Vieques Island has at least a thousand wild horses. Their number increased because of unchecked equine reproduction.

Where Are the Wild Horses in Vieques?

Specific areas to see herds of wild horses are in Sun Bay Beach and the roads of Esperanza and Isabel Segunda.

Can You Ride Wild Horses in Vieques?

Locals do not restrict anyone from horseback riding with wild horses, and it is riding at your own risk. Sunset Beach Horse Ride is a suggested thing to experience as a tourist.

Are There Dolphins in Vieques?

Vieques has several dolphin species. Orcas are the common dolphin species you will see here. People also call them killer whales, the most prominent member of the dolphin family. They grow up to 32 feet long (~10m), and black and white are their colors.

Are There Turtles in Vieques?

Turtles are reptiles, and you can locate their four species in Vieques. Sea Turtles here are Hawksbill, Leatherback, Green, and Loggerhead. Swimming, scuba diving, and snorkeling are tourists’ ways to appreciate these sea turtles.

Where Are the Sea Turtles in Vieques?

The best place to glimpse sea turtles is in Mosquito Pier of Vieques Island. Even without any water activity, tourists are happy to spot sea turtles coming up for air. Esperanza Beach is also an accessible and popular place to sight these sea turtles. You must be willing to pay an estimate of $90 per person for one water activity, mainly snorkeling.

Are There Snakes in Vieques?

There are only worm snakes on Vieques Island. These snakes are brown and small, and they can only expand up to 3 inches (33.5 cm). No one must worry because they belong to a nonvenomous blind snake species. People occasionally report snake appearances, but they do not stay as a threat to the island.

Does Vieques Have the Largest Environmental Reserve in the Caribbean?

The National Wildlife Refuge here is the most significant environmental reserve in the Caribbean. It comprises 17,770 acres of land. It continues to protect and preserve its natural resources through plans and actions. It has many beaches and wildlife to appreciate.

Why Is It Important to Conserve an Island Like Vieques?

Vieques is a travel-worthy destination for their biodiversity, landforms, and waters. With the rising number of tourists, conservation is necessary. It will serve as a significant economic change because of the job openings. Also, people know that conserving nature is synonymous with preserving and protecting its people.

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