DNER creates exotic animal capture unit

The Department of Natural and Environmental Resources’ new Exotic Animal Capture and Management Unit will be based at the Species Confinement Center in the Cambalache Forest in Arecibo.

By The Star Staff

Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER) Secretary Waldemar Quiles Pérez announced Thursday the creation of the Exotic Animal Capture and Management Unit in Puerto Rico to capture snakes and caimans proliferating across the island.

Quiles also introduced the first Native Species Rehabilitation Center, designed to rehabilitate indigenous animals on the island for their subsequent release into the wild.

“We are signing two administrative orders today to address pressing issues in our communities,” Quiles said in a written statement. “The first initiative is the creation of the Exotic Animal Capture and Management Unit, which will be part of the Ranger Corps. This unit will be equipped with all the necessary resources to handle reports concerning exotic animals like snakes … and caimans.”

The new unit will be based at the Species Confinement Center in the Cambalache Forest in Arecibo.

“The Species Confinement Center is nearing the completion of a comprehensive rehabilitation program and has the facilities needed to support the Unit’s efforts,” the DNER secretary said. “Currently, the Center is caring for approximately 276 snakes and 35 caimans. Each week, it receives around 20 new snakes and has the capacity to accommodate hundreds of these reptiles, along with other exotic species.”

The Exotic Animal Capture and Management Unit will be present in the seven regions overseen by the Ranger Corps, including San Juan, Arecibo, Aguadilla, Mayagüez, Ponce, Guayama and Humacao.

Quiles urged citizens to contact the Ranger Corps by phone at 787-999-200 or through the agency’s official social media platforms at www.facebook.com/drnapr if they encounter an exotic species.

He also announced the establishment of the Native Species Rehabilitation Center, which also will be located in the Cambalache Forest. The center will function as a veterinary care facility to rehabilitate sick native species or those suffering from various conditions, such as fractures.

“This center is the first of its kind in the entire Caribbean Sea basin, and its primary purpose is to provide veterinary care to native species for their healthy reintegration into the ecosystem,” Quiles said. “It will be situated next to the current detention center in Cambalache and will be staffed with professionals ready to handle any situation.”