Gov’t steps up fight against invasive species, rehabilitates rescue center in Arecibo

In June, the island government created the Exotic Animal Capture and Management Unit, which is attached to the now renovated Native Species Rehabilitation Center in Arecibo, in response to the increase in snake and caiman sightings in various parts of the island.

By The Star Staff

Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER) Secretary Waldemar Quiles Pérez announced on Tuesday that renovation work has been completed on the Native Species Rehabilitation Center, which is located in the Cambalache Forest in Arecibo, as part of a series of efforts to control and manage invasive species in Puerto Rico.

“The center has been optimized with a new generator, cistern, security cameras, and specialized storage areas,” Quiles Pérez said at a press conference. “This will allow us to expand the capacity to care for rescued species and strengthen management protocols.”

The facility will have 16 cages for large animals, six for snakes, a pond for caimans and turtles, 12 cages for birds, 20 fish tanks, three terrariums for reptiles, and four more for geckos. A veterinary clinic with medical equipment was also opened for wildlife care.

The center currently houses 37 boa constrictors, six reticulated pythons, 33 boa pythons, 32 caimans, 24 parakeets, one rhesus monkey, and five birds of prey undergoing rehabilitation, including four falcons and one red-tailed hawk. The work team includes seven rangers, a lieutenant, a biologist, and support staff, with continuous 24-hour operations.

In June, the DNER created the Exotic Animal Capture and Management Unit, attached to this same center, in response to the increase in snake and caiman sightings in various parts of the island. At the same time, the agency launched the “Report It and Say No More” educational campaign, which has led to the voluntary surrender of high-risk species such as a rhesus monkey and several piranhas.

Gov. Jenniffer González Colón also signed the new Law for the Management of Invasive Species (Law 93-2025), which grants the DNER the authority to classify, regulate and manage invasive species in Puerto Rico. The law, authored by Senate President Thomas Rivera Schatz and co-sponsored by several senators, establishes that violations could result in fines of up to $5,000 or imprisonment of up to six months.

“The DNER has seized multiple exotic species as part of operations to safeguard our ecosystems,” Quiles Pérez said. “This law and the resources allocated will allow for a more agile response to new ecological threats.”

The DNER is also considering creating a local caiman and snake skin and meat industry as an alternative to control the proliferation of those species. Quiles Pérez confirmed conversations with interested groups and noted that the initiative is still in the evaluation stage.

The secretary reiterated the call to the public to report any sightings of exotic species by calling (787) 999-2200, extensions 3330 or 2911, or through the DNER’s official social media channels.