Avian & Pollinator Ecology

Ecological baseline

A person in protective beekeeping clothing beside a hive — Apiary fieldwork at Copper Hill.

Study 08

Baseline summary and field observations

Study ID: CHRS 08

Research question

What habitat and pollinator observations can support later comparison?

Location and scope: Puerto Rico · Copper Hill.

Principal site: Copper Hill, Las Marías & Maricao, Puerto Rico · Independent consultants: fauna inventories; bird counts

Documented period Apiary in use by 2020.

Approach and context

The farm’s apiary, in use by 2020, provides a separate setting for observations of managed pollinators.

Classification: Ecological baseline
Research domain: Tropical Agroforestry
Research site: Copper Hill Farm, Las Marías & Maricao, Puerto Rico

Data and figures

Bar chart of potential and confirmed wildlife species by group — 83 potential species; 39 confirmed during field surveys. As reported in the NRCS conservation planning activity (CPA 106) plan, prepared by an independent consultant, June 2026, §4.5, pp. 14–17.

What the record supports

As reported in the June 2026 NRCS CPA 106 plan, its wildlife survey lists 83 potential species for its planning area, of which 39 were confirmed in field surveys, including 16 of 34 bird species. Twenty-six are endemic to Puerto Rico. Five federally listed species may occur on site; none were observed. The 2022 Forest Stewardship Plan records 26 bird species from its field visits. Baseline inventories support future comparisons. Potential regional species identified in a habitat review are distinct from documented sightings on site.

Counts as reported in the NRCS CPA 106 plan (June 2026), §4.5, and the Forest Stewardship Plan (2022), p. 23.

Sources and publications

All foundational studies Research inquiry