The landscape of subtropical forests that you’ll find in this natural area is dominated by guajonales, which are granite monoliths unique to this region of Puerto Rico. The crevices, cavities and caves formed between these giant rocks of volcanic origins provide the perfect habitat for the coquí guajón (Puerto Rican Rock Frog), a vulnerable endemic species that gets its name from these formations.

This natural protected area covers 173 acres of the mountain range it’s named after, which is also called Cuchilla de Pandura or La Pica, in the coastal municipalities of Maunabo and Yabucoa. This mountain range descends from the Sierra de Cayey and its volcanic origin dates back to 90 million-year-old magma injections.

The main habitat of the Puerto Rican Rock Frog (Eleutherodactylus cooki) is the result of erosion on these formations across the centuries and its mysterious vocalization—which once owe it the nickname “Demon of Puerto Rico”—is part of what makes this natural area unique. Protecting it is part of our job and securing habitat for the coquí guajón is essential to keep it from becoming extinct.