Virgin Islands National Park - Nature and Science

Virgin Islands National Park contains examples of most tropical Atlantic terrestrial, coastal and marine ecosystems. These include various types of subtropical dry to moist forest, salt ponds, beaches, mangroves, seagrass beds, coral reefs and algal plains. Terrestrial topography is quite dramatic with average slopes being 30 percent. The highest mountain peak plunges sharply to the sea over a distance of three quarters of a mile. Rock petroglyphs, middens and three settlements are several of the remains of prehistoric cultures found to date. European settlement patterns and plantation systems significantly altered St. John’s biology and ecology by removing native forests, building structures, terraces, rock walls and roads, and importing vegetation and mammals. The plantation settlements took advantage of the labor of African slaves. The last four decades have brought considerable change on St. John through the development of vehicular transportation and roads, resorts and other tourist facilities. Infrastructure and people to support the enormous influx of tourists and off-island residents, mostly from the U.S. mainland, are quickly altering both the natural features and the native St. Johnian"s characteristic livelihood and social structure.

The Virgin Islands National Park is rich in natural resources.140 birds, 302 fish, 7 amphibians, 22 mammals and 740 plants enhabit our island. In addition there are about 50 corals species and numerous gorgonians, and sponges providing St. Johnian"s and visitors with some of the best snorkeling and diving in the world.