The Center for Applied Tropical Ecology and Conservation (CATEC) of the University of Puerto Rico is a catalyst in the development of education and research in ecology. Our mission is fourfold: 1) to provide training to students (at undergraduate and graduate level) and postdoctoral reseachers, 2) to conduct state-of-the-art research in conservation biology and environmental issues,  3) to improve the infrastructure of research facilities and 4) contribute relevant data to policy and conservation management of the island’s natural resources.