The Vieques National Wildlife Refuge consists of approximately 17,771 acres of land (3,100 acres on western Vieques and 14,671 acres on eastern Vieques) and it is considered one of the most ecologically diverse wildlife refuges in the Caribbean. It was created from former lands managed by the U.S. Navy. The Refuge contains habitats that include beaches, coastal lagoons, upland forested areas, and mangrove wetlands. It is also home to endangered plants and animals such as the Antillean manatee, the brown pelican, and four species of sea turtles.