With an estimated population of 1,400–2,000 individuals, Puerto Rican Nightjar Caprimulgus noctitherus is only found on Puerto Rico. SOPI (BirdLife in Puerto Rico and Species Guardian for the nightjar) working with Mississippi State University have carried out a detailed study of the distribution of this species. They found that the species is more widely distributed than previously thought, which lead to BirdLife lowering the species’ IUCN Red List category to Endangered.

The species was recorded over a broad region of southern Puerto Rico, but several sites where it was detected have not been incorporated in any of the major conservation planning efforts on the island. Unprotected areas in Puerto Rico are experiencing increasing deforestation from residential, industrial and recreational development, causing fragmentation, loss and degradation of remaining habitat. SOPI are now supporting work with private landowners, government agencies and other NGOs to ensure the continuity and integrity of the nightjar’s habitat.