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Rapid
Biological
Inventories:0
7C
uba:Penínsulade
Zapata
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IEL
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EU
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Rapid Biological Inventories
Instituciones Participantes / Participating Institutions
The Field Museum
Museo Nacional de Historia Natural de Cuba
Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnología y Medio Ambiente,
Ciénaga de Zapata (CITMA)
Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Financiado por / Partial funding by
The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation
The Field MuseumEnvironmental & Conservation Programs
1400 South Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60605-2496, USA
T 312.665.7430 F 312.665.7433
www.fieldmuseum.org /rbi
Cuba: Península de Zapata
00:1007
00:10
Cuba: Península de ZapataArturo Kirkconnell Páez, Douglas F. Stotz, y /and
Jennifer M. Shopland, editores /editors
NOVIEMBRE/NOVEMBER 2005
rapid 07biological inventories
Instituciones Participantes /Participating Institutions
The Field Museum
Museo Nacional de Historia Natural de Cuba
Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnología y MedioAmbiente, Ciénaga de Zapata (CITMA)
Cornell Lab of Ornithology
2 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME / REPORT NO. 7
LOS INFORMES DE LOS INVENTARIOS BIOLÓGICOS RÁPIDOS SON
PUBLICADOS POR/RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES REPORTS ARE
PUBLISHED BY:
THE FIELD MUSEUMEnvironmental and Conservation Programs
1400 South Lake Shore Drive
Chicago Illinois 60605-2496, USA
T 312.665.7430, F 312.665.7433
www.fieldmuseum.org
Editores /Editors
Arturo Kirkconnell Páez, Douglas F. Stotz,
y /and Jennifer M. Shopland
Diseño /Design
Costello Communications, Chicago
Traducciones /Translations
Patricia Álvarez, Roberto Soto, Jennifer M. Shopland y /and
Amanda Zidek-Vanega
The Field Museum es una institución sin fines de lucro exenta de
impuestos federales bajo la sección 501 (c) (3) del Código Fiscal Interno. /
The Field Museum is a non-profit organization exempt from federal income
tax under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
ISBN 0-914868-61-6
©2005 por el Field Museum. Todos los derechos reservados. /
©2005 by the Field Museum. All rights reserved.
Cualquiera de las opiniones expresadas en los Informes de los Inventarios
Biológicos Rápidos son expresamente las de los autores y no reflejan
necesariamente las del Field Museum. /Any opinions expressed in the
Rapid Biological Inventories Reports are those of the authors and do not
necessarily reflect those of The Field Museum.
Esta publicación ha sido financiada en parte por la John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. /This publication has been funded in part by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.
Cita sugerida /Suggested citation
Kirkconnell P., A., D. F. Stotz, y /and J. M. Shopland, eds. 2005.
Cuba: Península de Zapata. Rapid Biological Inventories Report 07.
The Field Museum, Chicago.
Créditos fotográficos /Photography credits
Carátula /Cover: La Ferminia (Ferminia cerverai ) está restringida
a las ciénagas de la península de Zapata. A diferencia de la casi
extinta Gallinuela de Santo Tomás (Cyanolimnas cerverai ),
la Ferminia aún tiene una población significante. Aunque se
encuentra en estado vulnerable por su rango tan pequeño, hay
optimismo para la supervivencia de la Ferminia con la continua
protección de la peninsula. Foto de J.W. Fitzpatrick. / Zapata Wren
(Ferminia cerverai ) is restricted to the marshlands of the Zapata
Peninsula. Unlike the nearly extinct Zapata Rail (Cyanolimnas
cerverai ), the wren still has a significant population. Although
vulnerable because of its tiny range, there is optimism for the
Zapata Wren’s future survival with the continued protection of the
peninsula. Photo by J.W. Fitzpatrick.
Carátula interior / Inner cover: Herbazales abiertos dominados
por Cladium jamaicense ocupan gran parte de la región occidental
y norte de la península de Zapata. Esta vegetación abierta es
mantenida por incendios periódicos. Este tipo de vegetación alberga
varias especies de aves endémicas a Cuba, incluyendo las dos
especies restringidas a la península de Zapata. Foto de R. Foster. /
Open marshlands dominated by Cladium jamaicense occupy much
of the western and northern portions of the Zapata Peninsula. This
open vegetation is maintained by periodic fire. This vegetation type
is home to several species of birds endemic to Cuba, including the
two species restricted to the Zapata Peninsula. Photo by R. Foster.
Láminas a color /Color plates: Figs. 5B–G, T. Barksdale;
Figs. 4A–L, L. Diaz; Figs. 5A, 6C–D, J.W. Fitzpatrick;
Figs. 2B–H, 3A–F, 6A–B, R. Foster
Impreso sobre papel reciclado /Printed on recycled paper
1
2
3
4
5 6
[10 20 30
Kilómetros / Kilometers
CUBA: Zapata
FIG.1 Península de Zapata desde una imagen de Satélite.Los sitios muestreados durantenuestro inventario estánindicados con números en estaimagen de la siguiente manera:1) Río Hatiguanico, 2) Peralta, 3) Pálpite, 4) Caleta Sábalo, 5) Punta Perdiz, y 6) Bermeja. La Reserva de la Biosfera Zapata(blanco) abarca la penínsulacompleta y las aguas cerca a la
costa. El Parque Nacional deZapata (verde) cubre 4 320 kmcuadrados de principalmenteciénagas y de mangles. Cuatroáreas protegidas más pequeñasconsisten de tres refugios defauna silvestre (amarillo)—Arroyones, Los Sabalos y Bermejadel oeste al este—y un reservaflorística (azul). El área grandede color naranja sin brillo entrelas dos secciones del parque, ycontinuando al este a lo largo delborde de la Bahía de Cochinos yla costa sur, representa losbosques importantes y con pocaprotección de la península deZapata. El patrón geométrico alnorte de la Reserva de la Biosferademuestra que, mientras que lapenínsula está bastante intacta,casi todo el paisaje fuera de lapenínsula ahora se encuentrabajo agricultura intensiva. /Zapata Peninsula by Satellite. The sites surveyed during ourinventory are indicated bynumbers on this image as follows:
1) Río Hatiguanico, 2) Peralta, 3) Pálpite, 4) Caleta Sábalo, 5) Punta Perdiz, and 6) Bermeja.The Zapata Biosphere Reserve(white) encompasses the entirepeninsula and the near-shorewaters. Zapata National Park(green) covers 4,320 sq. km ofmostly marshland and mangroves.Four smaller protected areasconsist of three wildlife refuges(yellow) Arroyones, Los Sabalos,and Bermeja, from west to east,and a floristic refuge (blue). The broad swath of dull orangebetween the two sections of thepark, and continuing east alongthe edge of the Bay of Pigs andthe southern coast, representsthe important and underprotectedforests of the Zapata peninsula.The geometric pattern north ofthe Biosphere Reserve shows that,while the peninsula is largelyintact, nearly all the landscapeoutside the peninsula is nowunder intensive agriculture.
••• Reserva de la Biosfera de Zapata /Zapata Biosphere Reserve
••• Parque Nacional de Zapata /Zapata National Park
••• Refugios de Fauna /Wildlife Refuges
ArroyonesLos SabalosBermeja
••• Reserva Floristica /Floristic Refuge
La Habana
CUBA
Santiago
[10 20 30
Kilómetros / Kilometers
FIG.2A Vegetación terrestre de la península de Zapata. /Terrestrial vegetation of theZapata peninsula.
VEGETACIÓN NATURAL/NATURAL VEGETATION
Bosques Tropicales Latifolios /Broadleaf Tropical Forests
Siempreverde /Evergreen:
Mesófilo de baja altitud(menor de 400 m) /Lowaltitude mesophyll (below400 m)
Micrófilo costero ysubcostero (monte seco) /Coastal and sub-coastalmicrophyll (dry scrub)
De ciénaga /swamp forest
De mangles /mangroves
Semideciduo /Semideciduous:
Mesófilo típico /Typical mesophyll
Comunidades herbáceas /Herbaceous communities:
Herbazal de ciénaga /Marsh grassland
Vegetación acuática /Aquatic vegetation
Complejos de Vegetación /Vegetation complexes:
De mogotes /Of mogotes
De costa rocosa (costa alta) /Of rocky coast (high coast)
De costa arenosa (Playa) /Of sandy coast (beach)
VEGETACIÓN SEMINATURAL/SEMI-NATURAL VEGETATION
Vegetación secundaria(bosques, matorrales ycomunidades herbáceassecundarias) /Secondaryvegetation (forests,scrubland and secondaryherbaceous communities)
VEGETACIÓN CULTURAL/HUMAN-DOMINATEDVEGETATION
Cultivos agrícolas con focos de pastos yvegetación secundaria /Agricultural crops withpatches of pasture andsecondary vegetation
Pastos con focos decultivos, sabanas naturalesy vegetación secundaria/Pastures with patches ofcrops, natural savannas and secondary vegetation
Plantaciones forestales /Forestry plantations
FIG.2B Matorral de baja diversidad, como este en el lado oriental de la Bahía deCochinos, cubre la plataforma de piedra caliza a lo largo de la costa arriba de línea de marea.No muestreamos muy a fondoeste hábitat. /A low-diversityscrub, such as this one on theeast side of the Bay of Pigs,covers the limestone shelf along the coast above tideline.We did not thoroughly survey this habitat.
FIG.2C Bosques de ciénagacubren las partes altas del río Hatiguanico. /Swamp forestscover the upper reaches of the Río Hatiguanico.
2B
2C
2G 2H
2F2E2D
FIG.2D Los herbazales de ciénaga en Peralta albergangrandes poblaciones de Mayitosde Ciénaga (Agelaius assimilis)y varias especies de Gallinuelas. /The marsh grasslands at Peralta harbor large populationsof Red-shouldered Blackbirds(Agelaius assimilis) and severalspecies of rails.
FIG.2E Bosques semideciduosricos cubren las secciones mássecas de la península. /Rich semi-deciduous forests cover thedrier sections of the peninsula.
FIG.2F Bosques de ciénaga,mangles y ciénagas abiertas se entretejen a lo largo del río Hatiguanico, una cuencaprincipal de la península de Zapata. /Swamp forests,mangroves and open marshlandinterweave along the RíoHatiguanico, a main drainage in the Zapata peninsula.
FIG.2G Palmares como estosde Sabal maritima ofrecenrefugio para aves amenazadasincluyendo a la Cotorra (Amazonaleucocephala) y al CarpinteroChurroso (Colaptes fernandinae). /Palm stands, like these Sabalmaritima, are havens forthreatened birds including the Cuban Parrot (Amazonaleucocephala) and Fernandina’sFlicker (Colaptes fernandinae).
FIG.2H Herbazales de ciénagas abiertos, cubiertos por Cladium jamaicense,son albergue para dos avesespecialistas de Zapata: la Gallinuela de Santo Tomás(Cyanolimnas cerverai) y laFerminia (Ferminia cerverai ). /Open marsh grasslands, covered by Cladium jamaicense,are home to the two Zapata bird specialties: Zapata Rail(Cyanolimnas cerverai ) and Zapata Wren (Ferminia cerverai).
FIG.3A Nymphaea amplaocurre comúnmente en las partesmás abiertas de las ciénagas deZapata. /Nymphaea ampla occurscommonly in the more open partsof Zapata’s marshlands.
FIG.3B Bosques dominados por mangle rojo, Rhizophoramangle, bordean los estuarios y mucha de la costa de lapenínsula de Zapata. /Forestsdominated by red mangrove,Rhizophora mangle, line theestuaries and much of the coastof the Zapata peninsula.
FIG.3C Los bosques semideciduos son ricos enespecies de árboles, pero domina Lysiloma latisiliquum. /Zapata’s semi-deciduous forestsare rich in tree species, butLysiloma latisiliquum dominates.
FIG.3D Calophyllum antillarumes uno de los árboles dominantesen los bosques de ciénaga deZapata. /Calophyllum antillarumis one of the dominant trees inZapata’s swamp forests.
FIG.3E El almácigo, Burserasimaruba es común en Zapata y en una gran parte de los bosque semideciduos del Caribe. /The gumbo limbo, Burserasimaruba, is common in Zapata’s,and much of the Caribbean’s,semi-deciduous forests.
FIG.3F La caoba, Swieteniamahogani, ha sido abundante en los bosques semideciduo de Cuba y Zapata, pero has sidoreducido a causa de la talaexcesiva. / The mahogany,Swietenia mahogani, has had its abundance in the semi-deciduous forests of Cuba and Zapata severely reducedthrough overharvesting.
3C
3E
3A
3D
3F
3B
4D4A 4B 4C
4H4E 4F 4G
4L4I 4J 4K
FIG.4A Anolis porcatus, unaespecie pequeña y en gran partearbórea, es endémica a Cuba,pero se encuentra a través de la isla. /Anolis porcatus, a small and largely arboreal species, is endemic to Cuba but foundthroughout the island.
FIG.4B Chamaeleolischamaeleonides, una lagartijaarbórea común en Zapata esparecida pero no tiene parentescocon los camaleones verdaderos y no cambia de colores. /Chamaeleolis chamaeleonides,a common arboreal lizard inZapata, resembles but is notrelated to true Chamaeleons and does not change colors.
FIG.4C Nuestros registros de Bufo empusus son losprimeros para la península deZapata desde los principios del Siglo XIX. /Our records of Bufo empusus are the first for the Zapata peninsula since the 19th century.
FIGS.4D, E, G Eleutherodactylusauriculatus, (4D), E. varleyi (4E) y E. atkinsi (4G) son 3 de las 8 epecies que registramos deeste género en Zapata. Nuestroregistros de E. atkinsi fueron los primeros para la península.Eleutherodactylus compone el57% de las especies de ranasque encontramos en Zapata (una dominancia típica para elCaribe). /Eleutherodactylusauriculatus (4D), E. varleyi (4E)and E. atkinsi (4G) are 3 of the 8 species of this genus weregistered in Zapata. Our recordsof E. atkinsi were the first for thepeninsula. Eleutherodactylusmade up 57% of the frog specieswe found at Zapata (a typicaldominance for the Caribbean).
FIG.4F Los estudios en Zapatasugieren que esta rana, Bufofustiger, es mejor tratarla comoun morfo de color en Bufopeltacephalus. /Studies at Zapatasuggest this frog, Bufo fustiger,is best treated as a color morphin Bufo peltacephalus.
FIG.4H La tortuga cubanaendémica Trachemys decussata,todavía es abundante en Zapata,pero su cosecha excesiva es unaamenaza a esta especie. /Theendemic Cuban turtle, Trachemysdecussata, is still abundant inZapata but its overharvesting is a threat to the species.
FIG.4I Antillophis andreai es una de las doce especies deserpientes que se encuentran en la península de Zapata. /Antillophis andreai is one oftwelve species of snakes found in the Zapata peninsula.
FIG.4J Epicrates angulifer es la serpiente más grande en Cuba.Esta endémica cubana esperseguida extensamente debidoa su reputación por matar avesde corral. /Epicrates anguliferis the largest snake in Cuba. This Cuban endemic is widelypersecuted because of itsreputation for killing poultry.
FIG.4K Tropidophis melanurus,una serpiente común en Zapataes activa mayormente de noche./Tropidophis melanurus, a commonsnake in Zapata, is mostly activeat night.
FIG.4L Una de las dos especies de amphisbaenidosconocidos de Zapata, Cadeablanoides es raramente vistodebido a sus hábitos de hacermadrigueras. /One of two species of amphisbaenids knownfrom Zapata, Cadea blanoidesis seldom seen because of itsburrowing habits.
5A
5D
5E 5F 5G
5C
5B
FIG.5A La Ferminia, Ferminiacerverai, es una de las dosespecies de aves cuyo rango totales la península de Zapata. /ZapataWren, Ferminia cerverai, is one oftwo species of birds whose entirerange is the Zapata peninsula.
FIG.5B El Zunzuncito, Mellisugahelenae, una endémica cubanaamenazada, es el ave máspequeña del mundo. Zapata tienela población más grande de estaespecie, pero los daños causadospor huracanes a sitios críticos ha reducido sus números. /BeeHummingbird, Mellisuga helenae,a threatened Cuban endemic, is the smallest bird in the world.Zapata contains the largestpopulation of this species, buthurricane damage to crucial siteshas reduced its numbers.
FIG.5C La Cotorra, Amazonaleucocephala, que tienepoblaciones reproductivassignificantes en las sabanas depalmas en Zapata, se encuentraamenazada por la pérdida dehábitat y por la captura de lospolluelos para el comercio demascotas. /Cuban Parrot,Amazona leucocephala, which has significant breedingpopulations in Zapata’s palmsavannas, is threatened by habitat loss and by capture ofnestlings for the pet trade.
FIG.5D El Bobito Chico, Contopuscaribaeus, es una de las epeciesnumerosas de aves residentes que depende de los bosques de la península de Zapata. /CubanPewee, Contopus caribaeus, isone of the numerous resident bird species that rely on theforests of the Zapata peninsula.
FIGS.5E–F Zapata tiene laspoblaciones más grandes y más diversos de aves terrestresque migran de Norteamérica enCuba, y probablemente delCaribe. La Bijirita Chica, Parulaamericana (5E), y la BijiritaTrepadora, Mniotilta varia (5F),son especies comunes que pasanel invierno en los bosques deZapata./Zapata has the largest populations and diversity ofmigrant landbirds from NorthAmerica in Cuba, and probably the Caribbean. Northern Parula,Parula americana (5E), and Black-and-white Warbler, Mniotiltavaria (5F), are common winteringspecies in Zapata’s forests.
FIG.5G El Zunzún, Chlorostilbonricordii, abundante en un ampliorango de hábitats en la penínsulade Zapata, ocurre a través deCuba y en las Bahamas. /CubanEmerald, Chlorostilbon ricordii,abundant in a wide range ofhabitats in the Zapata peninsula,occurs throughout Cuba and inthe Bahamas.
6C
6D
6A 6B
FIG.6A Dichrostachys cinerea(marabú), introducido de África,ha invadido el sotobosque de losbosques en toda la península deZapata. Esta es solamente una devarias especies de plantas exóticasalterando el medio ambiente deZapata. /Dichrostachys cinerea(marabu), introduced from Africa,has invaded the understory offorests throughout the Zapatapeninsula. This is just one ofseveral species of exotic plantaltering Zapata’s environments.
FIG.6B El impacto de huracanes es agravado más por la fragmentación de losbosques. / The impact of hurricanes is greatly exacerbated by forest fragmentation.
FIGS.6C–D La extracción de madera, principalmente para leña para combustible, ha idodisminuyendo los bosque deZapata. /Logging, mainly for fuel, has eaten away at theforests of Zapata.
CUBA : ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE / NOVEMBER 2005 65
(for Color Plates, see pages 15–22)
66 Participants
67 Institutional Profiles
69 Acknowledgments
70 Mission and Approach
71 Report at a Glance
76 Why the Zapata Peninsula?
77 Overview of Results77 Landscape and Sites Visited
78 Flora and Vegetation
79 Insects
79 Mollusks
79 Amphibians and Reptiles
80 Birds
80 Mammals
81 Human Communities
81 Threats
83 Conservation Targets
85 Benefits for Conservation and for the Region
87 Recommendations
91 Technical Report91 Overview of Inventory Sites
94 Flora and Vegetation
98 Insects
100 Mollusks
101 Amphibians and Reptiles
104 Birds
110 Mammals
111 Human Communities
115 Appendices116 (1) Vascular Plants
121 (2) Ground Beetles
123 (3) Ants
124 (4) Dragonflies
125 (5) Mollusks
126 (6) Amphibians and Reptiles
128 (7) Birds
148 (8) Laws
149 Literature Cited
150 Previous Reports
ENGLISH CONTENTS
66 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME / REPORT NO. 7
Eduardo Abreu Guerra(amphibians and reptiles, human communities)
Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnología y
Medio Ambiente de Ciénaga de Zapata
Ciénaga de Zapata, Matanzas, Cuba
Tania Chateloín (plants)
Parque Nacional Ciénaga de Zapata
Matanzas, Cuba
Luis M. Díaz (amphibians and reptiles)
Museo Nacional de Historia Natural de Cuba
La Habana, Cuba
Stephen Díaz (mammals)
Museo Nacional de Historia Natural de Cuba
La Habana, Cuba
Jorge Luis Fontenla Rizo (ants and dragonflies)
Museo Nacional de Historia Natural de Cuba
La Habana, Cuba
John W. Fitzpatrick (birds)
Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology
Ithaca, NY, USA
Robin Foster (plants)
Environmental and Conservation Programs
The Field Museum, Chicago, IL, U.S.A.
Osmany González (birds)
Parque Nacional Ciénaga de Zapata
Ciénaga de Zapata, Matanzas, Cuba
Arturo Kirkconnell (birds)
Museo Nacional de Historia Natural de Cuba
La Habana, Cuba
Alina Lomba (mollusks)
Museo Nacional de Historia Natural de Cuba
La Habana, Cuba
Debra K. Moskovits (coordination, birds)
Environmental and Conservation Programs
The Field Museum, Chicago, IL, U.S.A.
Douglas F. Stotz (birds)
Environmental and Conservation Programs
The Field Museum, Chicago, IL, U.S.A.
[email protected] Twichell (coordination)
Environmental and Conservation Programs
The Field Museum, Chicago, IL, USA
COLLABORATORS
Ramona Oviedo Prieto (plants)
Instituto de Ecologia y Sistematica,
Ministerio de Ciencia Tecnologia y Medio Ambiente
La Habana, Cuba
Tania Piñeiro Cordero (human communities)
Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnología y
Medio Ambiente de Ciénaga de Zapata
Ciénaga de Zapata, Matanzas, Cuba
Pavel Valdés (ground beetles)
FIELD TEAM
PARTICIPANTS
CUBA : ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE / NOVEMBER 2005 67
The Field Museum
The Field Museum is a collections-based research and
educational institution devoted to natural and cultural diversity.
Combining the fields of Anthropology, Botany, Geology, Zoology,
and Conservation Biology, Museum scientists research issues in
evolution, environmental biology, and cultural anthropology.
Environmental and Conservation Programs (ECP) is the branch
of the Museum dedicated to translating science into action that
creates and supports lasting conservation. ECP collaborates
with another branch, the Center for Cultural Understanding and
Change, to ensure that local communities are involved in efforts
for long-term protection of the lands on which they depend. With
losses of natural diversity accelerating worldwide, ECP’s mission is
to direct the Museum’s resources—scientific expertise, worldwide
collections, innovative education programs—to the immediate
needs of conservation at local, national, and international levels.
The Field Museum
1400 South Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60605-2496 U.S.A.
312.922.9410 tel
www.fieldmuseum.org
Museo Nacional de Historia Natural de Cuba
The Museum’s core mission is to collect, research, conserve,
and exhibit natural objects to promote scientific and cultural
knowledge of nature. It is an institution comparable, in structure
and function, with the international model for this kind of
museum; for that reason it includes the following among its
fundamental objectives:
n Research on biogeography, paleogeography, and the biodiversity
of Cuba and the Caribbean;
n Conservation of the collections of Cuban minerals, rocks,
fossils, plants, and animals residing in the Museum, which are
part of the National Heritage;
n Broadening of these collections so that they will be
representative of Cuban nature, and systematic study of the
collections and of the environment from which specimens
were collected; and
n Creation of exhibits about nature, with emphasis on Cuban
natural history, and the education of visitors and the general
public in a culture of nature.
Museo Nacional de Historia Natural
Obispo 61, esq. Oficios y Baratillo
Plaza de Armas, La Habana Vieja
La Habana, 10100, Cuba
537.8639361 tel
537.8620353 fax
www.cuba.cu/ciencia /citma/ama/museo/general.htm
INSTITUTIONAL PROFILES
Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnología y Medio Ambiente de Ciénaga de Zapata (CITMA)
CITMA de Ciénaga de Zapata has the following responsibilities:
n Enforcing the regulations established with respect to
the environment and the wise use of natural resources
in Zapata Swamp;
n Developing and setting objectives for conservation and
sustainable development in the region;
n Evaluating all proposals for the introduction or modification of
techniques or technologies to be used in the area, and proposing
appropriate technological solutions;
n Participating in, evaluating, and regulating, within the guidelines
of its jurisdiction, the design and implementation of
development projects in the region; and
n Conducting systematic evaluations of the environmental
conditions of the area and the status of its natural resources,
as well as determining the requirements of highest priority for
achieving conservation objectives set for the region, through
adopting measures within its purview and proposing those that
require approval at higher levels of organization.
Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnología y Medio Ambiente de
Ciénaga de Zapata (CITMA)
Carretera a Playa Larga, Km 26
Ciénaga de Zapata, Matanzas, Cuba
53.01.459.5539 tel
www.cubagov.cu/des_soc/sitio-citma/ciencia-index.htm
Cornell Lab of Ornithology
The “Lab” is a nonprofit membership institution whose
mission is to interpret and conserve the earth’s biological
diversity through research, education, and citizen science focused
on birds. Our programs work with citizen scientists, government
and nongovernment agencies across North America and beyond.
We believe that bird enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels
can and do make a difference. From backyards and city streets
to remote forests, anyone who counts birds can contribute to
the Lab’s research. Data from the projects are used to monitor
bird populations and outline conservation efforts.
The Lab’s conservation work is based on sound science
and draws extensively from the efforts of other Lab programs.
Our conservation staff produces guidelines and manuals to help
professional land managers and private landowners make informed,
conservation-minded management decisions. Lab staff belong to
a number of conservation alliances including Partners in Flight
and the International Whaling Commission, which work hard to
affect broad-scale conservation policy.
Education is a vital component of the Lab’s mission. We
provide to the public a growing number of education projects and
courses, and are committed to empowering educators with the tools
they need to provide science-based programs to their students.
Cornell Lab of Ornithology
159 Sapsucker Woods Road
Ithaca, NY 14850 U.S.A.
800.843.2473, 607.254.2473 tel
www.birds.cornell.edu
68 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME / REPORT NO. 7
CUBA : ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE / NOVEMBER 2005 69
We would like to thank all those who helped with this inventory
of the Zapata Peninsula. Although in the following we name some
people individually, all receive our warmest thanks. First, we are
grateful to the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Environment
(CITMA) authorities at the national level for facilitating the rapid
inventory and its results. Special recognition is due to CITMA in
Matanzas Province for all the logistical support they provided and
for ensuring the success of the inventory. Likewise, we thank the
local CITMA authorities for all the interest and effort that they
showed, as well as for their active participation in the preparation
of the report. We especially would like to thank Marisol Gil, la
Delegada del CITMA en Matanzas, and the managers and support
staff at CITMA Station in Palpite for helping to make us
comfortable during our inventory.
In Havana, we would like to especially thank Yazmín Peraza
of the Nacional Museum of Natural History of Cuba (Museo
Nacional de Historia Natural de Cuba) for exceptional help and
support in all phases of the inventory from getting permits, through
fieldwork, to the writing of the report. Nadia Pérez and Regla
Balmori of the National Museum of Natural History of Cuba
shared their friendship and organizational skills. Reinaldo Estrada,
of the Nacional System of Protected Areas (Sistéma Nacional de
Áreas Protegidas [SNAP]), provided us with very helpful comments
on the results and especially the recommendations arising from our
fieldwork. Other organizacional units of CITMA coordinated the
permits for access to the study areas and for the collection of
specimens. The Cuban Interests Section in Washington, D.C.,
kindly granted visas for the U. S. participants.
Thanks are also due the helpful people at HAVANATUR for
their work on logistics during our stay in Cuba, and transport to and
from our study sites. Dan Brinkmeier, Isa Halm, and Julie Smentek
provided logistic support in the days before the presentation of our
results in Havana. Robin Foster is indebted to Ramona Oviedo Prieto
for her generous aid in identifying plants photographed in the field.
Bil Alverson, Sergio Rabiela, and Sarah Kaplan assisted with the
production of the images used in the report.
Tyana Wachter and Sophie Twichell provided tremendous
support in coordinating the work done for this rapid inventory,
both in Cuba and in Chicago. We also thank Patricia Álvarez,
Amanda Zidek-Vanega, and Tyana Wachter for translations and
Roberto Soto for the translation and explanation of soil types.
Laurie Hunter edited the appendices. Yazmín Peraza, Tyana Wachter,
Corine Vriesendorp, Debby Moskovits, and Brandy Pawlak
provided careful reviews of this report.
We thank John W. McCarter for his constant support of
our program. Funds for this rapid inventory were provided by
the John D. And Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and
The Field Museum.
Editors’ Note: Jennifer Shopland revised, edited, or wrote all
text and appendices except the plate captions. Because she had
to leave the project before its conclusion, however, she contributed
to the final editing of the English text only, and to none of the
proofreading. The remaining errors in form and content are the
sole responsibility of the other editors.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
70 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME / REPORT NO. 7
MISSION
During rapid biological inventories, scientific teams focus
primarily on groups of organisms that indicate habitat type and
condition and that can be surveyed quickly and accurately. These
inventories do not attempt to produce an exhaustive list of species
or higher taxa. Rather, the rapid surveys (1) identify the important
biological communities in the site or region of interest and
(2) determine whether these communities are of outstanding
quality and significance in a regional or global context.
During social asset inventories, scientists and local
communities collaborate to identify patterns of social organization
and opportunities for capacity building. The teams use participant
observation and semistructured interviews to evaluate quickly
the assets of these communities that can serve as points of
engagement for long-term participation in conservation.
In-country scientists are central to the field teams. The
experience of local experts is crucial for understanding areas with
little or no history of scientific exploration. After the inventories,
protection of wild communities and engagement of social networks
rely on initiatives from host-country scientists and conservationists.
Once these rapid inventories have been completed (typically
within a month), the teams relay the survey information to local
and international decision makers who set priorities and guide
conservation action in the host country.
The goal of rapid biological and social inventories is tocatalyze effective action for conservation in threatenedregions of high biological diversity and uniqueness.
Approach
CUBA : ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE / NOVEMBER 2005 71
Dates of fieldwork 8–15 September 2002
Region Republic of Cuba, Matanzas Province, municipios (comparable to counties)
of Ciénaga de Zapata, Jagüey Grande, Unión de Reyes, and Pedro Betancourt.
The Zapata wetland-and-forest complex occupies the entire southern end of the
province, measuring 175 km in length from west to east, between Punta Gorda
and Jagua. Its maximal width is 58 km, north to south, from the town of
Torriente to Cayo Miguel, with an average width of 14-16 km.
Sites surveyed The rapid biological inventory team surveyed six sites within the Zapata Peninsula:
Bermeja (swamp forests), Peralta (swamp forests and marsh grasslands), Pálpite
(tidal-swamp forests), the Hatiguanico River (marsh grasslands and mangrove
swamps), Punta Perdíz (semideciduous forests), and Caleta Sábalo (swamp forests
and semideciduous forests).
Organisms surveyed Vascular plants, insects (ground beetles [family Carabidae], ants, dragonflies),
mollusks, amphibians and reptiles, birds, and mammals
Highlights of results The rapid inventory team identified important opportunities for conservation
in the Zapata Peninsula, where two vegetation types stand out at the highest
priority: (1) lowland forests (the most extensive in the West Indies) and (2) grass-
dominated wetlands (both western and eastern sectors). The latter are among the
largest and most nearly intact of such habitats in the world. These ecosystems
are a refuge for a rich and diverse biota, with high levels of endemism, primarily
in the vertebrates. During eight days in the field, our team found geographically
restricted species and new records for the locality. Below is a brief summary of
the results for the areas and organisms studied.
Plants: Although we focused on the most widespread vegetation types (see Sites
Surveyed, above), the Zapata region harbors 17 recognized formations, including the
unique Marsh Spring Vegetation Complex (Complejo de Vegetación de Manantial de
Ciénaga) among the forest islands called petenes. Marsh grasslands (Fig. 2H),
reminiscent of the sawgrass fields of the Florida Everglades (USA), are maintained
by fire and are the sole habitat for some endemic birds and fishes, the endangered
Cuban crocodile, and a notable population of the declining West Indian manatee.
Mangrove swamps along rivers and the coast are crucial nurseries for much of the
region’s marine life. Upland forests are home to most of the region’s endemic bird
species, as well as most of its reptiles. Both swamp forest (Fig. 2C), seasonally or
permanently flooded, and semideciduous forest (Fig. 2E) have been heavily
disturbed in some areas, both by human activity and by hurricanes and wildfires.
R E P O R T AT A G L A N C E
72 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME / REPORT NO. 7
R E P O R T AT A G L A N C E
We recorded 305 species of vascular plants, from an estimated 1,000 in the
Zapata region. Among them were several tree species of ecological or economic
significance, including mahogany and sabal palm. Previous studies have estimated
that 13% of Zapata’s plant species are found only in Cuba.
Insects: Our insect surveys covered only ground beetles (Carabidae), ants,
and dragonflies, and all must be considered preliminary. The present inventory
of carabids is the first of its type published for Zapata Swamp. We recorded
54 species of these beetles, of which 4 are endemic to Cuba and 1 is a new species
of Ardistomis. We suspect that many more species will be found at Zapata when
more habitats and sites (especially in the western part of the peninsula) have
been inventoried. Zapata’s ant fauna is dominated by widespread and introduced
species. We recorded 17 of the 30 species expected to occur in the region,
including 1 species endemic to Cuba and a native leafcutting ant new for Zapata.
As Cuba’s most extensive wetland, Zapata Swamp is a site of great importance for
dragonfly conservation. We recorded 18 of the 50 species predicted for the region.
Mollusks: Land snails dominate the mollusk fauna of Cuba. Most of the country’s
1,300 species are endemic. Zapata has few species for an area of its size. We
recorded 5 land snails, including a new Zapata record. We also noted 7 species
of freshwater mollusks, including 2 new Zapata records. The most abundant of
the freshwater species was Pomacea palludosa.
Amphibians and reptiles: We registered 14 of the 16 amphibian species
predicted to occur in the Zapata Peninsula, exceeding the previous species
list by 4. One-quarter of Cuba’s 58 species of amphibians live in Zapata Swamp,
representing all the families found in the country. Zapata’s amphibians show
the typically high degree of endemism found in Cuba (13 of the 14 species
we recorded are restricted to Cuba). Of the 43 reptile species estimated for
the region, we registered 41—an increase of 5 over the previous species count.
Endemism is only moderate among Zapata’s reptiles. We recorded the lizard
Sphaerodactylus richardi (1 of the 2 reptile species restricted to the peninsula)
as well as 4 reptile species and 1 subspecies never before observed in Zapata.
Birds: The Zapata Peninsula is the richest region in the country for birds endemic
to Cuba, waterbirds, and migrant landbirds. We recorded 117 species of the 258
previously observed in the peninsula. We observed 2 of the 3 birds found only in
Zapata (Zapata Wren [Fig. 5A] and the endemic subspecies of Zapata Sparrow,
but not the nearly extinct Zapata Rail). In addition to these birds, the marshes are
home to the Cuban endemic Red-shouldered Blackbird, as well as the threatened
Sandhill Crane and West Indian Whistling-Duck. Zapata’s forests are equally
Highlights of results
(continued)
CUBA : ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE / NOVEMBER 2005 73
significant for birds. Bermeja is considered the most important nesting area for
endemic birds in Cuba—14 species breed in its forests. Of the 30 threatened
species in Cuba, 16 nest in Zapata. During the inventory we observed 6 species
of threatened Cuban endemics, as well as sole or extremely rare records for
3 migrant landbirds.
Mammals: Mammalian diversity in the Zapata region, as in Cuba, is low.
Bats are richer in species than other groups. The peninsula’s 3 species of hutias
are representatives of a group of large-bodied rodents restricted to the Greater
Antilles. One of these hutias, Mesocapromys enanus, is known in modern
times only from Zapata. Of the region’s 15 mammal species (both native and
introduced), we recorded the relatively common native hutia Capromys pilorides
and the introduced black rat, house mouse, and small Indian mongoose.
Human communities In part because of our short time in the field, our work did not include a
rapid social inventory. Human population density in Zapata Swamp is low—the
extensive marshes limit access over a wide area. Nevertheless, the human
communities of the peninsula depend on the natural resources provided by the
swamp and surrounding forests. Inhabitants of the buffer zone subsist mainly
through small-scale agriculture, exploitation of forests (lumber and charcoal), and
fishing. On a much smaller scale they use the land and waters for silviculture,
livestock production, sport hunting, apiculture, and tourism, the last of which is
not yet producing economic incentives for conservation by local residents.
Main threats The primary threats to the biological diversity and natural resources of
the Zapata Peninsula are (1) damage to the water table, marshes, and swamps;
(2) destruction or degradation of upland forests; and (3) invasive species.
Excessive nutrient runoff, chemical contamination by agriculture upstream, and
the drainage and diversion of waterways are concerns to be monitored. Any new
construction of roads and canals must be planned carefully to minimize
fragmentation of plant and wildlife habitat. Both selective logging of large timber
species and clearcutting for firewood and charcoal exacerbate hurricane damage
and leave forests vulnerable to devastation by fire. Melaleuca, an Australian tree
that has penetrated the marshes, seems the most dangerous of the invasive
species now present in Zapata. Introduced species of mammals (including the
small Indian mongoose) and nonnative fish species also may pose problems if
their populations increase.
Other threats to the conservation of Zapata’s wild species and communities
include (1) fires at unnatural frequencies that may lead to changes in vegetation,
(2) desiccation and salinization of soils, (3) free-ranging livestock and
74 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME / REPORT NO. 7
R E P O R T AT A G L A N C E
feral mammals, (4) damage to sabal and royal palms, (5) hunting of threatened
species, (6) uncontrolled tourism, and (7) limitations on human resources for
conservation (for example, public education, staff training, and funds).
Current status Four core areas—Zapata Swamp National Park, the Zapata Cave-Lake System
(Sistema Espeleolacustre de Zapata), and Bermeja and Los Sábalos Wildlife
Refuges—protect 434,546 hectares. These protected areas are entrusted to
four agencies: the National Center for Protected Areas (Centro Nacional de
Áreas Protegidas) through the Estación de la Ciénaga de Zapata; the Ministry of
Science, Technology, and the Environment of Zapata Swamp (Ministerio de Ciencia,
Tecnología, y Medio Ambiente de Ciénaga de Zapata); and the Protected Areas Unit
of Matanzas Province’s Municipal Agricultural Agency (Unidad de Áreas Protegidas
de la Empresa Municipal Agropecuaria). Zapata Swamp also is a UNESCO Man
and the Biosphere Reserve and a Ramsar site (an internationally important
wetland). Most of the protected land, however, lies in the swamp itself; forests
remain vulnerable to unmanaged human use.
Discussions with staff from the above agencies have led to the following
principal recommendations:
01 Increase the effectiveness of the Biosphere Reserve as a management
unit by expanding the intensity and extent of conservation action to the entire
Zapata Peninsula. Focus initial efforts on strengthening protection and
management outside the national park.
02 Zone the entire peninsula for appropriate land uses. Zoning will decrease
pressures on ecosystems throughout the peninsula and will facilitate
management, even outside formally protected areas.
03 Manage the local extraction of wood, especially in the forests at Bermeja,
so that the ecosystem can tolerate subsistence use. Develop alternative fuel
sources. Intensify efforts to restore degraded forests.
04 Control invasive species, focusing on species that cause significant
ecosystem damage.
05 Reduce or eliminate hunting of species overharvested for commercial trade.
Introduce management of species harvested for subsistence.
06 Experiment with the management of fire frequency in marshes, swamps,
and forests.
Main Threats
(continued)
Principalrecommendationsfor protectionand management
CUBA : ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE / NOVEMBER 2005 75
07 Evaluate the threats from pollution, channelization, and drainage to Zapata’s
wetlands. Develop protocols to monitor and manage these potential threats.
08 Strengthen local capacity for conservation through public education, local
and regional management plans, regulation of tourism, agency collaboration,
and an infusion of resources for conservation staff.
09 Develop long-term financial resources to support the protection and
management of the entire peninsula.
01 A globally outstanding conservation area that includes (1) one of the world’s
largest and most nearly intact marsh ecosystems; (2) the largest remaining
expanse of lowland forest in Cuba, if not in the Caribbean; and (3) the largest
cave-lake system in Cuba.
02 Protection for significant populations of more than 80% of Cuba’s
endemic birds, as well as habitat for endemic amphibians, reptiles, mammals,
and insects.
03 Natural resources —wood, food (including marine nurseries), and water —
on which local human communities depend.
Principalrecommendations for protection and management
(continued)
Long-termconservationbenefits
76 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME / REPORT NO. 7
Why The Zapata Peninsula?
Three centuries ago, the vast marshes and mangroves of Cuba’s Zapata Swamp were the hideout of Caribbean pirates. Today, this wet wilderness—just 160 km south of Havana on the island’ssouth-central coast—is another kind of refuge. The same hidden waterways, tangled vegetation, andsoggy ground that shielded the high-seas marauders have protected Zapata’s wild inhabitants. Here,human population density is among the lowest in the country. Plants and animals found nowhereelse, or vanishing from other parts of Cuba or the West Indies, maintain a stronghold. Where theswamp meets the sea, the young of economically valuable marine animals find shelter. In addition to an outstanding flora and fauna, sheer size contributes to Zapata’s significance among the world’swetlands. At more than 4,500 km2, it is in a class with the Florida Everglades (USA) and thePantanal of southern South America.
Less celebrated than Zapata Swamp proper, but equally rich in life and more vulnerable, are the forests that cover portions of the Zapata Peninsula. Nowhere else in Cuba—perhaps in theCaribbean—have such large tracts of lowland forest escaped destruction. Substantial populations ofmore than 80% of Cuba’s endemic birds depend on these swamp forests and drier semideciduousforests. In fact, the Zapata Peninsula as a whole is unquestionably the island’s greatest haven for birds.
Zapata’s geology and hydrology are as complex as its web of living creatures. Sinkholes,flooded caverns, and dissected surface rivers punctuate the limestone bedrock where most of thepeninsula’s vegetation grows on peaty soils. This mosaic of water and land deserves its internationalrecognition and national protection. Zapata Swamp is a UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Reserveand a Ramsar site, as well as a Cuban national park (Fig. 1). Four other core conservation areas areprotected by Cuban law—but much of the peninsula, especially the forests, remains outside formalprotection. Logging of large timber trees and harvesting of fuelwood go unchecked throughout muchof the region. Even the marshes and swamps are not immune to peril. Invasive species, especiallyexotic trees and shrubs, have begun their march into Zapata’s inner reaches, and agricultural landssurrounding Zapata are potential sources of pollutants.
Our aim in conducting a rapid biological inventory was twofold: to document the presence of animal and plant groups, especially those less well known than birds, and to link the status of theseorganisms to threats that continue to grow in the Zapata Peninsula. Conservation coverage in theregion is admirable, but more intensive management is needed, especially outside the formally protectedparts of the peninsula. Information on diversity and danger will support the preservation of this giantgem of the Caribbean, not only by Cuban conservationists, but also by Zapata’s human communities.
Overview of ResultsOverview of Results
LANDSCAPE AND SITES VISITED
We surveyed the biological riches of the Zapata Peninsula from 8 to 15 September
2002. This rapid inventory took place north and east of the Bay of Pigs, in the
polygon circumscribed by Bermeja, Playa Girón, the Hatiguanico River, and
Peralta (Fig. 1). We made observations, and in some cases collected voucher
specimens, at six sites that gave us access to Zapata’s four major wild vegetation
types: mangrove forest, marsh grassland, swamp forest, and semideciduous forest.
At 4,520 km2, Zapata Swamp (Ciénaga de Zapata) is one of the largest
marsh systems in the world, rivaled only by the Florida Everglades (USA) and by
the Pantanal of Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay. Combined with associated upland
habitats, it stands out in terms of landscape complexity and biological endemism
in Cuba and the Caribbean. In fact, with its 37 landscape types and distinctive
plants and animals, Zapata Swamp is a unique faunistic, floristic, and
physiographic region in Cuba.
Like the Everglades, the Zapata region is a mosaic of vegetation
formations on limestone bedrock. Both freshwater and salt marshes, islands of
tall vegetation (petenes), underground pools (cenotes), and dissected surface rivers
are characteristic. Although hydrology and plant cover have been altered in
areas accessible to humans, much of the Zapata Peninsula is intact.
In diversity and ecological services, Zapata’s richness is not limited to its
terrestrial and freshwater habitats. Its coastal zone and marine shelf give refuge to
juvenile and larval stages, as well as breeding adults, of species of great ecological
and economic importance. Among these species are the land crab Cardisoma
guanhumi, crabs of the genus Callinectes, the queen conch Strombus gigas, the
West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus), marine turtles (Caretta caretta,
Eretmochelys imbricata, and Chelonia mydas), crocodiles (Crocodylus rhombifer
and C. acutus), and fishes (Calamus, Lutjanus, and Haemulon) (ICGC 1993).
For taxonomic diversity of animals found only in Cuba, this wetland-
and-forest complex is outstanding. Most of Cuba’s endemic birds live in the region,
and Zapata is the only place in the country where all eight endemic genera coincide.
It is also home to the largest population of the endemic Cuban gar, or manjuarí
(Atractosteus tristoechus, Lepidosteidae), a very primitive freshwater fish
CUBA : ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE / NOVEMBER 2005 77
78 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME / REPORT NO. 7
threatened with extinction, as well as several
other fishes restricted to Cuba (Gambusia punctata,
G. punticulata, Cichlasoma tetracantha, and Cubanichthys
cubensis). Species or subspecies found only on the
peninsula itself include Zapata Wren (Ferminia cerverai,
Fig. 5A), Zapata Rail (Cyanolimnas cerverai), Zapata
Sparrow (Torreornis inexpectata), the dwarf hutia
(a rodent, Mesocapromys nanus), the Cuban crocodile
(Crocodylus rhombifer), and a new species of blind fish
(Lucifuga) recently discovered in the eastern cenotes.
Archaeological sites contribute to the Zapata
Peninsula’s cultural significance in the region. Of the
33 sites present on the peninsula, some include remains
of the three main aboriginal cultures of Cuba.
At present, the biodiversity of the peninsula is
protected formally through four core conservation areas.
Two are of national importance: Zapata Swamp National
Park (Parque Nacional Ciénaga de Zapata) and the
Zapata Cave-Lake System (Sistema Espeleolacustre de
Zapata), a Distinguished Natural Element in Cuba’s
protected-area network. Their combined area is
432,100 ha. The other two—Bermeja and Los Sábalos
Wildlife Refuges—protect areas of great local value
(combined area 2,446 ha). Zapata Swamp also has been
designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (657,100 ha),
as well as a Ramsar site (an internationally important
wetland) by the International Wetlands Convention (Fig.
1). Most of the land protected by Cuban law or
international agreement lies in the swamp itself (for the
applicable laws, please see Appendix 8). Upland forests,
which harbor many endemic species that do not occur in
the wetlands, have received very little protection and are
hardest hit by overexploitation of natural resources.
Even for the wetlands, long-term health of the ecosystem
is at risk because the headwaters are outside the national
park and may be threatened by diversion, channelization,
and pollution.
Zapata’s importance as a center of avian
diversity and endemism has been known for many
years. Other taxonomic groups have not received as
much scientific attention. For example, during the rapid
inventory we found fewer than half of the bird species
known from the peninsula and no new records for the
region. In contrast, the field team recorded more species
of amphibians and reptiles during the week-long
inventory than had been registered previously for the
peninsula. Nevertheless, for most of the organism groups
surveyed, members of the field team had collected
information during earlier studies. We present highlights
of this ecological context in the Technical Report.
FLORA AND VEGETATION
The broad extent and relatively good condition of
Zapata Swamp’s vegetation underscore its significance
for conservation. The region is probably best known
for its marsh grasslands. Although these marshes are low
in species richness and endemism, they are crucial habitat
for endemic birds, the largest remaining population of
Cuban crocodiles, some endemic fishes, and a notable
population of West Indian manatees, as well as a host of
other species. Vegetation within the marshes ranges from
plants floating on open water to dense fields of sawgrass
(Fig. 2H), actually a sedge, with tall grasses and scattered
palms. Like the sawgrass areas of the Florida Everglades,
Zapata’s marshes are kept open by fire. Without it,
woody vegetation would encroach and the marshes
would become shrubland. But much of the marsh may
burn too often to maintain dense sawgrass and other
characteristic vegetation. Little is yet known about the
effects of too-frequent fire on the vegetation and fauna of
Zapata Swamp, but we suspect that the ideal burn cycle
is intermediate, maintaining structural diversity without
allowing significant invasion of woody vegetation. Such a
regime probably would be favorable for species, like the
endemic Zapata Rail and Zapata Wren, that depend on
open marsh grassland.
Mangrove forests hug the coastline and
penetrate up Zapata’s rivers. Though depauperate in
both plant and vertebrate diversity when compared with
other forest types, mangrove areas are crucial nurseries
for much of the region’s marine life. We surveyed these
CUBA : ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE / NOVEMBER 2005 79
forests mainly along the Hatiguanico River, where three
species of mangroves occur.
Most of Zapata’s upland forests occupy a wide
swath mainly south and east of the marsh (Figs. 1, 2A).
These stands are the most extensive remnant of low-
elevation forest in Cuba and harbor most of the region’s
endemic bird species, as well as most of its reptiles.
Here, both species richness and endemism are moderate.
The canopy is dominated by relatively few tree species.
We surveyed two types of upland forest: seasonally to
permanently inundated swamp forest (Fig. 2C), which
appears to be resistant to fire; and semideciduous forest
(Fig. 2E), primarily on limestone, in which Lysiloma
latisiliquum dominates.
In our inventory of these four vegetation
types, as well as some areas of open, disturbed land,
we recorded 305 species of vascular plants of an
estimated 1,000 in the region (Appendix 1). Among
them were several tree species of ecological or economic
significance, including mahogany and sabal palm.
INSECTS
The surveys of invertebrates conducted during the rapid
inventory must be considered preliminary because of our
limited field time. Among insects, we surveyed ground
beetles (in the family Carabidae), ants, and dragonflies.
We recorded 54 species of carabid beetles, of
which 4 are endemic to Cuba and 1 is a new species of
Ardistomis (Appendix 2). We suspect that many more
species will be found at Zapata when more habitats and
sites have been inventoried.
Zapata’s ant fauna is dominated by
widespread and introduced species. Cuba’s primarily
terrestrial ants may not have been able to adapt to the
inundation to which almost the entire peninsula is
subjected. During the rapid inventory we recorded 17
of the 30 species predicted for the region (Appendix 3).
One of these species (Pseudomyrmex pasozi) is endemic
to Cuba. We noted a range extension for the leafcutting
ant Acromyrmex octospinosus.
As Cuba’s most extensive wetland, Zapata
Swamp is a site of great importance for dragonfly
conservation. Of the 50 species of dragonflies predicted
to occur in the Zapata region, we noted 18 (Appendix 4).
No Cuban dragonflies are endemic.
MOLLUSKS
Land snails dominate the mollusk fauna of Cuba.
Of approximately 1,300 species found in the country,
nearly all are endemic. Zapata has few species for an
area of its size. As is true for ants, the periodic flooding
of terrestrial habitats may have been a barrier to land
snails’ invasion of the region.
During the rapid inventory we recorded
5 species of land snails, of which 1 (Cysticopsis exauberi)
is a new species for the Zapata region (Appendix 5).
We also registered 7 species of freshwater mollusks,
including 2 new Zapata records (Helisoma foveale and
the rare Drepanotrema anatinum). Two other notable
records were Liguus fasciatus alcaldei, a subspecies
previously thought extirpated in the region, and
Eurycampta supertexta, a Cuban endemic.
AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES
The survey of amphibians and reptiles that we conducted
added significantly to the knowledge of the herpetofauna
of the Zapata Peninsula. Of 16 amphibian species
predicted to occur in the region, 10 had been recorded
before the rapid inventory; we registered 14 (Appendix 6).
Of an estimated 43 reptile species, 36 had been recorded
previously; we registered 41 (Appendix 6).
About one-quarter of Cuba’s amphibian and
reptile species are known from the Zapata Peninsula. In
reptiles, species richness is relatively high but endemism
is only moderate (15 of the 41 species recorded on the
rapid inventory are endemic to Cuba). Two of these
endemic species, a lizard (Sphaerodactylus richardi) and
a snake (Arrhyton procerum), are restricted to the
peninsula. In contrast to reptiles, and like Cuba’s
amphibians in general, Zapata amphibians show an
extraordinary degree of endemism (13 of the 14 species
recorded during the inventory are found only in Cuba).
One of our amphibian records (the toad
Bufo empusus, Fig. 4C) was the first for Zapata since
the nineteenth century. Eleutherodactylus auriculatus
(Fig.4D), E. varians, E. eileenae, E. planirostris,
E. riparius, Bufo peltacephalus, and Osteopilus
septentrionalis (all frogs and toads) were abundant
during the rapid inventory.
First records for reptiles in Zapata were
Anolis equestris juraguensis, A. lucius, A. pumilus,
Arrhyton taeniatum, and Typhlops biminiensis. We also
noted a range extension for the Zapata endemic
Sphaerodactylus richardi, which was abundant during
our survey. Several other lizard species appeared to have
large populations, as did the turtle Trachemys decussata
(Fig. 4H), even though the latter is heavily harvested for
food, religious purposes, souvenirs, and pets.
BIRDS
The Zapata Peninsula is unquestionably the most
important area for birds in Cuba. More species of
Cuban endemics occur here than anywhere else. The
marshes contain the largest populations of waterbirds
in the country. Species richness and population sizes
of migrant landbirds are the highest in Cuba.
All three of the birds restricted to the Zapata
region—Zapata Rail, Zapata Wren (Fig. 5A), and an
endemic subspecies of Zapata Sparrow—are inhabitants
of its marshes. Zapata Sparrow is known otherwise only
from two small populations in eastern and northern
Cuba. Zapata’s marshes also are home to the endemic
Red-shouldered Blackbird, the threatened Sandhill
Crane (represented by an endemic subspecies), and the
threatened West Indian Whistling-Duck.
As critical as Zapata’s marsh habitats are for
bird conservation, its forests are at least as significant.
Twenty of the 23 bird species endemic to Cuba occur in
the Zapata Peninsula; most of them (including 9 species
considered threatened or endangered) are dependent
on the remnant and, at present, unprotected forests.
Populations of these threatened species are among the
largest remaining in Cuba. Given that we saw every
Cuban endemic (with the exception of the nearly extinct
Zapata Rail) on Zapata’s list during this brief survey,
populations must be very large for these range-restricted
species as well. Full protection of Zapata’s forests will
secure habitat for nearly all of Cuba’s endemic avifauna.
Such protection cannot be duplicated elsewhere.
Compared to other areas of Cuba, the Zapata
Peninsula has the largest populations and greatest species
richness of migrant passerines from North America.
For at least 12 species of these migrants, a significant
portion of the population winters in Cuba and uses the
forests of the Zapata region. Because the rapid inventory
took place outside the peak of their migration, our
species count for migrant passerines was low. Migrant
shorebirds flock to Zapata’s wetlands, but we did not
visit parts of the peninsula where shorebird populations
are highest. These latter migrants probably were
abundant at the time of our survey.
In all, we recorded 117 species of birds
(91 breeders, 17 species overwintering, and 9 transients;
Appendix 7). In addition to the local endemics noted
above, we observed Gundlach’s Hawk, Blue-headed
Quail-Dove, Gray-fronted Quail-Dove, Cuban Parakeet,
Bee Hummingbird (Fig. 5D), and Fernandina’s Flicker,
all threatened Cuban endemics. Other significant
records included the first Bay-breasted Warbler for
Zapata Swamp; significant numbers of migrating
Common Nighthawks and Eastern Kingbirds, which
had been registered only once and twice, respectively,
at Zapata before this inventory; and Yellow-throated
Vireos, a rare winter resident, in mixed-species flocks.
MAMMALS
Mammalian diversity in the Zapata region, as in Cuba,
is low. Including both native and introduced species,
Zapata’s mammal fauna includes 5 orders, 9 families,
14 genera, and 15 species. Bats are richer in species than
80 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME / REPORT NO. 7
CUBA : ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE / NOVEMBER 2005 81
other groups. The declining West Indian manatee
(subspecies Trichechus manatus manatus) inhabits the
La Broa-Hatiguanico River Inlet along Zapata’s coast.
The peninsula’s 3 species of hutias are representatives of
a group of large-bodied rodents, containing 13 living
species, restricted to the Greater Antilles. One of these
hutias, Mesocapromys nanus, is known in modern times
only from the Zapata region. During the rapid
inventory we recorded 4 mammal species: the relatively
common and widespread native hutia Capromys
pilorides and 3 introduced species (black rat, Rattus
rattus; house mouse, Mus musculus; and small Indian
mongoose, Herpestes javanicus).
HUMAN COMMUNITIES
Human population density in Zapata Swamp is low
(2 inhabitants per km2). Access to the region has been
limited to the railroad and one paved road entering the
heart of the peninsula. Zapata’s extensive marshes have
discouraged human visitation, let alone settlement.
This light footprint is responsible in part for the good
condition of many of the peninsula’s wild communities.
Nevertheless, Zapata’s human communities
depend on the natural resources provided by the swamp
and surrounding forests. Our work in Zapata Swamp did
not include a rapid social inventory, in part because of
the short period available for fieldwork. But prior studies
indicate that inhabitants of the buffer zone subsist mainly
through small-scale agriculture, exploitation of forests
(lumber and charcoal; Fig. 6C), and fishing. Other
activities include silviculture, livestock production, sport
hunting, and apiculture. Recently, tourism has blossomed
in the region but has had little economic impact on most
residents. Well-planned development of ecotourism in the
Zapata Peninsula could provide some economic support
to the local population as well as increase their stake in
the continued conservation of forests, marshes, and
marine resources.
THREATS
The primary threats to the biological diversity and
natural resources of the Zapata Peninsula are (1) human
activities that damage the water table, marshes, and
swamps; (2) human activities that destroy or degrade
upland forests; and (3) invasive species.
Agriculture is of concern as a potential threat
to Zapata’s wetlands. Outside Zapata Swamp itself,
fertilizers and livestock may contribute to excessive
nutrient loads and chemical contamination that
eventually pollute the marshes and swamps. Also, water
is diverted and impounded for irrigation, as well as other
human uses, with unknown impacts on the ecosystem.
Experiments in rice culture are among the agricultural
developments that lead to drainage of wetlands. The
nonhuman inhabitants of Zapata Swamp also may suffer
from fragmentation of their habitats by roads and canals,
and from the lingering effects of past peat extraction.
Zapata’s forests are threatened both by selective
logging and by clearcutting. Local needs for firewood and
charcoal lead to clearing of forest patches. Over more
extensive areas, loggers target larger trees as sources of
lumber for construction. This degradation of the forest
goes beyond the loss of individual trees, however.
Artificial openings exacerbate hurricane damage and
leave the forest more susceptible to devastation by
lightning- or human-induced fires. Even if remnant forests
survive these forces, their structure may no longer be
suitable for some of Zapata’s endemic species of birds.
So far, the most destructive invasive species
in the Zapata region are nonnative plants. Melaleuca,
an Australian tree, has invaded the marshes and may
prove as severe a problem there as in the Florida
Everglades, where it is the target of vigorous control
efforts. Dichrostachys (known locally as marabú,
Fig. 6A) and Casuarina have similar potential for
degradation of native habitats in the upland forests.
But plants are not the only invaders that threaten
Zapata’s ecosystems. The small Indian mongoose, which
was among the four mammal species seen during the
rapid inventory, is a well-known threat to birds and
other small vertebrates. Several nonnative fish species
(Clarias [walking catfish], Oreochormis, and Cyprinus)
have been introduced into Zapata’s waterways.
Other threats to the conservation of wild species and
communities include the following:
n Fires at unnaturally high frequencies in the marshes:
As noted above in Flora and Vegetation, ecologists
still know little about how much fire is too much,
but uncontrolled fires set by humans, combined with
hurricane damage and alteration of the water table
and wild vegetation, present a clear danger.
n Desiccation and salinization of soils: Past exploitation
of peat and current agricultural practices have
rendered some soils unsuitable for wild communities.
n Free-ranging livestock and feral mammals: These
animals degrade vegetation directly by grazing and
trampling. Also, cattle and goats introduce seeds of
invasive exotics into the forests. At present, water
buffaloes are limited to the region of rice plantations,
but if they should spread into wild swamps and
marshes, they could become a serious problem.
n Damage to palms in forests and palm savannas:
The commercial pet trade encourages poachers to cut
down palm trees so that they can rob parrot nests.
Householders also cut palm fronds for roof thatch.
Although quotas for the latter harvest may lie within
the carrying capacity of palm populations, existing
regulations are not uniformly enforced.
n Hunting: Wild populations of some species may be
able to support harvest at the subsistence level. But the
hunting of Cuban crocodiles, hutias, and West Indian
Whistling-Ducks must be eliminated. The jicotea (the
turtle Trachemys decussata) and the majá de Santa
María (Cuba’s largest snake, Epicrates angulifer) may
need similar protection.
n Unregulated tourism: Although ecologically sensitive
tourism could be a force supporting conservation on
the peninsula, the spread of recreational infrastructure
and uses that ignore conservation needs is a potential
threat. On beaches, alteration of substrate and
vegetation poses a specific threat to carabid beetles
and may endanger other animals, as well as plants.
n Limitations on human resources for conservation:
Local residents lack the knowledge of flora, fauna,
and ecosystem sensitivity that would prepare them
for more conservation-friendly practices. In addition,
Zapata’s conservation staff need additional equipment
and training to achieve their potential for action.
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CUBA : ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE / NOVEMBER 2005 83
C O N S E R VAT I O N TA R G E T S
The following species, communities, and ecosystems in the Zapata region are of particular conservation
concern because they are (1) especially diverse or threatened vegetation types or aquatic habitats; (2) species
or subspecies endemic to Cuba or to Zapata; or (3) species or subspecies that are rare, threatened, endangered,
vulnerable, or declining (including some economically valuable species). Some of these conservation targets
meet more than one of the criteria above.
ORGANISM GROUP CONSERVATION TARGETS
Biological Communities Marsh ecosystem with a dynamic mosaic of habitats
Semideciduous forests
Swamp forests
Palm savannas
Rivers, creeks and lagoons
Vascular Plants Local endemics (5 species—see Technical Report)
Timber trees (Swietenia, Cedrela, etc.)
Insects A new species of ground beetle (Carabidae) in the genus Ardistomis (likely to
be a Zapata endemic)
Four species of carabid beetles endemic to Cuba: Clivina cubae, Ardistomis
elongatulus, Coptia effeminata, and Chlaenius cubanus
Mollusks Two Cuban endemics: Eurycampta supertexta and Cerion magister
The Zapata endemic Laevapex pfeifferi
Liguus fasciatus alcaldei (ranked Vulnerable by the World Conservation Union
[IUCN], and previously thought to be extirpated in Zapata)
Drepanotrema anatinum (rare)
Reptiles Threatened species: Cuban crocodile (Crocodylus rhombifer), jicotea (the turtle
Trachemys decussata), majá de Santa María (the boa Epicrates angulifer)
Endemic taxa: Sphaerodactylus richardi, Arrhyton procerum, two subspecies of
Anolis luteogularis (A. l. calceus and A. l. jaumei)
84 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME / REPORT NO. 7
C O N S E R VAT I O N TA R G E T S
Birds Local endemics of Zapata Swamp (2 threatened species, 1 threatened subspecies)
Other threatened Cuban endemics (6 species, all forest birds)
Other threatened species (7)
Other endemic species (11)
Habitat for terrestrial migratory species
Mammals Three species of hutias (endemic Cuban rodents): Mesocapromys nanus,
Capromys pilorides, Mysateles prehensilis
West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus) (declining)
Human Communities No specific targets yet identified
CUBA : ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE / NOVEMBER 2005 85
BENEFITS FOR CONSERVATION AND FOR THE REGION
Although Zapata Swamp has received national and international recognition
as a conservation area, formal protection is limited to four core areas that lie
primarily in the wetlands, leaving the biologically rich upland forests open to
destruction or degradation. Even in protected areas, limitations on budgets and
training cut into the effectiveness of management staff. Outside Zapata proper,
unaddressed damage to the aquifer and its watershed may be a long-distance
threat to protected areas where direct impact seems light.
We propose a conservation landscape that would extend legal and on-the-ground
protection of flora, fauna, and their habitats in the Zapata Peninsula. At the same
time, it would secure a future for the local economy through a well-planned
system of ecotourism and other economic activities compatible with conservation.
Some of the specific benefits for the region, for Cuba, and for the world include
preservation of the following:
01 One of the world’s largest and most nearly intact marsh ecosystems,
and the largest wetland in the Caribbean;
02 The largest remaining expanse of lowland forest in Cuba, and possibly in
the Caribbean;
03 The largest cave-lake system in Cuba, with complex hydrological conditions
that include at least three superposed aquifers creating distinct life zones;
04 Significant populations of more than 80% of Cuba’s endemic birds, as well
as two species and a subspecies (all in unique genera) restricted completely
to Zapata Swamp;
05 Habitat for endemic amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and insects; and
06 Natural resources, wood, food (including marine nurseries), and water on
which local human communities depend.
86 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME / REPORT NO. 7
Benefits for Conservation and for the Region (continued)
Although the Zapata Peninsula is vulnerable to complex threats, both intrinsic
and extrinsic, that are exacerbated by pressures on Cuba’s economy, it has the
conservation advantage of a low human population. Unlike many other lowland
areas in Latin America and the Caribbean, Zapata Swamp is likely to remain
sparsely populated because of its forbidding terrain. Combining this demographic
advantage with formal protected status, conservation professionals will be able
to focus first on areas like semideciduous forests, which are more accessible
and therefore more immediately and severely imperiled.
CUBA : ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE / NOVEMBER 2005 87
R E C O M M E N D AT I O N S
The rapid inventory gave us an opportunity to combine an ecological context, generated from previous studies,
with an assessment of conservation targets, and threats to their survival, in the Zapata Peninsula. We suggest
that regional agencies can strengthen and extend existing conservation efforts through a landscape of both strictly
protected areas and parcels managed for use of natural resources. Toward that end, we offer the following
recommendations for protection and management, further inventory, research, and monitoring.
01 Expand the intensity and extent of conservation action to the entire Zapata
Peninsula. The current national park protects a major portion of the marsh
ecosystem, but other wild communities, especially the forests, do not receive
adequate formal protection. Strengthening protection and management
outside the park’s limits is a high priority. Appropriate ecological zoning
of buffer areas would be another effective form of protection.
02 Manage the extraction of local wood for subsistence use. Protect forest
remnants in the more elevated parts of the peninsula. Especially important
is to protect the forest at Bermeja from exploitation. Eliminate the removal
of sabal and royal palms, and reduce the use of their leaves for roofing.
03 Implement effective plans for reforestation. Investigate the potential for
managed logging, as well as exploitation of palms.
04 Evaluate and, if necessary, mitigate the effects of contamination, drainage,
and channelization on Zapata’s wetlands. Use the results of management
research (see Research recommendations 1 through 5, below) to set goals
and test approaches.
05 Control invasive species like marabú (Dichrostachys) and other plants. Limit
the expansion of Melaleuca and, if possible, eliminate it through a management
program. Eradicate introduced, nonnative animal species (mongoose, fishes such
as Clarias, etc.) and feral populations of domestic animals (dogs, pigs, etc.).
06 Experiment with the management of fire frequency in marsh, swamp, and
forest habitats. How much is too much?
07 Reduce, control, or eliminate the hunting of species overharvested for
subsistence or commercial trade. Among these species are the Cuban
crocodile, the jicotea turtle, West Indian Whistling-Duck, White-crowned
Pigeon, manatee, and hutias. Test approaches to eliminating the robbery
of parrot nests for the pet trade.
08 Educate residents about biodiversity, natural resources, and the importance
of conserving them. Zapata Swamp’s designation as a Man and the Biosphere
Protection andManagement
88 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME / REPORT NO. 7
R E C O M M E N D AT I O N S
Reserve recognizes the crucial role that human communities must play in
regional conservation action. Engaging local populations will be essential to
the protection of the peninsula’s wild species and communities.
09 Involve Zapata’s human residents in establishing not only local plans for
conservation action but also a regional management approach. Use entry
points and capitalize on social assets identified in sociological and
ethnobiological studies (see Research, below).
10 Encourage well-planned ecotourism and concentrate plans for new hotels in
already developed areas (Playa Larga and Playa Girón). Ecotourism could be an
economic engine in the region. Existing tourist facilities provide an obvious focus
for additional development that could occur without harming wild communities.
11 Improve working conditions for personnel responsible for conservation.
Courses, brochures, and other training methods will increase these
professionals’ capacity for action.
12 Establish decisive guidelines for effective collaboration of the research and
management organizations in the region (CITMA, EMA, FLORA Y FAUNA).
Further inventory 01 Continue biological inventories across different seasons and in the largest
possible diversity of habitats.
02 Verify the status of Mesocapromys nanus in the region. If the species is
present, conduct studies of its natural history, especially its current geographic
distribution, habitat quality, and population status.
03 Inventory particular species and areas within Zapata, including the following:
(1) Zapata Rail, (2) Zapata Wren, (3) Zapata Sparrow, (4) hutias, (5) Cuban
crocodile, (6) forest areas east of Playa Girón, and (7) large swamp areas of
the southern and western parts of the Zapata Peninsula.
Research 01 Evaluate the influence of human activities on wild populations, including
(1) the alteration of water chemistry in the watershed by agricultural activity
north and east of Zapata; (2) drainage of wetlands and diversion of waterways;
(3) selective logging for valuable timber species, and clearcutting for charcoal
and firewood; and (4) subsistence, commercial, and sport hunting.
02 Develop sociological and ethnobiological studies of the human communities
of the Zapata region in order to understand the ecology and standards of living
of these inhabitants, as well as their uses of wild species. Use the results to
develop local and regional management plans.
Protection and Management (continued)
CUBA : ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE / NOVEMBER 2005 89
03 Measure the effects of fire frequency and intensity on the flora and fauna of
sawgrass and forest habitats.
04 Develop techniques for control of invasive plants. Build on the efforts of
practitioners and scientists in similar ecosystems—for example, the Florida
Everglades. Apply the results immediately to Melaleuca and other invasives
(see Protection and Management, above).
05 Study the dynamics of marsh grasslands (especially in relation to fire) and
of forests (especially in relation to recovery after hurricanes). Use both satellite
images and ground-truthed data as a baseline. Compare the results to those
at ecologically similar sites.
06 Conduct long-term studies of the natural history of species of conservation
importance (nutrition, reproduction, structural use of the habitat, climatic
requirements, vocalization, behavior). Particular species deserving of focus
include mammals (hutias, manatee), reptiles (Cuban crocodile), birds (Zapata
Wren, Zapata Sparrow, parrots, Blue-headed Quail-Dove), and carabid beetles.
07 Clarify the taxonomy of Zapata populations of giant Anolis lizards and frogs.
Monitoring Develop a comprehensive regional monitoring plan based on conservation goals
for wild and human-sphere targets and threats to their survival. We recommend
particular attention to the following:
01 Monitor changes in the physical and chemical characteristics of Zapata’s water
and wetlands in relation to goals established through management research
(see Research recommendations 1 through 5, above). Track and, if necessary,
control diversions and other hydrological alterations, as well as the inflow of
nutrients and contaminants from the agricultural areas to the north.
02 Initiate regular surveillance of all vegetation types to guard against
the establishment of invasive plant species. In particular, need to monitor
Melaleuca closely, so that eradication efforts can be put into effect if
it is spreading rapidly.
03 Track changes in the extent and condition of mangrove forests, using both
satellite images and field observations.
04 Track amphibian populations to detect possible declines. Worldwide,
amphibians are showing population decreases, many for reasons yet unknown.
At Zapata, preliminary evidence suggests that some frog species, at least,
may be suffering similar declines.
Research
(continued)
CUBA : ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE / NOVEMBER 2005 91
Technical Report
Although the rapid inventory team was in the field only for seven days, several
of the Cuban members of the group have years of experience in scientific study
of the Zapata Peninsula. Because of the shortage of publication opportunities,
little information from their inquiries has been available to scientists and
conservationists abroad or even in other parts of Cuba. In this report we include
excerpts from this wealth of information for two reasons: to complement and give
context for the rapid inventory results, and to put this scientific foundation into
the hands of decision makers. Within the sections below, for each organism group
we distinguish records from the rapid inventory (Results of the Rapid Inventory)
from this complementary information (Ecological Context). Threats and
Recommendations are based on both streams of information. In all Appendices
except Appendix 6, we call out separately the species known from the Zapata
Peninsula but not recorded during the rapid inventory.
OVERVIEW OF INVENTORY SITES
The inventory took place on the Zapata Peninsula, Matanzas Province, Cuba,
from 8 to 15 September 2002. We established a base at the office of the Ministry of
Science, Technology, and the Environment of Zapata Swamp (Ministerio de Ciencia,
Tecnología, y Medio Ambiente de Ciénaga de Zapata [CITMA]) near Pálpite and
daily surveyed other parts of the Zapata Peninsula.
GEOLOGY, HYDROLOGY, AND CLIMATE
Geology
The Zapata Basin is the largest and most complex system of karstic (limestone)
drainage in Cuba. The calcareous bedrock, which is highly water-soluble, is of
marine origin. Combined with distinctive hydrology and variable weather
conditions, it has given rise to diverse and unique ecosystems, such as the
Marsh-Spring Vegetation Complex (Complejo de Vegetación de Manatial de
Ciénaga), known only from this wetland. The Zapata Basin strongly influences
the ecology and climate of the entire southern sector of Matanzas Province,
southwest of Cienfuegos Province and southeast of
La Habana Province.
Although elevations on the Zapata Peninsula
range from sea level to 10 m, the Zapata Basin itself does
not exceed 6 m asl. It consists of two well-defined blocks
of land, separated by deep terrestrial faults, on either side
of the Bay of Pigs. To the west, the Ciénaga Occidental,
bounded by La Habana Province, is lower and has a
shallow coast characterized by an accumulation of
sediments. To the east lies the higher Ciénaga Oriental,
bounded by Cienfuegos Province and distinguished by a
steeper, rocky shore. Crossing the center of the peninsula
from east to west is a calcareous ridge that penetrates the
low, flooded western sector and is known locally as la
parte alta de la Ciénaga (“the high part of the Swamp”).
Peaty soils predominate in the Zapata Basin.
Running in four bands from east to west are the following
soil types: (1) red ferralitic (typic and hydrated) and
yellowish ferralitic; (2) peaty, peaty gleysols, and marly-
peaty; (3) red and black rendzinas; and (4) coastal bog
and mangrove swamp solonchaks. The largest
concentrations of peat occur in the Ciénaga Occidental,
along with marsh soils that include muddy and sandy
material. In the Ciénaga Oriental, bare karst
predominates, with vegetation growing directly on it.
Sand dunes taller than 2 m are found in the same zone.
Hydrology
Intense karstic development, not only in Zapata Swamp
itself but also in the upper third of the basin (the southern
karstic plain of Colón), has created the largest limestone
drainage system in the country. This Southern Matanzas
Basin, or Zapata Basin, occupies nearly the entire
southern portion of Matanzas Province and the
southwestern extreme of Cienfuegos Province (ICGC
1993). The drainage system forms a complex of aquifers
at different depths. Its discharge, in large part, creates
Zapata Swamp.
The superficial hydrology of the basin is very
dissected because of the karst geology, flooding processes,
and human activities of channelization, regulation of
water levels, and drainage. Carried in rivers, lagoons,
swamps, trenches, and artificial channels of medium
to low volume, most surface water is discharged into the
Bay of Pigs and La Broa Inlet through two main
drainages. The more important of the two routes follows
the Hatiguanico, Negro, Gonzalo, and Guareiras Rivers,
which drain directly into the sea through La Broa Inlet.
Numerous springs in the upper third of the basin give rise
to these rivers.
The extent of subterranean drainage in the
basin has not been evaluated yet, but its considerable
contribution appears as numerous submarine springs
clearly visible in satellite images (ICGC 1993). Zapata
Swamp is a buffer rather than a barrier to marine
intrusions. Maximum water depth in the salt marshes
is 2 m; in the coastal zone, 600 m; and in the Bay of
Pigs, 1,000 m.
Climate
Like the rest of Cuba, the Zapata Peninsula has
two clearly differentiated seasons: a warm, wet season
from May to October and a dry, cooler season from
November to April. Rainfall varies from 1,200 to 1,300
mm during the wet season (80-85% of the annual total)
and from 250 to 300 mm during the dry. The annual
average is 1,500 mm. Most rain falls in the afternoon.
The northeastern part of Zapata Swamp is one of the
wettest places in Cuba—1,700 mm of annual
precipitation is the maximum. Electrical storms are
frequent and intense during the wet season. The
prevailing winds come from the east.
The mean annual temperature on the peninsula
is 24.5°C, with an average minimum of 18°C and an
average maximum of 38°C. Winters in the region are
among the coolest in Cuba. Temperature range is more
extreme in the interior of the peninsula, which also is
wetter than the coast. Shallow waters are very warm
throughout the year, the mean temperature ranging
from 24 to 30°C.
Relative humidity is particularly high in Zapata
Swamp, with average values ranging from 76% (March-
April) to 83% (September-November). Annual averages
in the region are exceeded in Cuba only by values in
92 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME / REPORT NO. 7
some mountainous areas. In spite of this high average
humidity, dry continental air masses, high temperatures,
solar exposure, and wind patterns combine during
drought periods to create favorable conditions for
wildfires. Whether of human origin or from lightning
strikes, these fires cause considerable ecological and
economic damage on the peninsula.
The most dangerous and dramatic atmospheric
phenomena on the Zapata Peninsula, as throughout
Cuba, are tropical storms and hurricanes. Hurricane
season lasts from June to November, but the most active
months are September, October, and November. Sustained
wind speeds exceeding 210 km/h have been recorded for
some hurricanes that have hit Zapata. Flooding is
common in May and June or September and November,
not only from hurricanes but also from large rainfalls
that occur within a 24-h period.
SITES VISITED
Here we describe sites surveyed during the rapid inventory
conducted in September 2002. We selected these sites to
sample a broad range of habitats from accessible entry
points. In the sections on individual taxonomic groups,
below, we characterize sites surveyed by team scientists
working on inventories or research at other times.
Bermeja (22º9’33” N, 80º57’52’’ W)
At this site, 12 km north of Playa Girón, are swamp
forests that are periodically or permanently inundated,
with soils rich in organic matter. The forests have a
canopy layer 8-15 m tall, with emergents to 20 m, and
show deciduous and epiphytic elements. The area has
been disturbed by logging and by domestic livestock,
especially cattle. We reached the area from the south
and walked old trails and dirt roads. Surveys took
place on 9, 10, and 14 September 2002.
Peralta (between 22º35’27” N, 81º18’21” W, and
22º33’57” N, 81º19’15” W)
This site is situated along the highway between La
Habana and Santa Clara at Km 122, approximately
20 km from the entrance road to Zapata. The trail
at Peralta is 2.5 km long. Peralta’s swamp forests are
similar to those at Bermeja. The southern section of
this site also contains marsh grasslands (Fig. 2D).
We surveyed this site on 10 September 2002.
Pálpite (between 22º19’45” N, 81º11’5” W, and
22º19’28” N, 81º12’38” W)
This site lies approximately 5 km south of Guamá
on the road to Playa Girón. The swamp forests to the
southwest of the village are similar to those in other
parts of the peninsula. We surveyed the area informally
each day throughout the inventory, as our base was at
Pálpite. On the afternoon of 9 September 2002 we
surveyed a trail running west from the village.
Hatiguanico River (between 22º35’49” N, 81º26’16”
W, and 22º35’49” N, 81º38’54” W)
More than 30 km long, the Hatiguanico is the largest
river draining the Zapata Peninsula. It reaches the heart
of Zapata Swamp. Our Hatiguanico site (Fig. 2C,F) lies
8 km south of the highway between La Habana and
Santa Clara at Km 101. It includes the guard post at
Hato de Jicarita. The Hatiguanico River empties into
La Broa Inlet and is navigable for small boats along
most of its course. Its banks are low and mostly covered
with mangroves that have a canopy 5-15 m high, with
herbaceous plants and vines present. Elsewhere along
the river are marsh grasslands that are periodically or
permanently flooded, with an accumulation of peat.
The dominant plants in this marshland include the sedge
Cladium jamaicense (sawgrass, cortadera de ciénaga),
Typha angustifolia (cattails, macío), rushes, and
Sagittaria lancifolia. We surveyed this site by small boat
on 11 and 12 September 2002.
Punta Perdíz (between 22º7’3” N, 81º6’58” W, and
22º8’7” N, 81º5’38” W)
This site is situated within the Cave-Lake System
of Zapata (Sistema Espeleolacustre de Zapata). It is
characterized by semideciduous forest with a canopy
at 15-20 m growing on well-drained, bare karst. It
contains elements from dry evergreen forests and coastal
CUBA : ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE / NOVEMBER 2005 93
forests, including Metopium toxiferum (poisonwood,
guao de costa), Swietenia mahagoni (mahogany, caoba)
and Bursera simaruba (gumbo-limbo, almácigo).
We surveyed a trail leading inland from the highway to
Playa Girón on the morning of 13 September 2002.
Caleta Sábalo (22º13’31” N, 81º8’34” W)
Two vegetation types stand out at this site, 4-6 km
northeast of Los Hondones: swamp forests dominated
by Bucida spp., and semideciduous forests. Palms are a
notable element here. The mollusk team surveyed this
site on 10 September. The beetle team surveyed this site
before the rapid inventory.
FLORA AND VEGETATION
Participants /Authors: Robin Foster, Tania Chateloín
Conservation targets: Marsh ecosystem with dynamic mosaic
of habitats; semideciduous forests; swamp forests; palm
savannas; local endemics (five species); timber trees
(Swietenia, Cedrela, etc.)
INTRODUCTION
The vegetation of Zapata Swamp bears a striking
resemblance to that of the Florida Everglades, USA,
even though many or most of the dominant plant
species are different. Both regions have limestone
foundations, as well as high frequencies of hurricanes
and fire. Ecological equivalents are evident in the
two ecosystems. For example, the common tree of
inundated forest in the Everglades, bald cypress
(Taxodium), is similar in growth form to the júcaros
(Bucida palustris and Bucida buceras) in Zapata
Swamp. As in the Everglades, deductions about plant
communities can be confusing as a result of human
intervention. Not only have drainages shifted from
their original locations, but also most of the access
in the area follows either elevated roads and
causeways or canals with levees. Each has its own
narrow band of invasive vegetation penetrating the
native habitats.
METHODS
Because our time for the rapid inventory was so limited,
we used informal survey methods to cover as much
ground and to visit as many habitats as possible. We
complemented descriptions of vegetation types and lists
of species with photographs of species taken during
our surveys. A subset of these photographs appears in
Rapid Color Guides (http:/ / fm2.fieldmuseum.org/
plantguides /guideimages.asp?ID=176 and
http:/ / fm2.fieldmuseum.org/plantguides /guideimages
.asp?ID=177). Analysis of satellite images allowed us
to describe the distribution of and temporal changes in
vegetation types. Also, we incorporated information
from previous studies by biologists and naturalists from
the National Center for Protected Areas (Centro
Nacional de Áreas Protegidas [CNAP]), CITMA, the
Institute of Ecology and Systematics (Instituto de
Ecología y Sistemática [IES]), and the National Museum
of Natural History of Cuba (Museo Nacional de
Historia Natural de Cuba).
ECOLOGICAL CONTEXT
Floristic richness and endemism
Scientists and naturalists who have explored the Zapata
wetland complex have recorded approximately 1,000
species of vascular plants in 110 families. Within this
flora, endemism is relatively low. As many as 130 species
found in Zapata may be endemic to Cuba. Most of
these endemics are found in the drier forests, not in
the swampland. Endemic to the Zapata Peninsula itself
are 5 species of plants: 2 species of palms (Copernicia
brittonorum, Coccothrinax cupularis) with known
localities, and 3 additional species (Acacia zapatensis,
Behaimia roigii, Calyptranthes peninsularis), which have
not been collected for more than 80 years.
Vegetation
The Zapata Peninsula is remarkable in having extensive
areas of natural vegetation in good condition, as well as
a degree of forest cover considered outstanding at the
level of the Caribbean as a whole. Seventeen vegetation
formations occur on the peninsula (see Appendix 1).
94 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME / REPORT NO. 7
RESULTS OF THE RAPID INVENTORY
Floristic richness and endemism
During the survey we registered 305 species (Appendix 1)
of an estimated 1,000 in the region. Of the species
recorded, at least 3 had not been observed previously
by T. Chateloín in her many years as a botanist in the
region. Compared with other parts of Cuba, the Zapata
Peninsula has few local endemics. Species richness is
moderately high, mainly because of high habitat
diversity. Zapata’s forests are the vegetation types
richest in species, but in general their species counts are
lower than those of similar forests in other parts of the
country. Although Zapata’s wetlands are far less
speciose than its forests, they are richer in species than
wetlands elsewhere in Cuba and the Caribbean.
Vegetation
Of the species we observed, 99 were herbaceous (32%),
85 shrubs (28%), 58 trees (19%), 47 vines (15%), and
16 epiphytes (5%). The main vegetation types that we
observed during the survey were mangrove forest
(10 species), marsh grassland (31 species), swamp forest
(90 species), semideciduous forest (101 species) and
open, disturbed land (99 species). We briefly examined,
but did not thoroughly survey, a shrub formation on
limestone (costa caliza, Fig. 2B) (29 species) at the edge
of the Bay of Pigs.
Mangrove forest (Manglar)
The mangrove forests in Zapata Swamp are like
mangroves everywhere: very low in plant diversity but
extremely important for the marine life they support,
especially as breeding grounds. Red mangrove
(Rhizophora mangle, Fig. 3B) is the species most tolerant
of salt water and most capable of establishing itself in the
deepest water closest to the ocean. But this species also
grows well in freshwater and comes farther than other
species up freshwater streams, where it is mixed with
button mangrove (Conocarpus erectus), a predominantly
freshwater species. Along the same stream edges,
Rhizophora occurs with many other species of the swamp
forest, such as the trees Calophyllum antillanum (Fig. 3C)
and Tabebuia leptoneura. Although Bucida is a dominant
plant in swamp forest, it does not occur with Rhizophora
here as do these other tree species. Where these streams
meet the estuary, Rhizophora is mixed with white
mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa). Here the influence
of salt water is strong enough to eliminate all but a
very few of the swamp forest species (e.g., the vines
Dalbergia ecastaphyllum and Rhabdadenia biflora,
and the two mangrove ferns Acrostichum aureum and
A. danaeifolium). The bark of these mangrove species
seems to be too smooth to support establishment of
many epiphyte species.
Marsh grassland (Herbazal de ciénaga)
At the sites we surveyed, marsh grasslands (Fig. 2D)
range from open, shallow water with aquatic plants that
are either floating (e.g., Nymphaea ampla [Fig. 3A],
Nymphoides grayana) or emergent (e.g., Thalia
geniculata, Oxypolis filiformis), to dense fields of
sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense, Fig. 2H) often mixed
with tall grasses (e.g., Saccharum giganteum) and the
cattail, Typha domingensis. These areas often are dotted
with clumps of the short palm Acoelorraphe wrightii
and scattered individuals of the tall palm Sabal
maritima, both of which are fire tolerant.
Our initial impression was that areas with
more extensive open water had deeper water as well.
But comparison of satellite images suggests that these
areas are merely at an earlier stage of vegetation
development following a major fire in the sedge fields.
Apparently, some large sedge fields have become open-
water marshes in just two months (January to March
2001), and some large open-water marshes have become
dense sedge fields in two years (1999 to 2001). If fire
were suppressed in Zapata Swamp, the marsh
grasslands—as is the case in the Everglades of the
United States and in the pampas of Venezuela and
Bolivia—would disappear and would be taken over by
woody vegetation, first as shrubland, then as low forest.
Although fire maintains the integrity of Zapata’s marsh
grasslands, it is a destructive force in other vegetation
types (see Threats and Recommendations, below).
CUBA : ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE / NOVEMBER 2005 95
Swamp forest (Bosque de ciénaga)
The fire resistance of this inundated forest is probably
attributable to its being in a depression that holds water
and maintains high soil and plant moisture in the dry
season. In some parts of the Tropics, islands of forest
remain in fire-dominated savannas in part because a ring
of fire-tolerant woody species along the island’s margins
slows the fire and prevents it from penetrating farther.
The swamp forest (Fig. 2C) is relatively species-
rich but usually dominated by two species of Bucida
(palustris and buceras), Tabebuia leptoneura, Calophyllum
antillanum, and the palm Roystonea regia in the canopy.
In the understory, the small trees / shrubs of Chrysobalanus
icaco, Annona glabra, Coccoloba diversifolia, Ouratea
nitida, and Cephalanthus occidentalis predominate, with a
high frequency of Blechnum serrulatum ferns close to the
ground. Around the springs we visited, Amphitecna trees
are abundant in the understory.
Semideciduous forest (Bosque semideciduo)
Much of Cuba originally was covered with semideciduous
forest (Fig. 2E). At least in the areas with limestone
substrata, many of the same species, such as the trees
Bursera simaruba (Fig. 3E) and Guazuma tomentosa,
predominate throughout these forests. Prior to European
colonization, the most valuable economic species, such as
Swietenia mahagoni (Fig. 3F) and Cedrela odorata, may
have been much more abundant. In Zapata, by far the
dominant species of tree is Lysiloma latisiliquum (Fig. 3C),
but species richness of small trees is high throughout.
Species of ecological, economic, or
cultural significance
Several species of trees stand out as ecologically or
economically important in the forests of the region.
The sabal palm Sabal maritima (Fig. 2G) provides nest
sites for bird species including two threatened parrots,
Cuban Parrot (Amazona leucocephala) and Cuban
Parakeet (Aratinga euops), and the threatened endemic
Fernandina’s Flicker (Colaptes fernandinae). Populations
of S. maritima are clumped, with an uneven age
distribution. Lysiloma latisiliquum is the dominant tree
species in semideciduous forest. It spreads clonally
and resprouts readily following disturbances, such as
hurricanes, and thereafter dominates by shading out
other species. Like other species of its genus, Swietenia
mahagoni (Fig. 3F) is greatly prized for its wood.
The wood of this species may be the finest among the
mahoganies (Mathew 1994). It originally was a common
element of woodlands and forests of the Greater Antilles.
Its abundance has declined throughout this range, and it
is considered endangered (WCMC 1998).
Local human populations use approximately
125 plant species for their medicinal properties.
THREATS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Threats
Among the serious threats to the vegetation and
flora of Zapata Swamp is the invasion of several plant
species: Melaleuca (an Australian tree that is invading
swamp forest and marsh grassland), Dichrostachys
(a shrub native to Africa that was in all upland forests
and disturbed areas visited, Fig. 6A), Casuarina (an
Australian tree that invades disturbed upland areas),
Delonix (an ornamental from Madagascar, found in
disturbed swamp forest), and Myriophyllum (the
cosmopolitan water milfoil, which displaces native
aquatic pondweeds). Delonix probably poses the least
significant threat to the region’s vegetation. Melaleuca
has caused severe problems as an invasive in the
Florida Everglades and is the target of vigorous
control efforts there.
Wildfires are a vital ecological process in
seasonally dry swamps—without fire, marsh grasslands
become shrublands. But fires that are too frequent or too
severe can be destructive rather than restorative. Invasive
plants may follow fire into the ecosystem, as in the
Florida Everglades. After hurricanes, forest fires often
are much more severe than those that normally maintain
the diversity and condition of plant communities.
Climate change, especially warming, and deliberate
burning by humans can aggravate these threats.
Evidence of hurricanes was strong in the
vegetation of the Zapata Peninsula (Fig. 6B). For example,
96 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME / REPORT NO. 7
CUBA : ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE / NOVEMBER 2005 97
we observed trees that had been blown down north to
south by Hurricane Georges in September 1998. Like
fires, hurricanes are a force to which many Zapata
plants are adapted—for example, many species
regenerate by resprouting from stem bases. But large
areas may be required as refuges for species that do not
resprout. Also, as noted above, hurricane damage may
prepare the way for invasive plants and may produce
large accumulations of deadwood that fuel the severity
of fires. Forest fragmentation severely exacerbates the
destruction caused by hurricanes.
Although human density in the Zapata
Peninsula is low, pressure on plant communities is
significant. Human activities with the most severe impacts
for the vegetation and flora are the selective removal of
trees, which renders the forest more vulnerable to
hurricane and fire damage, and the wholesale clearing
of land to raise livestock, especially cattle.
Local people use trees (Figs. 6C, D) for three
main purposes: (1) lumber (e.g., Swietenia mahagoni
and Calophyllum antillanum for building materials);
(2) charcoal (e.g., Lysiloma latisiliquum and Tabebuia
leptoneura); and (3) curing tobacco (e.g., Lysiloma
latisiliquum and Rhizophora mangle). To some extent,
the resprouting of many species after hurricanes is a
preadaptation for managed forestry (coppiced forests).
Taking advantage of this characteristic, local people
might be able to extract wood without harming the
biodiversity of wild forest communities.
In contrast, raising livestock in the Zapata
region typically involves repeated cutting and burning
of forests to eliminate resprouting. As a result,
vegetation cover is reduced to palms and inedible shrubs
and herbs. Cattle ranching is the strongest of all threats
to plant communities in Zapata forests.
Recommendations
n Limit additional clearing of forest for livestock
pastures, and restrict access of livestock to forest
from existing pastures.
n Control the spread of Melaleuca. Build on the efforts
of land managers in Florida to eradicate this species.
n Study forest recovery after hurricanes. The effects of
hurricanes on forest structure have been examined in
other parts of the Caribbean Basin. The effects in
Zapata should be compared to those in other areas,
including Puerto Rico (e.g., Chinea 1999; Weaver
2002), Nicaragua (Vandermeer 1997), and elsewhere.
Studies in the Florida Everglades following Hurricane
Andrew (Horvitz and Koop 2001; Horvitz et al.
1998; Pascarella and Horvitz 1998) may be most
relevant because of the ecological similarities of the
Everglades and Zapata. Use the results to protect
refuges for the hardest-hit plant species.
n Initiate regular surveillance of all vegetation types
to guard against the establishment of invasive plant
species. Develop plans for control or eradication of
any invasives detected.
n Experiment with the management of fire frequency in
marsh, swamp, and forest habitats. Use the results to
establish prescribed fire cycles that sustain biodiversity.
n Investigate the potential for managed logging.
n Track changes in the extent and condition of
mangrove forests, using both satellite images and
field observations. Use the data to detect potentially
harmful changes in marshland hydrology (flow
characteristics, sediment deposition, salinity), to
which mangroves are very sensitive.
n Study the dynamics of marsh grasslands, especially
in relation to fire. Obtain baseline data through
satellite images and sampling of the biota, and
compare before and after fires. Use the data to
manage fire frequency by maintaining the proper
balance of vegetation structure.
n Compare relative water depths in swamp forest and
marsh grasslands to determine whether deeper water
reduces the severity of fires in the forest. Use this
information to evaluate whether channels within the
peninsula, or water use upstream, is interfering with
the water levels crucial for biodiversity maintenance.
n Use the results of all of the above research to develop
a regional management plan.
98 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME / REPORT NO. 7
INSECTS
GROUND BEETLES
Participant /Author: Pavel Valdés
Conservation targets: A new species of the genus Ardistomis;
four endemic species: Clivina cubae, Ardistomis elongatulus,
Coptia effeminata, and Chlaenius cubanus
INTRODUCTION
The ground beetles of the family Carabidae (Coleoptera)
are predators and live mostly in the soil. They are
associated with many habitats from the coastline to
the highest elevations in Cuba. These insects constitute
excellent assessment indicators of the condition of
natural ecosystems and are particularly sensitive to
the damage caused by human activity.
Zapata Swamp protects appropriate habitat
for populations of several species of ground beetles that
are not frequently encountered in the rest of Cuba.
This wetland constitutes a genuine refuge
for the majority of species of carabid beetles that live
in the lowlands. Here are found the oldest and the most
generalist members of most lineages that colonized
Cuba. This pattern of colonization is reflected in the
low endemism and high species richness in Zapata.
METHODS
This report summarizes the carabid beetles found on
sporadic visits to Zapata Swamp from 1997 through the
rapid inventory of September 2002. Because we visited
only localities in the eastern part of the Swamp, just a
small portion of the region has been surveyed.
The main methods used during the inventory
were the direct collection of beetles in the field and the
nocturnal attraction of beetles though the use of lights
installed in human-altered locations.
We surveyed the following sites for carabid beetles:
n Playa Larga: Coastal segment of the Bay of Pigs that
includes Buena Ventura and Playa Larga up to Girón,
where we collected many species that inhabit saline
areas, and other species that are attracted by the lights
of the numerous tourist installations of this area.
n Canal Soplillar: Areas far from the origin of the
artificial channel of Soplillar, consisting of a gravel
bed with many herbaceous species. This region is
flooded very frequently.
n Los Sábalos: A wooded area 4-6 km northeast of
Los Hondones. This site was not visited during the
rapid inventory. Along the edges of numerous bodies
of water, many species live in the humid peat.
n Pálpite: See description in Overview of Inventory
Sites, above.
n Canal de los Patos: The beetles live in the peat that
forms the flood-prone soils.
ECOLOGICAL CONTEXT
Zapata Swamp has been poorly studied in terms
of its carabid fauna. None of the previous researchers
with large collections of Carabidae (for example,
P. J. Darlington Jr.) worked in this area. J. C. Gundlach
collected some representatives of the family and
indicated that they came from Zapata, but he did not
provide specific localities or publish a list of species for
the area. The inventory of carabid beetles listed in this
report thus constitutes the first published for Zapata
Swamp but should be considered preliminary.
RESULTS OF THE RAPID INVENTORY
I recorded 54 species, 4 of them endemic to Cuba
(see Appendix 2). Among them, I discovered a new
species in the genus Ardistomis during this survey.
Some taxa could not be identified to the level of species,
because a detailed review of the material deposited in
scientific collections is required for identification. In the
future, I expect that many more species will be found
as more sites are covered, especially in the western
part of the region.
THREATS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Threats
Like the vertebrate groups mentioned earlier, ground
beetles are threatened by habitat loss and deterioration
caused by wood extraction and forest clearing, intense
fires, and damage to the wetlands. Specific dangers to
these insects include the following: (1) desiccation and
salinization of soils as a result of peat exploitation and
agricultural activity, (2) use of insecticides against
bloodsucking insects, and (3) overuse of beaches for
tourism (with strong impacts on littoral species).
Recommendations
n Manage the local extraction of wood for
subsistence use.
n Implement effective reforestation plans.
n Improve working conditions for conservation staff.
n Regulate the development and impact of tourist
installations.
n Describe the new species of Ardistomis.
n Review specimens for which specific status must be
confirmed through detailed comparisons.
n Continue to document the natural history of ground
beetle species.
n Evaluate present and future anthropogenic influences
on the carabid fauna.
n Undertake new inventories in the rest of the peninsula
during the rainy season.
OTHER INSECTS
Participant /Author: Jorge Luis Fontenla
Conservation targets: No specific targets yet identified
INTRODUCTION
During the September 2002 rapid inventory, the
field team surveyed two other insect groups: ants and
dragonflies. We were able to collect less information
about these two groups than about other organisms, but
we record both the ecological context and the inventory
results here.
Ants
In general, the ant fauna of the Zapata Peninsula
is poor in comparison to that of other parts of Cuba.
The species that predominate are either introduced, or
adaptable and opportunistic. Examples of these include
the fire ant (Solenopsis geminata) and the Santa Anilla
(Wasmannia auropunctata). The low species richness of
ants in the Zapata region may be attributable to the
periodic inundation of forests—the majority of Cuban
ants are terrestrial, as opposed to arboreal.
The rapid inventory of the ants in the Zapata
region recorded 17 species of an estimated regional fauna
of 30 (Appendix 3). We found 1 species endemic to Cuba:
Pseudomyrmex pasozi, an arboreal ant. Our record of the
leafcutting ant Acromyrmex octospinosus is noteworthy
because the species was previously known only from the
northwestern and north-central parts of Cuba.
Dragonflies
Cuba is home to 81 species of dragonflies; none of
these is endemic. As the largest wetland in the Antilles,
Zapata is an area of great importance for the conservation
of dragonflies. Fifty species probably occur in the region.
During the rapid inventory we recorded
18 species of dragonflies (Appendix 4). The low species
count was largely the result of the short period of the
survey combined with its emphasis on areas of terrestrial
vegetation. The most abundant species varied among the
sites surveyed: at Bermeja it was Erythrodiplax umbrata;
at the Hatiguanico River site it was Tramea insularis.
Nevertheless, both species were very common at all the
sites visited.
Future surveys should include the dry
months, because some dragonfly species migrate during
the winter months. Canals with abundant aquatic
vegetation should be surveyed with greater intensity.
CUBA : ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE / NOVEMBER 2005 99
MOLLUSKS
Participant /Author: Alina Lomba
Conservation targets: Two Cuban endemics: Eurycampta
supertexta and Cerion magister; the Zapata endemic Laevapex
pfeifferi; Liguus fasciatus alcaldei (IUCN category Vulnerable);
Drepanotrema anatinum (rare)
INTRODUCTION
The terrestrial malacological fauna of Cuba is almost
entirely endemic—totally different from those of the
neighboring Antillean islands (for example, Hispaniola
and Jamaica). Among its main characteristics are the
high diversity of taxonomic forms, the abundance of
many populations, the marked endemism, and the
limited range of many species and subspecies
(Espinosa and Ortea 1999). In Cuba, scientists have
registered nearly 1,300 species of land snails, of which
96% are endemic.
METHODS
Between 8 and 15 September 2002 we visited the
following sites in the Zapata Swamp region: Bermeja,
Peralta, Pálpite, Hato de Jicarita (Hatiguanico River),
Caleta Sábalo, and Punta Perdíz. We recorded species
both by direct observation and by collecting specimens.
ECOLOGICAL CONTEXT
The malacofauna of Cuban rivers consists of very few
species, and most of them have dull coloration. This
group of species is of biomedical interest because they
are potential intermediate hosts of dangerous nematodes
and platyhelminths that parasitize both humans and
economically important nonhuman animals.
Five species of land snails and 14 freshwater
mollusk species had been reported for the Zapata region
prior to the rapid inventory, from collections and from
the literature (Espinosa and Ortea 1999; Alayo and
Espinosa in press).
RESULTS OF THE RAPID INVENTORY
During the rapid inventory we found five species of
land snails. One of them, Cysticopsis exauberi, is a new
record for the area.
We collected seven species of freshwater
mollusks (Appendix 5). The most abundant in the
region is Pomacea palludosa. The presence of Helisoma
foveale and Drepanotrema anatinum constitute new
records for the area. Drepanotrema anatinum was also
an important find because, although this species is
widely distributed throughout Cuba, it is considered
rare. Because the majority of the sites visited are flooded
for most of the year, the freshwater malacofauna is
particularly abundant.
We made the following observations at individual sites:
n Bermeja (semideciduous forest and marsh grassland):
No species was notably abundant at Bermeja, which
was flooded during the rapid inventory. Here we
recorded Eurycampta supertexta, Zachrysia auricoma
auricoma, and Cysticopsis exauberi.
n Peralta (marsh shrubland): We found both Helisoma
caribeum and Pomacea palludosa. The latter species
not only is very abundant here but also reaches
incredible sizes. We also recorded Helisoma foveale
and Drepanotrema anatinum, both new records
for Zapata.
n Pálpite (semideciduous forest): We found Zachrysia
auricoma auricoma and Eurycampta supertexta,
both typical inhabitants of this vegetation type.
Close to this area, we found shells of Liguus fasciatus
alcaldei. This subspecies had been reported for the
region, but scientists had thought that the logging
of semideciduous forests (its preferred habitat) and
severe hurricane damage had eliminated its
populations.
n Hato de Jicarita (marsh grassland): We found
Pomacea palludosa (especially abundant), Helisoma
foveale, Drepanotrema anatinum, Laevapex pfeifferi,
and Eupera cubensis.
100 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME / REPORT NO. 7
n Caleta Sábalo (semideciduous forest): We found
specimens of Eurycampta supertexta and Zachrysia
auricoma auricoma. According to a personal
communication from one of the specialists for this
region, live individuals of Liguus fasciatus alcaldei
have been found in the forests of Caleta Sábalo. We did
not encounter this species in our survey of this site.
However, we are optimistic that in future inventories,
live specimens of L. f. alcaldei could be found.
n Punta Perdíz (coastal thickets [manigua] along
the shore, as well as the littoral zone): We found
Cerion sp. (terrestrial), Nerita peloronta, N. versicolor,
Fissurella barbadensis, Cenchritis muricatus, and
Acanthopleura granulata. The species seen, in
particular Acanthopleura granulata, indicate that the
condition of the ecosystem in this area is good.
Particularly abundant were Fissurella barbadensis,
Nerita versicolor, and N. peloronta.
THREATS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Threats
Threats to terrestrial mollusks include the forest
clearing, logging, and fragmentation that have been so
devastating for the rest of Zapata’s fauna. Fires that are
not part of the regenerative cycle of forest habitats also
take their toll. Hurricanes can aggravate the effects of
these threats. For Liguus, shell collecting may cause
damage to local populations.
Contamination of marshes, swamps, and
rivers may be a threat for Zapata’s freshwater mollusks.
Elimination or degradation of wetlands through
drainage for agriculture may limit the habitat available
for these species.
Recommendations
n Eliminate or mitigate the large-scale threats (clearing,
logging, fragmentation, and excessive burning) of the
forests that support Zapata’s land snails.
n Evaluate, and if necessary reduce, the impact
of waterborne pollution and wetland drainage on
freshwater mollusks.
n Investigate the effects of local shell collecting on
Liguus populations.
AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES
Participants /Authors: Luis M. Diaz and Eduardo Abreu Guerra
Conservation targets: Threatened species: Crocodylus rhombifer,
Trachemys decussata, Epicrates angulifer; endemic taxa:
Sphaerodactylus richardi, Arrhyton procerum, two subspecies of
Anolis luteogularis (A. l. calceus and A. l. jaumei )
INTRODUCTION
Endemism in Cuba’s herpetofauna is high. Of 58
described species of amphibians, approximately 95%
are found only in Cuba. Of 137 described species of
reptiles, 81% are endemic. At least 2 additional species
of amphibians and several species of reptiles are now
being described. We estimate the herpetofaunal richness
of the Zapata Peninsula at 16+ species of amphibians
and 43 of reptiles.
METHODS
We based the rapid inventory of September 2002 on
information from visits to Zapata Swamp that began
in 1994.
To inventory amphibians, we listened for frogs’
calls at night, taped their voices, and collected specimens
for identification. We used a small net to detect the
presence of tadpoles in bodies of water.
For reptiles, we used a rake to search the leaf
litter and looked under stones and fallen logs for hidden
snakes and lizards. We searched other vegetation layers
as well, making observations in wooded and sunny
areas, in addition to building interiors. With these
methods we found most of the anoles, geckos, teiids,
and other lizards recorded, as well as snakes and rare
species with fossorial habits. To make visual observations
of turtles and crocodiles, we surveyed the Hatiguanico
River in a motorboat, all the way to its outlet, channels,
and tributaries.
CUBA : ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE / NOVEMBER 2005 101
102 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME / REPORT NO. 7
Some of our inventory records are based
on specimens found dead. At night we observed some
species of amphibians and snakes on the highway and
detected some sleeping geckos, snakes, and anoles by
using a headlamp.
We complemented our field observations
with analysis of voucher specimens in other collections.
We were able to work with specimens for most of the
species collected previously in Zapata Swamp localities.
ECOLOGICAL CONTEXT
Before the rapid inventory, 10 species of amphibians
and 36 species of reptiles had been recorded for the
Zapata Peninsula. None of the amphibian species is
endemic to Zapata. Although Zapata populations of
Eleutherodactylus riparius are differentiated from other
populations of the species, they are not yet recognized
as a different taxon (Estrada and Hedges 1998).
Among reptiles, a lizard (Sphaerodactylus
richardi, Gekkonidae) and a snake (Arrhyton procerum,
Colubridae) are local endemics. The type locality for both
species is Caleta Buena (40 km east of Playa Larga).
Arrhyton is known from just two specimens and may be
very rare. Zapata Swamp is unusual in harboring 4 species
of giant anoles. Two subspecies of the giant anole Anolis
luteogularis (A. l. calceus and A. l. jaumei) are restricted to
the peninsula and have narrow ranges there. A. l. jaumei
is known only from the vicinity of Playa Larga.
RESULTS OF THE RAPID INVENTORY
During the rapid inventory we recorded 14 species
of amphibians (Appendix 6)—one-quarter of Cuba’s
amphibian fauna, with representatives of all amphibian
families known in the country. Thirteen of these species
are endemic to Cuba.
Our record of Bufo empusus (Fig. 4C) in
Zapata Swamp was the first since the late nineteenth
century (Gundlach 1880). We heard several choruses of
this toad during rainy nights at the Bermeja site and in
all the grassy areas south of the highway near Peralta.
We heard and collected Bufo gundlachi,
Eleutherodactylus atkinsi (Fig. 4G), and E. eileenae,
previously unknown in the Zapata region. Bufo gundlachi
and B. empusus are explosive breeders and are seldom
encountered outside their giant choruses during rainy
nights. This behavior may account for the long absence of
Zapata records. Eleutherodactylus auriculatus (Fig. 4D),
E. varians, E. eileenae, E. planirostris, and E. riparius
are abundant but much easier to hear than to see. Bufo
peltacephalus and Osteopilus septentrionalis are two
other very common anurans.
We found frogs with a color pattern like that
described for Bufo fustiger (Fig. 4F), as well as others
with the characteristics of Bufo peltacephalus. Schwartz
(1960) initially described Bufo fustiger as a geographic
race of B. peltacephalus. Schwartz and Henderson (1991)
recognized it as a distinct species. In a preliminary
acoustic analysis of the recordings that we made in Los
Hondones, where the color pattern is of the fustiger type,
and Bermeja, where color is of the peltacephalus type, we
did not detect significant vocal differences between these
populations. Also, we found individuals with both color
patterns in the Bermeja population. Typically, Bufo
fustiger has dark brown vermiculations over a light
background; Bufo peltacephalus displays small, elongated
spots over a dark background. We recommend more
extensive taxonomic studies of these populations to
clarify their status and relationships to other populations.
Currently we consider Bufo peltacephalus the large toad
species present in Zapata Swamp.
During the rapid inventory we registered
41 species of reptiles (Appendix 6), constituting more
than 30% of Cuba’s species. Fifteen (36%) of the species
recorded are endemic to Cuba.
With respect to taxa endemic to Zapata,
our observations extended the known distribution of
Sphaerodactylus richardi to Playa La Máquina,
approximately 40 km west of the type locality. Also,
judging from material collected on the rapid inventory,
we confirmed that Anolis luteogularis calceus, restricted
to the peninsula, should be considered a geographic race
of A. equestris rather than of A. luteogularis. A future
taxonomic revision would be useful in clarifying its status.
We obtained the first records for the Zapata
region of the reptiles Anolis equestris juraguensis,
A. lucius, A. pumilus (referred to by Estrada [unpubl.
ms.] as Anolis centralis), Arrhyton taeniatum, and
Typhlops biminiensis.
We found several species of lizards easy
to detect: Anolis allisoni, A. homolechis, A. sagrei,
Leiocephalus carinatus, L. stictigaster, and Ameiva auberi.
Several geckos (Hemidactylus haitianus, Sphaerodactylus
argus, and S. elegans) were common inside houses.
The turtle Trachemys decussata (Fig. 4H) was abundant
and we frequently saw individuals basking in rivers
and channels.
By searching carefully in its microhabitats,
we discovered that the endemic Sphaerodactylus richardi
is abundant among the rocks along the coastline and
in semideciduous forest on limestone. During the day
Tropidophis melanurus (Fig. 4K) takes refuge under
palm fronds, logs, and stones, but at night it is easy to
spot as it forages on the ground, even close to houses.
Some cryptic species, such as Anolis alutaceus,
A. angusticeps, A. loysianus, A. pumilus, A. luteogularis,
and A. ophiolepis, may not be scarce, even though they
are seldom encountered.
Further sampling in the Zapata region should
add additional species. One area worthy of exploration
would be the limestone formations near Cienfuegos
Province, where we would expect to find Tarentola
americana (Gekkonidae). Among the ground-dwelling
Eleutherodactylus species, E. dimidiatus probably lives
in the leaf litter of forests that never flood.
THREATS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Threats
Like other animal groups in Zapata Swamp, amphibians
and reptiles are vulnerable to habitat conversion and
degradation from logging, charcoal production, and
agriculture, including livestock ranching. Human-set fires
also may pose a significant threat to these vertebrates,
which are for the most part less mobile than birds or
mammals. Chemical and organic contamination of the
aquifer and the wetlands it feeds may have more serious
consequences for amphibians than for other terrestrial
vertebrates. Both agricultural fertilizers and insecticides,
used to control crop pests and mosquitoes, are potential
sources of this contamination.
In addition to these widespread threats that
harm most or all amphibians and reptiles, heavy pressure
on three reptile species puts them at particular risk:n Crocodylus rhombifer: The only remaining wild
population of the Cuban crocodile is found in Zapata
Swamp. In Lanier Swamp (Isla de la Juventud) and
other parts of Cuba, this species has been extirpated
completely, although reintroduction efforts are under
way. Of the breeding grounds in Zapata Swamp, the
most important is in La Boca, Laguna del Tesoro.
Major threats to this species include illegal hunting
for food; illegal sale of mounted specimens, and of
live juveniles as pets; and hybridization with
Crocodylus acutus on the breeding farms.
n Trachemys decussata (Fig. 4H): Although populations
of this turtle (jicotea) seem to be substantial, it is
overharvested for food and religious use, and to be
sold as souvenirs or kept as pets.
n Epicrates angulifer (Fig. 4J): This boa is the largest
snake in Cuba. It is threatened mainly by popular
prejudices, as it is considered a serious menace to
poultry. Its bad reputation has extended to other
snakes (especially Tropidophis). In addition, the local
population uses its fat for its presumed healing powers.
Recommendations
n Manage local logging for subsistence use and protect
remaining forests, especially those at Bermeja, as
habitat for amphibians and reptiles.
n Track and, if necessary, control the influx of nutrients
through waterways from the highway to Playa Larga.
n Investigate the feasibility of controlling the frequency
and intensity of fires.
n Evaluate and, if necessary, reduce the chemical and
organic contamination of the aquifer and the
wetlands it feeds.
CUBA : ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE / NOVEMBER 2005 103
104 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME / REPORT NO. 7
n Reduce, control, or eliminate the harvest of
threatened species.
n Increase the number of long-term studies of
the natural history of individual species (nutrition,
reproduction, structural use of the habitat, climatic
requirements, vocalizations, general behavior).
n Continue biological inventories across different
seasons and in the largest possible diversity of habitats.
Vegetation types on the limestone formations near
Cienfuegos Province should be the targets of one
such inventory.
n Research the taxonomy of the populations of giant
anoles, frogs, and other amphibian species.
n Track amphibian populations to detect possible
declines. For example, in 1998 we heard large choruses
of Eleutherodactylus eileenae on the Bosque Sonoro
Trail near Pálpite but heard none during the rapid
inventory. Does this difference indicate some unknown
force affecting local amphibian populations?
BIRDS
Participants /Authors: Arturo Kirkconnell, Osmany González,
Douglas F. Stotz, John W. Fitzpatrick, Debra K. Moskovits
Conservation targets: Local endemics of Zapata Swamp
(3 threatened species or subspecies); other threatened Cuban
endemics (6 species, all forest birds); other threatened species
(7); other endemic species (11); habitat for terrestrial migrants
INTRODUCTION
By island standards, Cuba is remarkable both
for species richness and for endemism (Garrido and
Kirkconnell 2000). It has more bird species (360 species :
285 regular in the Cuban archipelago, 75 accidental)
and more single-island endemics (23) than any other
island in the Antilles. The West Indies themselves stand
out in terms of endemism. A high proportion of the
land birds are endemic to the region, and many are
endemic to single islands. These small ranges put many
species at risk.
The Zapata Peninsula is not only the
richest site for bird species in Cuba (258 species, i.e.,
70% of the Cuban avifauna), but also the richest in the
Caribbean for endemic species. Of Cuba’s 23 endemics,
20 occur in the Zapata region. Two of these, Zapata
Rail (Cyanolimnas cerverai) and Zapata Wren (Ferminia
cerverai, Fig. 5A), are found only in Zapata Swamp. In
addition, Zapata is crucially important for birds that are
currently considered threatened with extinction. Of the
30 threatened species in Cuba, 16 currently have
populations on the Zapata Peninsula (Garrido and
Kirkconnell 2000). Historically, Hook-billed Kite
(Chondrohierax uncinatus wilsonii), Ivory-billed
Woodpecker (Campephilus principalis), Cuban Macaw
(Ara tricolor), and Bachman’s Warbler (Vermivora
bachmanii) were known from the area. The importance
of the Zapata Peninsula to the conservation of Cuba’s
avifauna cannot be exaggerated.
METHODS
Between 1987 and the rapid inventory of September
2002, A. Kirkconnell (AK) spent approximately 450 days
surveying birds in the Zapata area. The field team’s
methods and results were built on these efforts.
During the rapid inventory, we walked trails,
typically in two to three groups of observers. We began
our observations about 30 min before sunrise and
returned from the field around noon. In the afternoon,
we returned to the field for 2-3 h in the late afternoon
when activity levels picked up. On a few occasions, we
went out at night to search for owls and nightjars.
Occasionally, we used recordings to attract some
species. The recorded voice of Cuban Pygmy-Owl
(Glaucidium siju) attracted small birds.
We sampled the avifauna of the following sites:
n Bermeja (20 h: 9 September [morning], 10 September
[afternoon], 14 September [morning])
n Peralta (6 h: 10 September [morning])
n Pálpite (7 h: 9 September [afternoon]; 5 h: 8-15
September [casual observations])
CUBA : ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE / NOVEMBER 2005 105
n Hatiguanico River (25 h: 11-12 September)
n Punta Perdíz (8 h: 13 September [morning])
ECOLOGICAL CONTEXT
Of the 258 bird species known from the Zapata
Peninsula, 126 breed in the area, 65 are regular winter
residents, 35 are regular passage migrants, and the
remaining 32 are vagrants (see Appendix 7). Zapata is one
of the best-known areas in Cuba in terms of its avifauna.
As far back as Gundlach’s work in the early 1800s, its
importance as a site for birds was recognized. Recently,
with improved access to the region and its designation as
a Biosphere Reserve, study by ornithologists has increased
dramatically. Complementing AK’s observations since
1987, personnel at Zapata Swamp National Park and the
local CITMA office have contributed numerous sightings
and studies. The avifaunal list for the Zapata region
presented in Appendix 7 is based primarily on this recent
work but includes records from the ornithological
literature. Here we draw on work prior to the rapid
inventory to note the status of species at risk, as well
as some additional endemics. In Results of the Rapid
Inventory we call out sightings of several of these
species and give new records or extensions of previous
knowledge of Zapata’s birds.
ENDANGERED SPECIES ENDEMIC TO THE
ZAPATA PENINSULA
Zapata Rail (Cyanolimnas cerverai )
This species and Zapata Wren have the narrowest
distributions of all endemic bird species in Cuba, and
the two appear to share precisely the same habitat.
Still definitively known only from two localities (Santo
Tomás and Peralta), Zapata Rail has been reliably
reported only three times since 1970, no doubt because
of its secretive behavior and the difficulty of surveying
its habitat. Adding to the difficulty of documenting the
presence of this species is the lack of definitive recordings
of its vocalizations (the single sound specimen originally
attributed to this species recently was identified as
Spotted Rail [Pardirallus maculatus]). This rail
apparently occurs in extremely low densities, in
permanently inundated sawgrass marshes of the Zapata
region. As determined from interpretations of satellite
imagery, suitable habitat may occur as far east as the
Playa Larga highway and west to the tip of the Zapata
Peninsula. Survival of Zapata Rail depends on complete
protection of the sawgrass marshes of Zapata.
Zapata Wren (Ferminia cerverai, Fig. 5A)
Along with Zapata Rail, this species has the most
restricted range of any Cuban endemic. Recent surveys
by AK and colleagues have documented local populations
west of La Turba (1 km west of the Playa Larga highway),
northwest of Sabana Grande, and south of Arroyones.
The species also occurs in marshes on both banks of the
Hatiguanico River. To the west, it is known to occur only
as far as the mouth of the Guareira River. Nevertheless,
expanses of suitable habitat appear to occur well
westward into the middle of the Zapata Peninsula. Zapata
Wrens occupy year-round territories (except immediately
after fires), although they are not distributed uniformly
through the inundated marsh habitats of western Zapata.
They occur only where dense sawgrass is interspersed with
small islands of shrubs and trees, which the birds use as
singing perches. They nest in sawgrass.
Zapata Sparrow (Torreornis inexpectata)
One of three subspecies of this Cuban endemic is
restricted to the Zapata region, where its documented
distribution is very similar to that of Zapata Wren.
Elsewhere, the species is known only from Cayo Coco,
Ciego de Ávila, and coastal Guantánamo Province.
Zapata Sparrow occurs primarily in marshes, but its
habitat requirements are slightly broader than those
of the two preceding species. In addition to using pure
sawgrass, sparrows (either individually or in groups of up
to 5-7 birds) can be found perching or moving through
brushy edges of the marsh, and even in mangroves
bordering sawgrass. This subspecies is not found in
forests of any kind, in agricultural areas, or in any other
habitat lacking sawgrass. Its total population size is
probably somewhat higher than that of Zapata Wren.
106 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME / REPORT NO. 7
THREATENED CUBAN ENDEMICS
Gundlach’s Hawk (Accipiter gundlachi )
Forests of the Zapata region support one of the five
most important populations of this hawk in Cuba.
The species occurs in extremely low densities and is
persecuted by local farmers throughout Cuba because
it occasionally kills their chickens. For successful breeding
this species requires large areas of dense forest well
away from human settlements.
Gray-fronted Quail-Dove (Geotrygon caniceps)
The Zapata population of this species is by far the
most important in Cuba. It occurs throughout Zapata
in the understory of swamp forests and in marsh
borders. Its numbers appear to be stable, but long-term
persistence of the species in Cuba depends on continued
existence of significant tracts of swamp forest in the
Zapata region.
Blue-headed Quail-Dove (Starnoenas cyanocephala )
The Zapata region is one of the three most important
population centers for this species in Cuba (the other
two being Guanahacabibes Peninsula and Sierra del
Rosario). In Zapata this dove occurs principally in the
narrow band of dry semideciduous forest bordering the
coast from Playa Larga to 20 km west of Playa Girón.
In addition, it is found regularly in swamp forest east
of Playa Larga as far as Bermeja.
Cuban Parakeet (Aratinga euops)
The Zapata region supports the fourth most important
population of this endangered parakeet (the others
occurring in Sierra de Guamuhaya, Sierra de Najasa,
and the Nipe-Sagua-Baracoa Mountains). In Zapata the
parakeet’s numbers have been declining since 1990,
mainly because of nest robbing and destruction of palm
trees by humans. This species is highly mobile, moving
seasonally in response to local fruit and seed abundance.
It requires intact forest with good numbers of mature
sabal or royal palms.
Bee Hummingbird (Mellisuga helenae, Fig. 5D)
The Zapata population of this species (the world’s
smallest bird) is the most important remaining in the
world. In Zapata this species is restricted to the band of
swamp forest from Santo Tomás to the east, as far as
Playa Girón and Bermeja. Outside the breeding season
the species is difficult to find; it may move locally in
response to flowering.
Fernandina’s Flicker (Colaptes fernandinae)
The Zapata population of this woodpecker is the
most important in Cuba. The species occurs very locally
within Zapata, reaching its highest numbers in the
region of Bermeja. Like the two parrots, this flicker
occupies forested areas with high densities of sabal
or royal palms.
OTHER THREATENED SPECIES
West Indian Whistling-Duck (Dendrocygna arborea )
This globally vulnerable species occurs on many
Caribbean islands but is declining everywhere. Cuba
supports the largest population, but its numbers are
declining steadily as a result of hunting (local hunters
indicate that this bird’s meat has an excellent flavor).
The Zapata region supports one of Cuba’s most
important breeding populations of this species.
Masked Duck (Nomonyx dominicus)
This secretive duck occurs in freshwater marshes from
the southern USA patchily south to northern Argentina.
It occurs on all of the Greater Antilles, in addition to
scattered islands in the Lesser Antilles, but has declined
throughout the West Indies (Raffaele et al 1998). It is
seldom encountered anywhere in its range, including in
Cuba. Although it is rare in Zapata, it is regularly
recorded at some sites, especially San Tomás. The
Zapata population is likely the most important for this
species anywhere in the West Indies. Besides loss of
habitat, nest predation by introduced mammals is a
major threat.
CUBA : ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE / NOVEMBER 2005 107
Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus)
This species is rare in the Zapata peninsula.
Zapata is home to both the resident Cuban subspecies
(A. s. fringilloides) and, in winter, migrants from
North America (A. s. velox). The resident subspecies
is considered threatened and usually is associated with
pine forests. Because pine stands are rare in Zapata,
populations here are not particularly large. Zapata is
probably not crucial to the long-term conservation of
this species in Cuba.
Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis)
Cuba hosts an endemic subspecies of this widespread
crane, and the only population that breeds in Latin
America. In Zapata, the third most important Cuban
population occurs and numbers about 80 individuals.
Their principal breeding occurs in the savannas of the
San Lázaro region.
Plain Pigeon (Patagioenas inornata)
This species occurs throughout the Greater Antilles but
is rare and extremely localized on every island. In Cuba,
the principal population occurs in the Sierra de Najasa.
In Zapata, the species has been reported recently only in
Maniadero, west of Santo Tomás, where it occupies
open country with scattered palms.
Cuban Parrot (Amazona leucocephala, Fig. 5E)
Forests of the Zapata region support one of the five
most important populations of this parrot in Cuba (the
others occurring in the Guanahacabibes Peninsula,
Sierra de Guamuhaya, Sierra de Najasa, and the Nipe-
Sagua-Baracoa Mountains). In Zapata Swamp the
parrot populations declined substantially through the
1980s but have begun to recover since about 1996.
This recovery may be a consequence of a shift in the
principal nesting areas farther away from human
settlement. Although both species require intact forest
with mature and dead palms, the parrot occurs in a
wider variety of forests than does the parakeet. The
ecologies of both the parrot and the parakeet should be
studied further, but clearly both require greater
protection of forests in order to persist in Zapata.
Stygian Owl (Asio stygius)
Stygian Owl occurs patchily through much of the
Neotropics. In the West Indies, it is found in Cuba and
Hispaniola. The status of this owl in Zapata is poorly
known, primarily because it is nocturnal. A few
individuals have been found at scattered locations through
much of the peninsula. Its preference for dense pine forests
suggests that populations in Zapata are probably not as
high as those in some other parts of Cuba.
Other Cuban endemics
In addition to the species discussed above, 15 other
bird species are endemic to Cuba. Eleven of these
15 endemics (74%) occur in the Zapata region. All
of these 11 except the Cuban Grassquit have large
populations in the Zapata region.
n Bare-legged Owl (Gymnoglaux lawrencii)
n Cuban Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium siju)
n Cuban Trogon (Priotelus temnurus)
n Cuban Tody (Todus multicolor)
n Cuban Green Woodpecker (Xiphidiopicus percussus)
n Cuban Martin (Progne cryptoleuca)
(endemic as breeder)
n Cuban Vireo (Vireo gundlachi)
n Yellow-headed Warbler (Teretistris fernandinae)
n Cuban Grassquit (Tiaris canorus)
n Red-shouldered Blackbird (Agelaius assimilis)
n Cuban Blackbird (Dives atroviolacea)
North American migrants
Zapata is the most important site in Cuba for endemic
birds, with the largest number of species of endemics,
and 2 species plus a subspecies restricted to the peninsula.
It is also arguably the most important area in Cuba for
migrant birds from North America. One hundred species
regularly winter in or migrate through Zapata. The
forests of Zapata and coastal mudflats are the most
important habitats for migrants. Migrant landbirds
(Figs. 5B,C) are abundant throughout the nonbreeding
season in Zapata’s forests. The abundance and species
richness of wintering landbirds is higher at Zapata than
anywhere else in Cuba. At least 12 species of migrant
landbirds have large portions of their wintering
populations in Cuba and use Zapata’s forests.
The mudflats along the southern coast of the
Zapata peninsula are used heavily by migrant shorebirds
both during migration and in winter. Species richness
and abundance of individual shorebirds, though not
particularly high by global standards, are probably
greater here than at any other site in the Caribbean.
RESULTS OF THE RAPID INVENTORY
We observed 117 species of birds during the rapid
inventory. Ninety-one of them breed in the Zapata
region, 17 winter there, and 9 occur only as transients.
Because of the timing of our inventory, most wintering
migrants had not yet arrived or, if present, occurred only
in small numbers. We observed the following numbers
of species at the study sites (note that we observed
3 species—Eastern Meadowlark, Shiny Cowbird, and
House Sparrow—only in transit between the major
sites sampled):
Bermeja (61)
Peralta (58)
Pálpite (68)
Hatiguanico River (86)
Punta Perdíz (46)
Noteworthy sightings (or absences)
Endangered Zapata endemics
Zapata Rail: We did not encounter this species during
our brief inventory.
Zapata Wren: Judging from field surveys by AK and
colleagues, satellite imagery, and ground-truthing during
and after the rapid inventory, we estimate the total
population of Zapata Wrens at 120 to 150 pairs.
Conservation of Zapata Wren depends on protecting
and managing its marsh habitat, including controlling the
frequency of fires and stopping the spread of Melaleuca
trees. During our inventory we saw or heard Zapata
Wrens along the Hatiguanico River, and on both sides of
the road to the guard station at Hato de Jicarita.
Zapata Sparrow: Conservation strategies for Zapata
Sparrow are the same as those for the previous two
species. During our inventory we saw Zapata Sparrows
along the Hatiguanico River and along the road to Hato
de Jicarita.
Threatened Cuban endemics
Gundlach’s Hawk: During our inventory we
encountered Gundlach’s Hawk in Bermeja and soaring
over the mangroves of the Guareira River (where they
nest in the forest islands called petenes). We recorded
them also in marsh grasslands and in the semideciduous
forest near Punta Perdíz.
Gray-fronted Quail-Dove: We heard Gray-fronted
Quail-Doves in moderate numbers in the swamp forests
at Bermeja, Peralta, and Pálpite. We saw a few individuals,
including a cooperative pair on the trail at Peralta. The
species is moderately common in Zapata in the
appropriate habitat.
Blue-headed Quail-Dove: We heard Blue-headed
Quail-Dove at dawn at Bermeja.
Cuban Parakeet: At Pálpite we saw small flocks, ranging
from 3 to 8 individuals, on three dates, in disturbed forest
along the road. The forest around Pálpite appears
marginal as breeding habitat for this species.
Bee Hummingbird: Hurricane Michelle (5 Nov 2001)
caused substantial damage to the forest containing the
highest number of Bee Hummingbirds in Zapata. The
population was extremely low during the period of our
inventory. We found only 4 individuals.
Fernandina’s Flicker: At Bermeja, where the largest
population in Zapata occurs, we observed several
individuals in open palm savanna on each of our
three visits.
108 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME / REPORT NO. 7
CUBA : ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE / NOVEMBER 2005 109
Other new or significant records
On 12 September, AK and J. W. Fitzpatrick observed
a Bay-breasted Warbler (Dendroica castanea) in the
mangroves along the lower course of the Hatiguanico
River. This is the first record for the Zapata Swamp,
and the earliest fall record for Cuba by two weeks.
Two species, Common Nighthawk
(Chordeiles minor) and Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus
tyrannus), known from one and two previous records at
Zapata, were migrating through the area in significant
numbers during our inventory. The nighthawk was
observed in moderate numbers at Bermeja and Pálpite
on the days between 8 and 10 September. Eastern
Kingbirds were migrating overhead in significant
numbers on 9 September, with more than 200 birds seen
in several flocks ranging in size from 15 to 75 birds.
Throughout the rest of the inventory, we observed
flocks with fewer than 10 individuals daily.
Yellow-throated Vireo (Vireo flavifrons),
typically a rare winter resident on mainland Cuba, was
observed regularly at Zapata in small numbers in mixed-
species flocks dominated by warblers, gnatcatchers and
other species of vireos.
THREATS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Threats
In spite of the mobility of many species, the Zapata
Peninsula’s birds suffer from all the large-scale threats
noted earlier: (1) alteration and contamination of the
water table and resulting impacts on inundated habitats
especially; (2) uncontrolled logging, which alters the
vegetation structure on which some endemic species
depend; (3) smaller-scale use of trees—for example,
cutting leaves for roofing during avian breeding season;
(4) degradation of habitat by invasive plants and
introduced vertebrate species; and (5) fires that are
too frequent or too severe for the resilience of the
ecosystem. These threats can cause different kinds of
damage during nonbreeding and breeding seasons.
In addition to these sweeping menaces to most
of Zapata’s birds, particular species are at risk from
more specific threats. The three Zapata endemics,
with their ranges narrowly restricted to the marshes,
are especially vulnerable to long-term or episodic
destruction or degradation of this habitat. Cutting of
sabal and royal palms is particularly devastating to
populations of both parrot species and Fernandina’s
Flicker. The parrots also suffer from direct human
interference with their breeding efforts, especially when
nests are robbed for chicks to be sold as pets. Humans
target Gundlach’s Hawk because they perceive it as a
threat to poultry. Uncontrolled hunting of gamebirds,
both terrestrial (e.g., White-crowned Pigeon) and
aquatic (e.g., West Indian Whistling-Duck) may already
be putting Zapata’s populations at risk.
Recommendations
n Consolidate and extend protection for Zapata’s birds
and their habitats by expanding the intensity and
extent of conservation action to the entire peninsula.
n Track and, if necessary, control diversions and other
hydrological alterations, as well as runoff and other
sources of contamination of the water table and
surface water.
n Regulate the extraction of wood, in volume, structure,
and seasonality.
n Control the spread of Melaleuca in the marsh,
as it presents particular dangers for the three marsh
endemics.
n Investigate the feasibility of controlling the frequency
and intensity of fires.
n Reduce hunting of bird species of particular
conservation concern.
n Raise awareness, in farming communities, of the
ecological value of Gundlach’s Hawk.
n Devise and test strategies for protecting the nest sites
of parrots, parakeets, and flickers.
n Study the habitat requirements of breeding Zapata
Wren and Zapata Sparrow.
n Fill particular information gaps in the ecologies of
Cuban Parrot and Cuban Parakeet: food, breeding
behavior, use of frontier habitats.
n Conduct inventories, in more depth, of the following:
(1) Zapata Rail, (2) Zapata Wren, (3) Zapata
Sparrow, (4) forested areas east of Playa Girón, and
(5) the large expanse of swamp to the south and west
of the Zapata Peninsula.
MAMMALS
Participant /Author: Stephen Díaz
Conservation targets: Three species of hutias: Mesocapromys
nanus, Capromys pilorides, Mysateles prehensilis; West Indian
manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus)
INTRODUCTION
In the Cuban archipelago, scientists have recorded
38 extant native species of terrestrial and freshwater
mammals: 27 bats (with 3 endemic species); an endemic
insectivore, the almiquí (Solenodon cubanus); 9 endemic
species of hutias (Rodentia, Capromyidae); and the
West Indian manatee (Sirenia: Trichechus manatus).
METHODS
We inventoried mammals mainly through direct
observation in the field, as well as through indirect means
such as searching for scat and bite damage on branches.
The team also relied on the support and the experience of
station personnel for information on mammals.
We visited the following sites: Peralta,
Hatiguanico River, Bermeja, Pálpite, and Punta Perdíz.
ECOLOGICAL CONTEXT
Mammals are less diverse than other animal groups in
the Zapata region. Including both native and introduced
species, Zapata’s mammal fauna includes 5 orders,
9 families, 14 genera, and 15 species.
Scientists and conservation authorities are
concerned by a progressive decline of populations of the
West Indian manatee in Cuba. Estrada and Ferrer (1987)
consider its current situation very precarious, mainly a
result of indiscriminate exploitation, for meat and skins,
that the species has faced for hundreds of years. Its
geographic distribution includes, among other areas of
western Cuba, part of the Zapata Peninsula, along the
coastal region in the La Broa-Hatiguanico River Inlet.
Bats (Chiroptera) are the mammal group
with the greatest species richness in Zapata. The taxa
recorded are Noctilio leporinus mastivus, Pteronotus
parnelli parnelli, Artibeus jamaicensis parvipes, Phyllops
falcatus, Brachyphylla nana, and Lasiurus borealis.
Six rodents are known from Zapata: Rattus rattus,
Mus musculus, Mesocapromys nanus, Capromys
pilorides, Mysateles prehensilis, and Agouti paca.
Other mammals known from Zapata are the West
Indian manatee (the subspecies Trichechus manatus
manatus), white-tailed deer (Artiodactyla: Odocoileus
virginianus), and the small Indian mongoose (Carnivora:
Herpestes javanicus) (Garrido 1980). Of these species,
only the bats, Mesocapromys, Capromys, Mysateles,
and the manatee are native.
Zapata is home to 3 species of hutias. These
rodents belong to the family Capromyidae, which is
restricted to the West Indies. Some 26 species pertaining to
8 genera survived into historic times, but only 13 species
in 6 genera still exist (Nowak 1999), and most are
threatened with extinction. Human exploitation for food
has been the primary cause of their demise, although loss
of forest in recent times may have contributed to the
endangerment of the remaining species.
Of the 3 hutias known from Zapata,
Mesocapromys nanus (dwarf hutia, jutía enana) is a
relict species, with a geographic distribution restricted to
the Zapata region. Fossil remains of this species have
been found elsewhere in the Cuban archipelago (Varona
and Arredondo 1979), indicating that at one time it had
a larger geographic distribution. The current status
(distribution and abundance) of Mesocapromys nanus in
the peninsula is unknown. According to the personal
communications gathered by Garrido (1980), at one time
this animal was common near Santo Tomás and Soplillar.
110 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME / REPORT NO. 7
CUBA : ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE / NOVEMBER 2005 111
But a notable reduction in its distribution has occurred,
and it has not been seen or collected since 1937.
Capromys pilorides (jutía conga) and
Mysateles prehensilis (jutía carabalí) are more common
in the archipelago, and their distributions are much
more extensive. Both hutias are found in forested areas
and islets of vegetation (including mangroves) that are
not flooded during rainy periods. Populations of
Capromys pilorides are distributed throughout Cuba
and show substantial ecological plasticity. Nonetheless,
the species has declined with increasing human
populations and extension of the agricultural lands in
Cuba. Capromys pilorides is the largest species of hutia.
Apparently it is the species most heavily subjected to
illicit hunting, but it is also frequently kept in captivity
by villagers and bred as food.
Little information about Zapata’s other
mammal species exists.
RESULTS OF THE RAPID INVENTORY
During the inventory we recorded only four species:
the native hutia Capromys pilorides and three introduced
species (Rattus rattus, Mus musculus, and Herpestes
javanicus). We observed C. pilorides at the Pálpite and
Hatiguanico River sites. Many areas visited had enough
evidence of human activity to suggest pressure on local
populations of this species.
THREATS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Threats
Destruction or degradation of habitat is probably the
greatest threat to the mammals of Zapata Swamp. Some
of the most sweeping losses may result from unmanaged
cutting of forests and drainage of marsh and swamp for
conversion to agricultural fields (for example, the rice
agroecosystem in the south). The latter threat may be the
main culprit in the reduction of populations of the dwarf
hutia in central Zapata Swamp. Severe fires following
hurricanes or deliberately set by humans make further
inroads into the quality of mammal habitat, as does the
fragmentation of forest and wetlands by roads and
canals. The disappearance of aquatic vegetation is likely
to be a threat to manatee populations. Adding to the
damage caused by habitat loss is the impact of illicit
hunting on some mammal species.
Recommendations
n Address the sources of large-scale loss and
deterioration of mammal habitat. Manage logging,
wetland drainage, fire cycles, road building, and
channelization so that they are compatible with
known conservation needs of mammal species.
n Control illicit hunting.
n Verify the status of Mesocapromys nanus in the region.
If the species still occurs in Zapata Swamp, conduct
studies to define its current geographic distribution,
assess habitat quality, and obtain population estimates.
Seek support for natural history studies.
n Study the ecology of the other species of hutias in
Zapata, with the goal of managing their populations.
n Increase knowledge of the biology of Trichechus
manatus in Zapata.
HUMAN COMMUNITIES
Participants /Authors: Tania Piñeiro and Eduardo Abreu Guerra
Conservation targets: No specific targets yet identified
INTRODUCTION
Our work in Zapata Swamp did not include a rapid
social assessment, and without this exploration of the
ecology of local communities, we do not feel confident
in identifying specific conservation targets in the
human sphere. But previous studies of the peninsula’s
history and human ecology have the potential to put
the results of the rapid biological inventory into
context. Here we present excerpts of information on
demography, history and culture, use of and threats to
the region’s biological diversity, and the socioeconomic
potential for conservation.
112 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME / REPORT NO. 7
DEMOGRAPHY
Zapata Swamp is the largest and least populated
municipio (comparable to a county) in Cuba. It is home to
9,000 people, with a population density of approximately
2 inhabitants per km2. Roughly 40% of the population
lives in urban areas and 60% in rural zones, distributed
among 19 settlements.
HISTORY AND CULTURE
The Zapata Peninsula owes its name not to its shoelike
shape (zapato), as some might believe, but to Francisco
Zapata, a landholder to whom the municipal government
of La Habana granted part of the region in 1635.
On his second voyage to the West Indies,
Christopher Columbus encountered native populations,
belonging to a late pre-agricultural ceramic culture,
around the present-day Bay of Pigs. Later, the distance
of the Zapata Peninsula from marine routes, its
geographic isolation, and the presence of numerous
keys and other potential hiding places made this coast
an ideal refuge for pirates. Two of the most notorious
were Diego Pérez and Gilberto Girón, who at different
periods used Zapata as headquarters for their operations.
When piracy and freebooting were eliminated in the
nineteenth century, the illegal importation of slaves
boomed in the region.
The Ten-Year War for independence in the
nineteenth century did not reach Matanzas Province
with the force that it had in the eastern part of the
country. But because of its proximity to Las Villas
Province, where large contingents of mambises
revolutionaries operated, Zapata Swamp played a far-
reaching role in the independence movements of the
nineteenth century. The rebel army found safe havens
here to regain their strength and heal their wounds.
In the middle of the first decade of the
twentieth century, the first and only railroads in the
region were built.
The Zapata Peninsula definitively entered the
history of the Americas on 17 April 1961 with the Bay of
Pigs invasion. This operation of the Central Intelligence
Agency (CIA) involved 1,500 organized men trained,
armed, and directed by the government of the United
States of America. The Cuban army defeated these troops
in battles along the road to Playa Girón from the north.
Zapata Swamp has a distinct cultural identity.
It has enormous importance for the conservation of
key elements of the Cuban and Caribbean cultures,
such as significant archeological sites of aboriginal
pre-agricultural communities, as well as the customs,
lifeways, and traditional uses of natural resources of
the current inhabitants.
USE OF NATURAL RESOURCES
In the past, human pressure on the biological diversity
of the Zapata Peninsula was limited. Human
populations were and remain relatively low, and much
of the terrain is inaccessible because of the presence of
extensive mangrove forests, flooded savannas, and
marsh grasslands.
Human communities living in and near
Zapata Swamp depend on its forests and wetlands for
sustenance. Wood extraction and charcoal manufacture
are the main source of local income—almost all of
Zapata’s inhabitants have links to these activities. From
the forests comes the wood used to build their homes,
tourist installations, and other structures. Ecotourism
makes use of some of the forested areas of high quality.
Zapata Swamp is the most important source of water
for many local communities, even though this water is
not always potable. Local communities, as well as
neighboring settlements and cities, also depend on the
Zapata ecosystem for food.
Core areas
In the protected zones that constitute the core areas of
Zapata Swamp, the following uses of natural resources
take place:
n Silviculture: In the core areas, silviculture is directed
toward management for forest conservation rather
than wood production. Elimination of exotic plants is
one of the goals of this use of the forest.
CUBA : ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE / NOVEMBER 2005 113
n Tourism: This activity has boomed recently but
provides economic benefits to only a small portion of
the local population at present. Basic tourist
infrastructure has been constructed in portions of
Zapata Swamp National Park. Activities include
wildlife observation, boat trips, sport fishing,
landscape viewing, and hiking.
n Scientific research: Because of its inaccessibility,
Zapata Swamp has hosted fewer scientific studies
than most other areas of the country. Nevertheless,
some of the current research includes investigations
of fauna and flora, socioeconomic studies of local
communities, and historical and cultural research.
Buffer zone
Outside the core areas, the major uses of natural
resources are the following:
n Forestry: In this zone, forest exploitation is
authorized by a forest ordination project and is
directed to the production of lumber, firewood,
charcoal, and wood for the curing of tobacco and
leather. Forestry companies are involved in larger-
scale extraction; a small percentage of charcoal
producers are self-employed. The guidelines of the
ordination project allow extraction of firewood from
logging zones as long as specific harvesting schedules
are observed. Despite reforestation efforts, a large
area of forest on the peninsula has been destroyed or
significantly disturbed.
n Silviculture: This activity focuses on forest
improvement through the development of plantations
and other alternatives to the harvest of wild forests.
Silviculture generates jobs for the local population and
has the potential to guarantee the survival of the forest.
n Agriculture: Rice, citrus, and other agroecosystems
have been developed in the region. Some of the
land users are private smallholders. The most
significant damage caused by this use of resources
comes from habitat destruction and pollution via
chemical fertilizers.
n Livestock production : Cattle ranching is limited
in the Zapata region to the environs of some local
communities and is not extensive. It is regulated
by two basic plans: the Cattle Plan and the Special
Buffalo Plan. Some livestock, especially water
buffaloes, have gone feral, causing severe damage
to crops and natural vegetation.
n Sport hunting: Hunters kill migratory and resident
species of birds, primarily in rice fields. Hunting
quotas, and therefore impacts on populations, vary
from species to species.
n Fisheries: A small fishing port is active at Caleta Ávalos.
n Apiculture: Artificial beehives are moved from place
to place at intervals. Because of the richness of the
bee-pollinated flora of the region, apiculture could
become stronger than it is now. Also, it is likely to be
more compatible with biodiversity conservation than
many other uses of natural resources.
OBSTACLES TO AND POTENTIAL FOR
CONSERVATION
In recent years, socioeconomic changes in Cuba and
in the Zapata Peninsula have encouraged an increase in
human pressure on the biological diversity of the region.
Both local populations and migrants from other parts of
the country have contributed to the increases in forest
destruction and degradation and in illegal hunting and
fishing. Two overarching influences that aggravate this
pressure have been the strained circumstances of the
national economy and an evident decrease in national
capacity to preserve crucial natural areas. A major
handicap is the lack of infrastructure adequate to
sustain protected-area conservation and to promote
environmental education.
On a regional scale, unplanned tourism poses
a future threat. Even ecotourism has the potential to
damage Zapata’s ecosystems, as well as its economic
fabric, unless activities are managed carefully and unless
financial and social benefits flow to local communities.
Times may be changing for the better. Cuba
is showing a trend toward economic recovery. Efforts
like the World Wildlife Fund-Canadian International
Development Agency Conservation and Sustainable
Development in Zapata Swamp project provide a
nucleus for building conservation capacity in the region.
Protection and management of Zapata Swamp could
take a great leap forward with the following steps that
would address underlying socioeconomic pressures:
n Expand the intensity and extent of conservation action
to the entire Zapata Peninsula, with appropriate zoning
to accommodate people living in the region.
n Manage the extraction of local wood, especially in
the Bermeja area, and implement effective plans for
reforestation.
n Track and, if necessary, check the inflow of nutrients
and contaminants from agricultural areas to the north.
n Regulate or eliminate the hunting of threatened,
endangered, or sensitive species.
n Improve working conditions for conservation staff.
n Coordinate the activities of responsible agencies
to strengthen planning and implementation of
conservation.
n Conduct sociological and ethnobiological studies
with Zapata’s human communities to provide the
basis for local and successful management plans.
n Increase the extent and level of conservation
education for the peninsula’s inhabitants, as well
as training for conservation staff.
n Encourage environmental tourism and concentrate
plans for new hotels in areas already developed.
114 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME / REPORT NO. 7
Apéndices /Appendices
116 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME / REPORT NO. 7
Apéndice /Appendix 1
Plantas Vasculares/Vascular Plants
Nombre científico/Scientific name
PLANTAS VASCULARES / VASCULAR PLANTS
ANTHOPHYTA (plantas con flores/flowering plants)
Acanthaceae
Ruellia tuberosa
Aizoaceae
Sesuvium microphyllum
Sesuvium portulacastrum
Alismataceae
Sagittaria lancifolia
Amaranthaceae
Amaranthus australis
Gomphrena vermicularis
Amaryllidaceae
Crinum erubescens
Anacardiaceae
Comocladia dentata
Annonaceae
Annona glabra
Oxandra lanceolata
Apiaceae
Centella erecta
Oxypolis filiformis
Apocynaceae
Cryptostegia grandiflora
Echites umbellata
Forsteronia corymbosa
Plumeria obtusa
Rauvolfia cubana
Rauvolfia nitida
Rauvolfia tetraphylla
Rhabdadenia biflora
Tabernaemontana amblyocarpa
Tabernaemontana citrifolia
Urechites lutea
Aquifoliaceae
Ilex cassine
Araceae
Philodendron lacerum
Araliaceae
Dendropanax (1 unidentified sp.)
Nombre científico/Scientific name
Arecaceae
Acoelorraphe wrightii
Roystonea regia
Sabal maritima
Thrinax radiata
Aristolochiaceae
Aristolochia glandulosa
Asclepiadaceae
Asclepias nivea
Sarcostemma clausum
Asteraceae
Ageratum conyzoides
Bidens pilosa
Borrichia arborescens
Koanophyllon villosum
Melanthera hastata
Mikania micrantha
Parthenium hysterophorus
Pluchea carolinensis
Pluchea rosea
Solidago stricta
Spilanthes urens
Tridax procumbens
Verbesina alata
Viguiera dentata
Wedelia rugosa
Wedelia trilobata
(1 unidentified sp.)
Bignoniaceae
Amphitecna latifolia
Crescentia cujete
Tabebuia leptoneura
Bombacaceae
Ceiba pentandra
Boraginaceae
Bourreria succulenta
Cordia gerascanthus
Heliotropium angiospermum
Tournefortia volubilis
Especies de plantas vasculares fotografiadas durante el inventario biológico rápido de la península de Zapata, 8-15 de septiembre de 2002. Fotos de Robin B. Foster. Identificaciones por Ramona Oviedo y Tania Chateloín.
Nombre científico/Scientific name
PLANTAS VASCULARES / VASCULAR PLANTS
Nombre científico/Scientific name
CUBA : ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE / NOVEMBER 2005 117
Bromeliaceae
Hohenbergia penduliflora
Tillandsia balbisiana
Tillandsia fasciculata
Tillandsia flexuosa
Tillandsia usneoides
Tillandsia utriculata
Burseraceae
Bursera simaruba
Cabombaceae
Cabomba (1 unidentified sp.)
Cactaceae
Opuntia dillenii
Selenicereus grandiflorus
Campanulaceae
Isotoma longiflora
Casuarinaceae
Casuarina equisetifolia
Cecropiaceae
Cecropia schreberiana
Chrysobalanaceae
Chrysobalanus icaco
Clusiaceae
Calophyllum antillanum
Combretaceae
Bucida buceras
Bucida palustris
Conocarpus erectus
Laguncularia racemosa
Terminalia catappa
Commelinaceae
Commelina elegans
Convolvulaceae
Aniseia martinicensis
Cuscuta (1 unidentified sp.)
Ipomoea acuminata cf.
Ipomoea alba
Ipomoea microdactyla
Ipomoea pes-caprae
Ipomoea tiliacea
Merremia aegyptia
(1 unidentified sp.)
Cyperaceae
Cladium jamaicense
Cyperus (1 unidentified sp.)
Eleocharis articulata
Rhynchospora colorata
Scleria lithosperma cf.
Dioscoreaceae
Dioscorea (2 unidentified spp.)
Erythroxylaceae
Erythroxylum confusum
Erythroxylum suave
Euphorbiaceae
Adelia ricinella
Argythamnia candicans
Caperonia castaneifolia
Caperonia cubana
Chamaesyce hypericifolia
Croton lucidus
Euphorbia heterophylla
Gymnanthes lucida
Jatropha (1 unidentified sp.)
Ricinus communis
Fabaceae – Caesalpinioideae
Caesalpinia bonduc
Caesalpinia coriaria
Caesalpinia violacea
Caesalpinia (1 unidentified sp.)
Peltophorum adnatum
Senna chrysocarpa cf.
Senna ligustrina
Senna occidentalis
Fabaceae – Mimosoideae
Dichrostachys cinerea
Lysiloma latisiliquum
Neptunia oleracea cf.
Pithecellobium lentiscifolium
Fabaceae – Papilionoideae
Belairia mucronata
Species of vascular plants photographed during the rapid biological inventory of the Zapata Peninsula, 8-15 September 2002. Photos by Robin B. Foster. Identifications by Ramona Oviedo and Tania Chateloín.
Apéndice /Appendix 1
Plantas Vasculares/Vascular Plants
118 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME / REPORT NO. 7
Apéndice /Appendix 1
Plantas Vasculares/Vascular Plants
Nombre científico/Scientific name
PLANTAS VASCULARES / VASCULAR PLANTS
Calopogonium caeruleum
Canavalia maritima
Centrosema virginianum
Dalbergia ecastaphyllum
Delonix regia
Desmodium canum
Galactia striata cf.
Lonchocarpus domingensis
Macroptilium lathyroides
Mucuna urens
Rhynchosia minima
Flacourtiaceae
Casearia guianensis
Casearia sylvestris
Homalium racemosum
Zuelania guidonia
Lamiaceae
Hyptis verticillata
Lauraceae
Cassytha filiformis
Nectandra coriacea
Lentibulariaceae
Utricularia foliosa
Loganiaceae
Mitreola petiolata
Loranthaceae
Dendrophthora (1 unidentified sp.)
Lythraceae
Cuphea parsonsia
Malpighiaceae
Banisteriopsis pauciflora
Stigmaphyllon sagraeanum
Malvaceae
Hibiscus elatus
Hibiscus maculatus
Pavonia spinifex cf.
Sida acuta
Sida (1 unidentified sp.)
Thespesia populnea
Nombre científico/Scientific name
Marantaceae
Thalia geniculata
Martyniaceae
Martynia annua
Meliaceae
Cedrela odorata
Guarea guidonia
Swietenia mahagoni
Trichilia havanensis
Trichilia hirta
Menispermaceae
Hyperbaena cubensis
Menyanthaceae
Nymphoides grayana
Moraceae
Ficus aurea
Ficus crassinervia
Ficus subscabrida
Trophis racemosa
Myricaceae
Myrica cerifera
Myrtaceae
Eugenia farameoides
Eugenia foetida
Eugenia rhombea cf.
Eugenia tuberculata
Nyctaginaceae
Boerhavia erecta
Pisonia aculeata
Nymphaeaceae
Nymphaea ampla
Ochnaceae
Ouratea ilicifolia
Ouratea nitida
Olacaceae
Schoepfia chrysophylloides
Oleaceae
Forestiera rhamnifolia
Fraxinus cubensis
Nombre científico/Scientific name
PLANTAS VASCULARES / VASCULAR PLANTS
Nombre científico/Scientific name
CUBA : ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE / NOVEMBER 2005 119
Onagraceae
Ludwigia octovalvis
Orchidaceae
Bletia pupurea
Oeceoclades maculata
Oncidium variegatum
Vanilla phaeantha cf.
Vanilla wrightii cf.
Passifloraceae
Passiflora suberosa
Phytolaccaceae
Rivina humilis
Picramniaceae
Picramnia pentandra
Piperaceae
Piper auritum
Poaceae
Andropogon (1 unidentified sp.)
Arundo donax
Lasiacis (1 unidentified sp.)
Panicum maximum
Paspalum virgatum
Saccharum giganteum
(2 unidentified spp.)
Polygalaceae
Securidaca elliptica
Securidaca (1 unidentified sp.)
Polygonaceae
Coccoloba diversifolia
Coccoloba uvifera
Polygonum densiflorum
Portulacaceae
Portulaca oleracea
Potamogetonaceae
Potamogeton illinoensis
Rhamnaceae
Colubrina arborescens
Colubrina asiatica
Gouania polygama
Rhizophoraceae
Rhizophora mangle
Rubiaceae
Borreria laevis
Cephalanthus occidentalis
Chiococca alba
Guettarda calyptrata
Guettarda combsii
Guettarda elliptica
Guettarda scabra cf.
Hamelia patens
Morinda royoc
Palicourea domingensis
Psychotria (1 unidentified sp.)
Psychotria undata
Rachicallis americana
Stenostomum lucidum
Rutaceae
Amyris elemifera
Zanthoxylum elephantiasis
Zanthoxylum fagara
Zanthoxylum martinicense
Salicaceae
Salix caroliniana
Sapindaceae
Allophylus cominia
Cupania glabra
Cupania macrophylla
Exothea paniculata
Melicoccus bijugatus
Serjania diversifolia
Sapotaceae
Chrysophyllum oliviforme
Pouteria (1 unidentified sp.)
Scrophulariaceae
Bacopa monieri
Capraria biflora
Scoparia dulcis
Stemodia maritima
Apéndice /Appendix 1
Plantas Vasculares/Vascular Plants
120 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME / REPORT NO. 7
Apéndice /Appendix 1
Plantas Vasculares/Vascular Plants
Nombre científico/Scientific name
PLANTAS VASCULARES / VASCULAR PLANTS
Simaroubaceae
Simarouba glauca
Smilacaceae
Smilax havanensis
Smilax laurifolia
Solanaceae
Lycianthes lenta
Solanum chamaeacanthum
Sterculiaceae
Melochia (1 unidentified sp.)
Waltheria indica (1 unidentified sp.)
Theophrastaceae
Jacquinia aculeata
Jacquinia stenophylla
Turneraceae
Turnera ulmifolia
Typhaceae
Typha domingensis
Ulmaceae
Celtis iguanaea
Celtis trinervia
Vallisneriaceae
Vallisneria neotropicalis
Verbenaceae
Clerodendron aculeatum
Duranta repens
Lantana (1 unidentified sp.)
Phyla nodiflora
Phyla stoechadifolia
Stachytarpheta jamaicensis
Vitex agnus-castus
Vitaceae
Cissus microcarpa
Cissus verticillata
Cissus (2 unidentified spp.)
Vitis tiliifolia
PTERIDOPHYTA (helechos/ferns)
Acrostichum aureum
Acrostichum danaeifolium
Blechnum serrulatum
Nombre científico/Scientific name
Campyloneurum phyllitidis
Polypodium aureum
Psilotum nudum
Salvinia (1 unidentified sp.)
Thelypteris (1 unidentified sp.)
CUBA : ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE / NOVEMBER 2005 121
Especies de escarabajos de la familia Carabidae registradas para la península de Zapata, 1997-2002, por Pavel Valdés
Apéndice /Appendix 2
Carábidos /Ground Beetles
Nombre científico/ Localidades/ Endemismo/Scientific name Localities Endemism
CARÁBIDOS / GROUND BEETLES
Bembidiini
Bembidion sparsum Bates Pla –
Micratopus sp. Pla –
Paratachis sp. 1 Pla –
Paratachis sp. 2 Pla, Sbl –
Paratachis sp. 3 Pla, Cpt –
Pericompsus sp. Sbl –
Tachys sp. Pla –
Brachinini
Brachinus adustipennis Erwin Plp, Pla, Csp, Sbl –
Carabini
Calosoma sayi Dej. Pla –
Chlaenini
Chlaenius cubanus Chaud. Pla X
Chlaenius niger Randall Pla, Plp –
Chlaenius perplexus Dej. Pla, Csp –
Cicindelini
Cicindela trifasciata Fab. Pla, Csp –
Megacephala carolina L. Pla, Sbl –
Clivinini
Ardistomis elongatulus Putzeys Sbl X
Ardistomis sp.* Cpt –
Aspidoglossa mexicana Chaud. Sbl –
Clivina biguttata Putzeys Pla, Sbl –
Clivina bipustulata Fab. Sbl –
Clivina cubae Darl. Pla X
Clivina insularis Jaquelin du Val Pla –
Dyschirius erythrocerus LeConte Pla –
Oxydrepanus rufus Putzeys Pla, Sbl –
Galeritini
Galerita ruficollis Dej. Pla –
Harpalini
Selenophorus chalyvaeus Dej. Pla –
Selenophorus discopunctatus Dej. Pla, Sbl –
Selenophorus integer Fab. Pla –
Selenophorus pyritosus Dej. Pla –
Selenophorus sinuatus Gyllenhal Pla –
Selenophorus striatopunctatus Putzeys Sbl –
Stenolophus ochropezus Say Pla –
LEYENDA /LEGEND
* = Presumiblemente una nuevaespecie pendiente a descripción/Presumably a new species pending description
Localidades/Localities
Pla = Playa Larga
Plp = Pálpite
Sbl = Los Sábalos
Csp = Canal Soplillar
Cpt = Canal de los Patos
LEYENDA /LEGEND
* = Presumiblemente una nuevaespecie pendiente a descripción/Presumably a new species pending description
Localidades/Localities
Pla = Playa Larga
Plp = Pálpite
Sbl = Los Sábalos
Csp = Canal Soplillar
Cpt = Canal de los Patos
122 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME / REPORT NO. 7
Apéndice /Appendix 2
Carábidos /Ground Beetles Species of beetles of the family Carabidae recorded for the Zapata Peninsula, 1997-2002, by Pavel Valdés
Nombre científico/ Localidades/ Endemismo/Scientific name Localities Endemism
CARÁBIDOS / GROUND BEETLES
Lachnophorini
Euphorticus pubescens Dej. Pla –
Lebiini
Apenes coriacea Chev. Pla –
Apenes parallela Dej. Pla –
Calleida rubricollis Dej. Sbl –
Euproctinus trivittatus LeConte Pla –
Licinini
Badister seclusus Blatchley Pla –
Loxandrini
Loxandrus celeris Dej. Sbl –
Loxandrus cubanus Tschitschérine Sbl, Pla –
Odacanthini
Colliuris picta Chaud. Pla –
Oodini
Anatrichis oblonga Horn Sbl –
Stenocrepis duodecimstriata Chev. Pla –
Stenocrepis insulana Jaquelin du Val Sbl –
Stenocrepis tibialis Chev. Pla, Sbl –
Panageini
Coptia effeminata Darl. Plp X
Panageus quadrisignatus Chev. Pla –
Pentagonicini
Pentagonica nigricornis Darl. Sbl –
Platynini
Agonum decorum Say Pla, Csp –
Platynus sp. Plp –
Scaritini
Scarites subterraneus Fab. Sbl, Cpt –
Zuphiini
Pseudaptinus marginicollis Darl. Pla –
Thalpius deceptor Darl. Pla –
Thalpius dorsalis Brullé Pla –
Thalpius insularis Mutchler Pla –
CUBA : ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE / NOVEMBER 2005 123
Especies de hormigas (Formicidae) registradas durante el inventario biológico rápido de la península de Zapata,8-15 de septiembre de 2002, por Jorge Luis Fontenla/Species of ants (Formicidae) recorded during the rapidbiological inventory of the Zapata Peninsula, 8-15 September 2002, by Jorge Luis Fontenla
Apéndice /Appendix 3
Hormigas/Ants
Nombre científico/ Nombre común/ Localidades y abundancia/Scientific name Common name Abundance in locality
Hato de Punta Bermeja Peralta Pálpite Jicarita Perdiz
HORMIGAS / ANTS
Formicinae
Brachymyrmex obscurior – L – – L L
Camponotus planatus – M M M M M
Dorymyrmex pyramicus – M – M – –
Paratrechina longicornis Hormiga loca H H H H H
Myrmicinae
Acromyrmex octospinosus Bibijagua colorada – – L – –
Cardiocondyla emeryi – – – L – L
Monomorium floricola – – – L – –
Pheidole fallax – – – L – –
Pheidole megacephala Hormiga cabezona L – – – –
Solenopsis geminata Hormiga brava H H H H H
Tetramorium bicarinatum – – – L – –
Wasmannia auropunctata Santa Anilla H H H H H
Ponerinae
Hypoponera sp. – P – P – P
Odontomachus insularis – – – L – –
Odontomachus ruginodis – L L – – –
Pseudomyrmicinae
Pseudomyrmex cubaensis Muerde y huye M M M H M
Pseudomyrmex pazosi* Muerde y huye L – – L –
Especies en total /Total species 11 6 13 7 8
* = Endémico de Cuba/Endemic to Cuba
Abundancia/Abundance
L = Bajo/Low
M = Medio/Medium
H = Alto/High
P = Presente/Present
LEYENDA /LEGEND
124 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME / REPORT NO. 7
Apéndice /Appendix 4
Libélulas/Dragonflies Especies de libélulas (Odonata) registradas durante el inventario biológico rápido de la península de Zapata, 8-15 de septiembre de 2002, por Jorge Luis Fontenla/Species of dragonflies (Odonata) recorded during therapid biological inventory of the Zapata Peninsula, 8-15 September 2002, by Jorge Luis Fontenla
Nombre científico/ Localidades y abundancia/Scientific name Abundance in locality
Hato de Punta Bermeja Peralta Pálpite Jicarita Perdiz
LIBÉLULAS / DRAGONFLIES
Aeshnidae
Coryphaeshna ingens – – – – P
Coryphaeshna viriditas L L – – L
Gynacantha nervosa – – P – –
Libellulidae
Brachymesia furcata – – – L –
Erythemis attala – – P – –
Erythemis simplicicollis – L – M –
Erythemis vesiculosa M M M M M
Erythrodiplax fervida L L L M L
Erythrodiplax justiniana M M M M M
Erythrodiplax umbrata H M M M M
Miathyria marcella L – – H –
Micrathyria didyma – – – L L
Orthemis ferruginea L L L L L
Pantala flavescens – – – M –
Pantala hymenaea – – – H –
Tholymis citrina M M – H –
Tramea calverti – – – M –
Tramea insularis M M M H L
Especies en total /Total species 9 9 8 14 9
Abundancia/Abundance
L = Bajo/Low
M = Medio/Medium
H = Alto/High
LEYENDA /LEGEND
CUBA : ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE / NOVEMBER 2005 125
Apéndice /Appendix 5
Moluscos/MollusksEspecies de moluscos registradas durante el inventario biológico rápido de la península de Zapata, 8-15 de septiembre de 2002, por Alina Lomba/Species of mollusks recorded during the rapid biological inventory of the Zapata Peninsula, 8-15 September 2002, by Alina Lomba
Nombre científico/ Localidades/Scientific name Localities
Punta Hato de Caleta Pálpite Peralta Perdiz Jicarita Bermeja Sábalo
MOLUSCOS / MOLLUSKS
Moluscos Terrestres/Land Mollusks
Cerion magister Pilsbry & Vanatta, 1896 – – x – – –
Cysticopsis exauberi Aguayo & Jaume, 1954 – – – – x –
Eurycampta supertexta x – – – x –
Liguus fasciatus alcaldei Sanchez Roig, 1951 – – – – – x
Zachrysia auricoma auricoma (Ferussac, 1822) x – – – x –
Moluscos Fluviatiles/Freshwater Mollusks
Drepanotrema anatinum (Orbigny, 1835) – x – x – –
Eupera cubensis (Prime, 1865) – – – x – –
Helisoma caribaeum (Orbigny, 1841) – x – – – –
Helisoma foveale (Menke, 1830) – – – x – –
Laevapex pfeifferi (Bourguignat, 1860) – – – x – –
Physa cubensis Pfeiffer, 1839 – – – x – –
Pomacea palludosa (Say, 1829) – x – x – –
Moluscos Marinos/Marine Mollusks
Acanthopleura granulata (Gmelin, 1791) – – x – – –
Cenchritis muricatus Linnaeus, 1758 – – x – – –
Fissurella barbadensis (Gmelin, 1791) – – x – – –
Nerita peloronta Linnaeus, 1758 – – x – – –
Nerita versicolor Gmelin, 1791 – – x – – –
Especies en total /Total species 2 3 6 6 3 1
LEYENDA /LEGEND
Localidades/Localities
x = Presente en el sitio/Present at the site
126 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME / REPORT NO. 7
Apéndice /Appendix 6
Anfibios y Reptiles/Amphibians and Reptiles
Nombre científico/Scientific name
ANFIBIOS Y REPTILES / AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES
AMPHIBIA
Bufonidae
Bufo empusus
Bufo fustiger
Bufo gundlachi
Bufo peltacephalus
Hylidae
Osteopilus septentrionalis
Leptodactylidae
Eleutherodactylus atkinsi
Eleutherodactylus auriculatus
Eleutherodactylus eileenae
Eleutherodactylus pinarensis
Eleutherodactylus planirostris
Eleutherodactylus riparius
Eleutherodactylus varians
Eleutherodactylus varleyi
Ranidae
Rana catesbeiana
REPTILIA
Amphisbaenidae
Amphisbaena barbouri
Cadea blanoides
Anguidae
Diploglossus delasagra
Gekkonidae
Hemidactylus haitianus
Sphaerodactylus argus
Sphaerodactylus elegans
Sphaerodactylus notatus
Sphaerodactylus richardi
Iguanidae
Anolis allisoni
Anolis alutaceus
Anolis angusticeps
Anolis equestris juraguensis
Anolis homolechis
Anolis loysianus
Anolis lucius
Anolis luteogularis calceus
Nombre científico/Scientific name
Anolis luteogularis jaumei
Anolis ophiolepis
Anolis porcatus
Anolis pumilus
Anolis sagrei
Chamaeleolis chamaeleonides
Cyclura nubila
Leiocephalus carinatus
Leiocephalus cubensis
Leiocephalus stictigaster
Teiidae
Ameiva auberi
Boidae
Epicrates angulifer
Colubridae
Alsophis cantherigerus
Antillophis andreai
Arrhyton procerum
Arrhyton taeniatum
Tretanorhinus variabilis
Tropidophiidae
Tropidophis feicki
Tropidophis melanurus
Tropidophis pardalis
Tropidophis semicinctus
Typhlopidae
Typhlops biminiensis
Typhlops lumbricalis
Crocodylidae
Crocodylus acutus
Crocodylus rhombifer
Emydidae
Trachemys decussata
Especies de anfibios y reptiles registrados durante el inventario biológico rápido de la península de Zapata, 8-15 de septiembre de 2002, por Luis M. Díaz y Eduardo Abreu Guerra/Species of amphibians and reptilesrecorded during the rapid biological inventory of the Zapata Peninsula, 8-15 September 2002, by Luis M. Díazand Eduardo Abreu Guerra
128 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME / REPORT NO. 7
Residencia/ cNombre científico/ Residence Abundancia/ Hábitats/ Observaciones durante el inventario/ Other speciesScientific name Nombre común Common name status Abundance Habitats Observations during inventory known from Zapata
AVES / BIRDS
001
002
003
004
005
006
007
008
009
010
011
012
013
014
015
016
017
018
019
020
021
022
023
024
025
Apéndice /Appendix 7
Aves/Birds Especies de aves registradas para la península de Zapata, 1987-2002, por Arturo Kirkconnell, y durante el inventario biológico rápido, 8-15 de septiembre de 2002, por Arturo Kirkconnell, Osmany González, Douglas F. Stotz, John W. Fitzpatrick, y Debra K. Moskovits
Podicipedidae
Podilymbus podiceps Zaramagullón Grande Pied-billed Grebe RPB C L, Mr – x – x – –
Tachybaptus dominicus Zaramagullón Chico Least Grebe RP C R, L – – – – – x
Sulidae
Sula sula Pájaro Bobo Blanco Red-footed Booby A MR Cs – – – – – x
Pelecanidae
Pelecanus erythrorhynchos Alcatraz Blanco American White Pelican A MR Cs, Mr – – – – – x
Pelecanus occidentalis Alcatraz Brown Pelican RPB C Cs, L –
Phalacrocoracidae
Phalacrocorax auritus Corúa de Mar Double-crested Cormorant RPB C Cs, L, R – – – – – x
Phalacrocorax brasilianus Corúa de Agua Dulce Neotropic Cormorant RP C L, R, Cs – – – x – –
Anhingidae
Anhinga anhinga Marbella Anhinga RP C L, R, Mr – – – x – –
Fregatidae
Fregata magnificens Rabihorcado Magnificent Frigatebird RP C Cs – – – x x –
Ardeidae
Ixobrychus exilis Garcita Least Bittern RPB C Ci, R – x – x – –
Ardea herodias Garcilote Great Blue Heron RPB C Mr, L – – – – – x
Ardea alba Garzón Blanco Great Egret RPB C Mr, L – – – x – –
Egretta thula Garza Real Snowy Egret RPB C Mr, L – x – x – –
Egretta caerulea Garza Azul Little Blue Heron RPB C Mr, L x x – x – –
Egretta tricolor Garza de Vientre Blanco Tricolored Heron RPB C Mr, L – – – x – –
Egretta rufescens Garza Roja Reddish Egret RPB C Mr – – – – – x
Bubulcus ibis Garcita Bueyera Cattle Egret RPB C AA – – x x – –
Butorides virescens Cagaleche Green Heron RPB C L, R, Ci x x x x – –
Nycticorax nycticorax Guanabá de la Florida Black-crowned Night-Heron RPB C Ci, Mn x – – – – –
Nyctanassa violacea Guanabá Real Yellow-crowned Night-Heron RPB C Ci, Mn – – x – – –
Threskiornithidae
Eudocimus albus Coco Blanco White Ibis RP C Ci, Mn – – – – – x
Plegadis falcinellus Coco Prieto Glossy Ibis RP C Ci, PA – – – – – x
Platalea ajaja Seviya Roseate Spoonbill RP C Mr, L – – – – – x
Ciconiidae
Mycteria americana Cayama Wood Stork RP C Mr, L – – – – – x
Cathartidae
Cathartes aura Aura Tiñosa Turkey Vulture RPB C AA, B, Ci, x x x x x –Cs, Mn
CUBA : ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE / NOVEMBER 2005 129
Apéndice /Appendix 7
Aves/BirdsSpecies of birds recorded for the Zapata Peninsula, 1987-2002, by Arturo Kirkconnell, and during the rapid biological inventory, 8-15 September 2002, by Arturo Kirkconnell, Osmany González, Douglas F. Stotz,John W. Fitzpatrick, and Debra K. Moskovits
LEYENDA/LEGEND
Residencia/Residence status
A = Accidental/Accidental
EN = Endémico de Cuba/Endemic to Cuba
RI = Residente invernal /Winter resident
RP = Residente permanente/Permanent resident
RPB = Residente permanente bimodal/Permanent resident with migration
RV = Residente de verano/Summer resident
TR = Transeúnte/Transient
Abundancia/Abundance
C = Común/Common
BC = Bastante común/Fairly common
PC = Poco común/Uncommon
R = Raro/Rare
MR = Muy raro/Very rare
Hábitat /Habitat
AA = Áreas abiertas/Open areas
Ab = Arbustos/Shrublands
Ar = Arboledas/Woodlands
B = Bosque/Forest
BC = Bosque de ciénaga/Swamp forest
Ci = Ciénaga/Marsh
Cs = Áreas costeras/Coastal areas
D = Desconocido/Unknown
H = Herbazales de ciénaga/Marsh grassland
L = Lagunas/Lagoons
Mn = Manglares/Mangrove forest
Mr = Marismas/Salt marshes
Pm = Palmares/Palm groves
PA = Plantaciones de arroz/Rice plantations
Pl = Playas/Beaches
R = Ríos/Rivers
S = Sabana/Savanna
Observaciones durante el inventario/Observations during inventory
x = Observado/Observed
x* = Observado en transito/Observed in transit
001
002
003
004
005
006
007
008
009
010
011
012
013
014
015
016
017
018
019
020
021
022
023
024
025
026
027
028
029
030
031
001
002
003
004
005
006
007
008
009
010
011
012
013
014
015
016
017
018
019
020
021
022
023
024
025
Otras especiesconocidas de Zapata/
Observaciones durante el inventario/ Other speciesObservations during inventory known from Zapata
Río PuntaBermeja Peralta Pálpite Hatiguanico Perdiz
001
002
003
004
005
006
007
008
009
010
011
012
013
014
015
016
017
018
019
020
021
022
023
024
025
– x – x – –
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– – – x – –
– – – – – x
– – – x – –
– – – x – –
– – – x x –
– x – x – –
– – – – – x
– – – x – –
– x – x – –
x x – x – –
– – – x – –
– – – – – x
– – x x – –
x x x x – –
x – – – – –
– – x – – –
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
x x x x x –
130 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME / REPORT NO. 7
Residencia/ cNombre científico/ Residence Abundancia/ Hábitats/ Observaciones durante el inventario/ Other speciesScientific name Nombre común Common name status Abundance Habitats Observations during inventory known from Zapata
AVES / BIRDS
026
027
028
029
030
031
032
033
034
035
036
037
038
039
040
041
042
043
044
045
046
047
048
049
050
051
052
053
054
055
056
057
Apéndice /Appendix 7
Aves/Birds
Phoenicopteridae
Phoenicopterus ruber Flamenco Greater Flamingo RPB C Mr – – – – – x
Anatidae
Dendrocygna bicolor Yaguasín Fulvous Whistling-Duck RP C PA – – – – – x
Dendrocygna arborea Yaguasa West Indian Whistling-Duck RP C PA – – – x – –
Dendrocygna viduata Yaguasa Cariblanca White-faced Whistling-Duck A MR D – – – – x
Dendrocygna autumnalis Yagusa Barriguiprieta Black-bellied Whistling-Duck RP R PA – – – – – x
Cygnus columbianus Cisne Tundra Swan A MR D
Anser albifrons Guanana Greater White-fronted Goose A MR D – – – – – x
Aix sponsa Huyuyo Wood Duck RPB PC R – x – – – –
Anas crecca Pato Serrano Green-winged Teal RI R Mr – – – – – x
Anas platyrhynchos Pato Inglés Mallard RI R Mr, L – – – – – x
Anas bahamensis Pato de Bahamas White-cheeked Pintail RP R PA, L – – – – – x
Anas acuta Pato Pescuecilargo Northern Pintail RI PC L, Mr –
Anas discors Pato de la Florida Blue-winged Teal RI C L, PA – – – – – x
Anas clypeata Pato Cuchareta Northern Shoveler RI C L, PA – – – – – x
Anas strepera Pato Gris Gadwall A MR L
Anas americana Pato Lavanco American Wigeon RI C L, Mr – – – – – x
Aythya valisineria Pato Lomiblanco Canvasback A MR L – – – – – x
Aythya collaris Pato Cabezón Ring-necked Duck RI PC L – – – – – x
Aythya marila Pato Cabezón Raro Greater Scaup A MR L – – – – – x
Aythya affinis Pato Morisco Lesser Scaup RI R L, R, Mr – – – – – x
Mergus serrator Pato Serrucho Red-breasted Merganser A MR Cs – – – – – x
Oxyura jamaicensis Pato Chorizo Ruddy Duck RPB R L, Mr – – – – – x
Nomonyx dominicus Pato Agostero Masked Duck RP R L, Mr – – – – – x
Accipitridae
Pandion haliaetus Guincho Osprey RPB C Cs, L, Mr, R – – – x x –
Elanoides forficatus Gavilán Cola de Tijera Swallow-tailed Kite TR R AA –
Rostrhamus sociabilis Gavilán Caracolero Snail Kite RP C Ci, R – – – – – x
Circus cyaneus Gavilán Sabanero Northern Harrier RI PC Ci, Mn – – – – – x
Accipiter gundlachi Gavilán Colilargo Gundlach’s Hawk EN PC Ci, B x – – x – –
Accipiter striatus Gavilancito Sharp-shinned Hawk RPB R B – – – – – x
Buteogallus anthracinus Gavilán Batista Common Black-Hawk RP C Mr, Cs – – – – – x
Buteo platypterus Gavilán Bobo Broad-winged Hawk RPB C B x – x – – –
Buteo jamaicensis Gavilán de Monte Red-tailed Hawk RP C B x x – x – –
CUBA : ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE / NOVEMBER 2005 131
Apéndice /Appendix 7
Aves/Birds
LEYENDA/LEGEND
Residencia/Residence status
A = Accidental/Accidental
EN = Endémico de Cuba/Endemic to Cuba
RI = Residente invernal /Winter resident
RP = Residente permanente/Permanent resident
RPB = Residente permanente bimodal/Permanent resident with migration
RV = Residente de verano/Summer resident
TR = Transeúnte/Transient
Abundancia/Abundance
C = Común/Common
BC = Bastante común/Fairly common
PC = Poco común/Uncommon
R = Raro/Rare
MR = Muy raro/Very rare
Hábitat /Habitat
AA = Áreas abiertas/Open areas
Ab = Arbustos/Shrublands
Ar = Arboledas/Woodlands
B = Bosque/Forest
BC = Bosque de ciénaga/Swamp forest
Ci = Ciénaga/Marsh
Cs = Áreas costeras/Coastal areas
D = Desconocido/Unknown
H = Herbazales de ciénaga/Marsh grassland
L = Lagunas/Lagoons
Mn = Manglares/Mangrove forest
Mr = Marismas/Salt marshes
Pm = Palmares/Palm groves
PA = Plantaciones de arroz/Rice plantations
Pl = Playas/Beaches
R = Ríos/Rivers
S = Sabana/Savanna
Observaciones durante el inventario/Observations during inventory
x = Observado/Observed
x* = Observado en transito/Observed in transit
001
002
003
004
005
006
007
008
009
010
011
012
013
014
015
016
017
018
019
020
021
022
023
024
025
026
027
028
029
030
031
001
002
003
004
005
006
007
008
009
010
011
012
013
014
015
016
017
018
019
020
021
022
023
024
025
Otras especiesconocidas de Zapata/
Observaciones durante el inventario/ Other speciesObservations during inventory known from Zapata
Río PuntaBermeja Peralta Pálpite Hatiguanico Perdiz
026
027
028
029
030
031
032
033
034
035
036
037
038
039
040
041
042
043
044
045
046
047
048
049
050
051
052
053
054
055
056
057
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– – – x – –
– – – – x
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– x – – – –
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– – – x x –
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
x – – x – –
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
x – x – – –
x x – x – –
132 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME / REPORT NO. 7
Residencia/ cNombre científico/ Residence Abundancia/ Hábitats/ Observaciones durante el inventario/ Other speciesScientific name Nombre común Common name status Abundance Habitats Observations during inventory known from Zapata
AVES / BIRDS
058
059
060
061
062
063
064
065
066
067
068
069
070
071
072
073
074
075
076
077
078
079
080
081
082
083
084
Apéndice /Appendix 7
Aves/Birds
Falconidae
Caracara cheriway Caraira Crested Caracara RP PC S – – – – – x
Falco sparverius Cernícalo American Kestrel RPB C AA x x x x – –
Falco columbarius Halconcito de Palomas Merlin RI C B, L – – – x – –
Falco peregrinus Halcón de Patos Peregrine Falcon RI PC Mr, B – – – – – x
Phasianidae
Colinus virginianus Codorniz Northern Bobwhite RP PC S – – – – – x
Rallidae
Laterallus jamaicensis Gallinuelita Prieta Black Rail RPB R Ci – – – – – x
Rallus longirostris Gallinuela de Manglar Clapper Rail RPB C Mn, Mr – – – – – x
Rallus elegans Gallinuela de Agua Dulce King Rail RPB C Ci – x – x – –
Rallus limicola Gallinuela de Virginia Virginia Rail A MR Ci – – – – – x
Porzana carolina Gallinuela Chica Sora RI C Ci – – – – – x
Porzana flaviventer Gallinuelita Yellow-breasted Crake RP PC Ci –
Cyanolimnas cerverai Gallinuela de Zapata Rail EN R Ci – – – – – xSanto Tomás
Pardirallus maculatus Gallinuela Escribano Spotted Rail RP C Ci –
Porphyrio martinica Gallareta Azul Purple Gallinule RPB C Ci – x – – – –
Gallinula chloropus Gallareta de Pico Rojo Common Moorhen RPB C Ci – x – x – –
Fulica americana Gallareta de Pico Blanco American Coot RPB C Ci – – – – – x
Aramidae
Aramus guarauna Guareao Limpkin RP C Ci – x x x – –
Gruidae
Grus canadensis Grulla Sandhill Crane RP PC S, Ci – – – – – x
Charadriidae
Pluvialis squatarola Pluvial Cabezón Black-bellied Plover RI C Mr, Cs – – – – – x
Pluvialis dominica Pluvial Dorado American Golden-Plover A MR Mr – – – – – x
Charadrius alexandrinus Frailecillo Blanco Snowy Plover A MR Mr – – – – – x
Charadrius wilsonia Títere Playero Wilson’s Plover RV C Mr – – – – – x
Charadrius semipalmatus Frailecillo Semipalmeado Semipalmated Plover RI C Mr – – – – – x
Charadrius vociferus Títere Sabanero Killdeer RPB C Mr, Cs, S – x x x x –
Haematopodidae
Haematopus palliatus Ostrero American Oystercatcher A MR Cs – – – – – x
Recurvirostridae
Himantopus mexicanus Cachiporra Black-necked Stilt RPB C Mr, Ci – – – – – x
Recurvirostra americana Avoceta American Avocet A MR Cs – – – – – x
CUBA : ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE / NOVEMBER 2005 133
Apéndice /Appendix 7
Aves/Birds
LEYENDA/LEGEND
Residencia/Residence status
A = Accidental/Accidental
EN = Endémico de Cuba/Endemic to Cuba
RI = Residente invernal /Winter resident
RP = Residente permanente/Permanent resident
RPB = Residente permanente bimodal/Permanent resident with migration
RV = Residente de verano/Summer resident
TR = Transeúnte/Transient
Abundancia/Abundance
C = Común/Common
BC = Bastante común/Fairly common
PC = Poco común/Uncommon
R = Raro/Rare
MR = Muy raro/Very rare
Hábitat /Habitat
AA = Áreas abiertas/Open areas
Ab = Arbustos/Shrublands
Ar = Arboledas/Woodlands
B = Bosque/Forest
BC = Bosque de ciénaga/Swamp forest
Ci = Ciénaga/Marsh
Cs = Áreas costeras/Coastal areas
D = Desconocido/Unknown
H = Herbazales de ciénaga/Marsh grassland
L = Lagunas/Lagoons
Mn = Manglares/Mangrove forest
Mr = Marismas/Salt marshes
Pm = Palmares/Palm groves
PA = Plantaciones de arroz/Rice plantations
Pl = Playas/Beaches
R = Ríos/Rivers
S = Sabana/Savanna
Observaciones durante el inventario/Observations during inventory
x = Observado/Observed
x* = Observado en transito/Observed in transit
001
002
003
004
005
006
007
008
009
010
011
012
013
014
015
016
017
018
019
020
021
022
023
024
025
026
027
028
029
030
031
Otras especiesconocidas de Zapata/
Observaciones durante el inventario/ Other speciesObservations during inventory known from Zapata
Río PuntaBermeja Peralta Pálpite Hatiguanico Perdiz
058
059
060
061
062
063
064
065
066
067
068
069
070
071
072
073
074
075
076
077
078
079
080
081
082
083
084
– – – – – x
x x x x – –
– – – x – –
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– x – x – –
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– x x x – –
– x – – – –
– x – x – –
– – – – – x
– x x x – –
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– x x x x –
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
134 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME / REPORT NO. 7
Residencia/ cNombre científico/ Residence Abundancia/ Hábitats/ Observaciones durante el inventario/ Other speciesScientific name Nombre común Common name status Abundance Habitats Observations during inventory known from Zapata
AVES / BIRDS
085
086
087
088
089
090
091
092
093
094
095
096
097
098
099
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
Apéndice /Appendix 7
Aves/Birds
Jacanidae
Jacana spinosa Gallito de Río Northern Jacana RP C Ci, R – x – x – –
Scolopacidae
Tringa melanoleuca Zarapico Greater Yellowlegs RI C Mr – – – – – xPatiamarillo Grande
Tringa flavipes Zarapico Lesser Yellowlegs RI C Mr – – – – – xPatiamarillo Chico
Tringa solitaria Zarapico Solitario Solitary Sandpiper RI C R, L – – – – – x
Catoptrophorus semipalmatus Zarapico Real Willet RPB C Mr – – – – – x
Actitis macularius Zarapico Manchado Spotted Sandpiper RI C Mn, Cs – – – x – –
Bartramia longicauda Ganga Upland Sandpiper A MR D – – – – – x
Numenius phaeopus Zarapico Pico Whimbrel TR R Mr – – – – – xCimitarra Chico
Limosa haemastica Avoceta Pechirroja Hudsonian Godwit A MR D – – – – – x
Arenaria interpres Revuelvepiedras Ruddy Turnstone RI C Cs, Mr – – – – – x
Calidris canutus Zarapico Rojo Red Knot TR R Mr, L – – – – – x
Calidris alba Zarapico Blanco Sanderling RI C Pl, Mr –
Calidris pusilla Zarapico Semipalmeado Semipalmated Sandpiper RI C Pl, Mr – – – – – x
Calidris mauri Zarapico Chico Western Sandpiper TR R L, Mr – – – – – x
Calidris minutilla Zarapiquito Least Sandpiper RI C L, Mr – – – – – x
Calidris melanotos Zarapico Moteado Pectoral Sandpiper TR R L – – – x – –
Calidris alpina Zarapico Gris Dunlin RI C L, Mr – – – – – x
Calidris ferruginea Zarapico Curlew Sandpiper A MR L – – – – – x
Calidris himantopus Zarapico Patilargo Stilt Sandpiper TR C L – – – – – x
Limnodromus griseus Zarapico Becasina Short-billed Dowitcher RI C L, Mr – – – – – x
Limnodromus scolopaceus Zarapico Becasina Long-billed Dowitcher RI R L, Mr – – – – – xPico Largo
Gallinago delicata Becasina Wilson’s Snipe RI C Ci, L, Mr – – – – – x
Laridae
Larus atricilla Galleguito Laughing Gull RP C Cs – – x – – –
Larus pipixcan Galleguito de Franklin Franklin’s Gull A MR Cs –
Larus delawarensis Gallego Real Ring-billed Gull RI R Cs – – – – – x
Sterna nilotica Gaviota de Pico Corto Gull-billed Tern RI R Cs, Mr – – – – – x
Sterna caspia Gaviota Real Grande Caspian Tern RI C Cs, Mr – – – – – x
Sterna maxima Gaviota Real Royal Tern RPB C Cs, Mr – – – – – x
Sterna forsteri Gaviota de Forster Forster’s Tern A MR L – – – – – x
Sterna antillarum Gaviotica Least Tern RV C Cs – – – – – x
CUBA : ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE / NOVEMBER 2005 135
Apéndice /Appendix 7
Aves/Birds
LEYENDA/LEGEND
Residencia/Residence status
A = Accidental/Accidental
EN = Endémico de Cuba/Endemic to Cuba
RI = Residente invernal /Winter resident
RP = Residente permanente/Permanent resident
RPB = Residente permanente bimodal/Permanent resident with migration
RV = Residente de verano/Summer resident
TR = Transeúnte/Transient
Abundancia/Abundance
C = Común/Common
BC = Bastante común/Fairly common
PC = Poco común/Uncommon
R = Raro/Rare
MR = Muy raro/Very rare
Hábitat /Habitat
AA = Áreas abiertas/Open areas
Ab = Arbustos/Shrublands
Ar = Arboledas/Woodlands
B = Bosque/Forest
BC = Bosque de ciénaga/Swamp forest
Ci = Ciénaga/Marsh
Cs = Áreas costeras/Coastal areas
D = Desconocido/Unknown
H = Herbazales de ciénaga/Marsh grassland
L = Lagunas/Lagoons
Mn = Manglares/Mangrove forest
Mr = Marismas/Salt marshes
Pm = Palmares/Palm groves
PA = Plantaciones de arroz/Rice plantations
Pl = Playas/Beaches
R = Ríos/Rivers
S = Sabana/Savanna
Observaciones durante el inventario/Observations during inventory
x = Observado/Observed
x* = Observado en transito/Observed in transit
001
002
003
004
005
006
007
008
009
010
011
012
013
014
015
016
017
018
019
020
021
022
023
024
025
026
027
028
029
030
031
001
002
003
004
005
006
007
008
009
010
011
012
013
014
015
016
017
018
019
020
021
022
023
024
025
Otras especiesconocidas de Zapata/
Observaciones durante el inventario/ Other speciesObservations during inventory known from Zapata
Río PuntaBermeja Peralta Pálpite Hatiguanico Perdiz
085
086
087
088
089
090
091
092
093
094
095
096
097
098
099
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
– x – x – –
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– – – x – –
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– – – x – –
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– – x – – –
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
136 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME / REPORT NO. 7
Residencia/ cNombre científico/ Residence Abundancia/ Hábitats/ Observaciones durante el inventario/ Other speciesScientific name Nombre común Common name status Abundance Habitats Observations during inventory known from Zapata
AVES / BIRDS
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
Apéndice /Appendix 7
Aves/Birds
Sterna sandvicensis Gaviota de Sandwich Sandwich Tern RV C Cs, Mr – – – – x –
Sterna anaethetus Gaviota Monja Bridled Tern RV R Cs – – – – – x
Sterna fuscata Gaviota Monja Prieto Sooty Tern RV R Cs – – – – – x
Rynchops niger Gaviota Pico Tijera Black Skimmer TR R Cs, Mr – – – – – x
Columbidae
Patagioenas squamosa Torcaza Cuellimorada Scaly-naped Pigeon RP C B x – – – – –
Patagioenas leucocephala Torcaza Cabeciblanca White-crowned Pigeon RP C B x x x x – –
Patagioenas inornata Torcaza Boba Plain Pigeon RP R AA –
Zenaida asiatica Paloma Aliblanca White-winged Dove RP C AA – – – x – –
Zenaida aurita Guanaro Zenaida Dove RP C B, AA x x x x x –
Zenaida macroura Paloma Rabiche Mourning Dove RPB C AA, Ar x x – x – –
Columbina passerina Tojosa Common Ground-Dove RP C AA x x x x x –
Geotrygon chrysia Barbiquejo Key West Quail-Dove RP C B x – x – – –
Geotrygon caniceps Camao Gray-fronted Quail-Dove EN C BC x
Geotrygon montana Boyero Ruddy Quail-Dove RP C B, BC – x x – – –
Starnoenas cyanocephala Paloma Perdiz Blue-headed Quail-Dove EN C B x – – – x –
Psittacidae
Aratinga euops Catey Cuban Parakeet EN PC B, AA – – x – – –
Amazona leucocephala Cotorra Cuban Parrot RP C B, AA x – – x – –
Cuculidae
Coccyzus erythropthalmus Primavera de Pico Negro Black-billed Cuckoo A MR Mn, B – – – – – x
Coccyzus americanus Primavera Yellow-billed Cuckoo RV C B – – – – x –
Coccyzus minor Arrierito Mangrove Cuckoo RP PC Mn – – – – – x
Saurothera merlini Arriero Great Lizard-Cuckoo RP C B x x x x x –
Crotophaga ani Judío Smooth-billed Ani RP C B, S x x x x x –
Tytonidae
Tyto alba Lechuza Barn Owl RP C AA, B – – x x – –
Strigidae
Gymnoglaux lawrencii Sijú Cotunto Bare-legged Owl EN C B x – x – – –
Glaucidium siju Sijú Platanero Cuban Pygmy-Owl EN C B x x x x x –
Asio stygius Siguapa Stygian Owl RP PC B – – x x – –
Asio flammeus Cárabo Short-eared Owl RP R AA – – – – – x
Athene cunicularia Sijú de Sabana Burrowing Owl RI R AA – – – – – x
Nyctibiidae
Nyctibius jamaicensis Potú Northern Potoo RP R B – – – – – x
CUBA : ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE / NOVEMBER 2005 137
Apéndice /Appendix 7
Aves/Birds
LEYENDA/LEGEND
Residencia/Residence status
A = Accidental/Accidental
EN = Endémico de Cuba/Endemic to Cuba
RI = Residente invernal /Winter resident
RP = Residente permanente/Permanent resident
RPB = Residente permanente bimodal/Permanent resident with migration
RV = Residente de verano/Summer resident
TR = Transeúnte/Transient
Abundancia/Abundance
C = Común/Common
BC = Bastante común/Fairly common
PC = Poco común/Uncommon
R = Raro/Rare
MR = Muy raro/Very rare
Hábitat /Habitat
AA = Áreas abiertas/Open areas
Ab = Arbustos/Shrublands
Ar = Arboledas/Woodlands
B = Bosque/Forest
BC = Bosque de ciénaga/Swamp forest
Ci = Ciénaga/Marsh
Cs = Áreas costeras/Coastal areas
D = Desconocido/Unknown
H = Herbazales de ciénaga/Marsh grassland
L = Lagunas/Lagoons
Mn = Manglares/Mangrove forest
Mr = Marismas/Salt marshes
Pm = Palmares/Palm groves
PA = Plantaciones de arroz/Rice plantations
Pl = Playas/Beaches
R = Ríos/Rivers
S = Sabana/Savanna
Observaciones durante el inventario/Observations during inventory
x = Observado/Observed
x* = Observado en transito/Observed in transit
001
002
003
004
005
006
007
008
009
010
011
012
013
014
015
016
017
018
019
020
021
022
023
024
025
026
027
028
029
030
031
Otras especiesconocidas de Zapata/
Observaciones durante el inventario/ Other speciesObservations during inventory known from Zapata
Río PuntaBermeja Peralta Pálpite Hatiguanico Perdiz
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
– – – – x –
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
x – – – – –
x x x x – –
– – – – – x
– – – x – –
x x x x x –
x x – x – –
x x x x x –
x – x – – –
x x x – – –
– x x – – –
x – – – x –
– – x – – –
x – – x – –
– – – – – x
– – – – x –
– – – – – x
x x x x x –
x x x x x –
– – x x – –
x – x – – –
x x x x x –
– – x x – –
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
138 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME / REPORT NO. 7
Residencia/ cNombre científico/ Residence Abundancia/ Hábitats/ Observaciones durante el inventario/ Other speciesScientific name Nombre común Common name status Abundance Habitats Observations during inventory known from Zapata
AVES / BIRDS
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
Apéndice /Appendix 7
Aves/Birds
Caprimulgidae
Chordeiles minor Querequeté Americano Common Nighthawk TR C AA x – x – – –
Chordeiles gundlachii Querequeté Antillean Nighthawk RV C AA x x x x – –
Caprimulgus cubanensis Guabairo Greater Antillean Nightjar RP C B x x – x – –
Caprimulgus carolinensis Guabairo Americano Chuck-will’s-widow RI PC B x x – – – –
Apodidae
Chaetura pelagica Vencejo de Chimenea Chimney Swift TR R Cs – – – – – x
Streptoprocne zonaris Vencejo de Collar White-collared Swift A MR D
Tachornis phoenicobia Vencejito de Palma Antillean Palm-Swift RP C Pm x – x x – –
Trochilidae
Chlorostilbon ricordii Zunzún Cuban Emerald RP C B, AA x x x x x –
Mellisuga helenae Zunzuncito Bee Hummingbird EN C B, AA – – x – x –
Trogonidae
Priotelus temnurus Tocoloro Cuban Trogon EN C B
Todidae
Todus multicolor Cartacuba Cuban Tody EN C B x x x x x –
Alcedinidae
Ceryle alcyon Martín Pescador Belted Kingfisher RI C Mr, Ci, L, R x – – x x –
Picidae
Melanerpes superciliaris Carpintero Jabado West Indian Woodpecker RP C B x x x x x –
Sphyrapicus varius Carpintero de Paso Yellow-bellied Sapsucker RI C B – – – – – x
Xiphidiopicus percussus Carpintero Verde Cuban Green Woodpecker EN C B x x x x x –
Colaptes auratus Carpintero Escapulario Northern Flicker RP C B x x x x – –
Colaptes fernandinae Carpintero Churroso Fernandina’s Flicker EN C B, Pm x x – x – –
Tyrannidae
Contopus virens Bobito de Bosque Eastern Wood-Pewee TR R B, AA x – – x – –
Contopus caribaeus Bobito Chico Crescent-eyed Pewee RP C B, AA x x x x x –
Myiarchus crinitus Bobito de Cresta Great Crested Flycatcher A MR B
Myiarchus sagrae Bobito Grande La Sagra’s Flycatcher RP C B, AA x x x x x –
Tyrannus melancholicus Pitirre Tropical Tropical Kingbird A MR D – – – – – x
Tyrannus tyrannus Pitirre Americano Eastern Kingbird TR C B, AA x – x x – –
Tyrannus dominicensis Pitirre Abejero Gray Kingbird RV C Ar – – – x x –
Tyrannus caudifasciatus Pitirre Guatíbere Loggerhead Kingbird RP C B, Ar x x x x x –
Vireonida
Vireo griseus Vireo de Ojo Blanco White-eyed Vireo RI PC B, Ar – – – – – x
Vireo gundlachii Juan Chiví Cuban Vireo EN C B, Ar x x x x x –
CUBA : ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE / NOVEMBER 2005 139
Apéndice /Appendix 7
Aves/Birds
LEYENDA/LEGEND
Residencia/Residence status
A = Accidental/Accidental
EN = Endémico de Cuba/Endemic to Cuba
RI = Residente invernal /Winter resident
RP = Residente permanente/Permanent resident
RPB = Residente permanente bimodal/Permanent resident with migration
RV = Residente de verano/Summer resident
TR = Transeúnte/Transient
Abundancia/Abundance
C = Común/Common
BC = Bastante común/Fairly common
PC = Poco común/Uncommon
R = Raro/Rare
MR = Muy raro/Very rare
Hábitat /Habitat
AA = Áreas abiertas/Open areas
Ab = Arbustos/Shrublands
Ar = Arboledas/Woodlands
B = Bosque/Forest
BC = Bosque de ciénaga/Swamp forest
Ci = Ciénaga/Marsh
Cs = Áreas costeras/Coastal areas
D = Desconocido/Unknown
H = Herbazales de ciénaga/Marsh grassland
L = Lagunas/Lagoons
Mn = Manglares/Mangrove forest
Mr = Marismas/Salt marshes
Pm = Palmares/Palm groves
PA = Plantaciones de arroz/Rice plantations
Pl = Playas/Beaches
R = Ríos/Rivers
S = Sabana/Savanna
Observaciones durante el inventario/Observations during inventory
x = Observado/Observed
x* = Observado en transito/Observed in transit
001
002
003
004
005
006
007
008
009
010
011
012
013
014
015
016
017
018
019
020
021
022
023
024
025
026
027
028
029
030
031
Otras especiesconocidas de Zapata/
Observaciones durante el inventario/ Other speciesObservations during inventory known from Zapata
Río PuntaBermeja Peralta Pálpite Hatiguanico Perdiz
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
x – x – – –
x x x x – –
x x – x – –
x x – – – –
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
x – x x – –
x x x x x –
– – x – x –
x x x x x –
x x x x x –
x – – x x –
x x x x x –
– – – – – x
x x x x x –
x x x x – –
x x – x – –
x – – x – –
x x x x x –
– – – – – x
x x x x x –
– – – – – x
x – x x – –
– – – x x –
x x x x x –
– – – – – x
x x x x x –
140 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME / REPORT NO. 7
Residencia/ cNombre científico/ Residence Abundancia/ Hábitats/ Observaciones durante el inventario/ Other speciesScientific name Nombre común Common name status Abundance Habitats Observations during inventory known from Zapata
AVES / BIRDS
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
Apéndice /Appendix 7
Aves/Birds
Vireo flavifrons Verdón de Pecho Amarillo Yellow-throated Vireo RI R B, Ar – – x – x –
Vireo olivaceus Vireo de Ojo Rojo Red-eyed Vireo TR C B, Ar x x x x x –
Vireo altiloquus Bien-te-veo Black-whiskered Vireo RV C B, Ar x x x x x –
Corvidae
Corvus nasicus Cao Montero Cuban Crow RP C B, Ar – – x – – –
Hirundinidae
Progne subis Golondrina Azul Purple Martin TR C AA – – – – – xAmericana
Progne cryptoleuca Golondrina Azul Cubana Cuban Martin RV C AA – – x x – –
Tachycineta bicolor Golondrina de Árboles Tree Swallow RI C Ci – – – – – x
Stelgidopteryx serripennis Golondrina Parda Northern Rough-winged TR C AA – – – – – xSwallow
Riparia riparia Golondrina de Collar Bank Swallow TR R AA – – – – – x
Petrochelidon fulva Golondrina de Cuevas Cave Swallow RV C AA – – – x x –
Hirundo rustica Golondrina Cola Barn Swallow TR C AA – x x x x –de Tijera
Troglodytidae
Ferminia cerverai Ferminia Zapata Wren EN C H – – – x – –
Cistothorus palustris Troglodita de Ciénaga Marsh Wren A MR H – – – – – x
Regulidae
Regulus calendula Reyezuelo Ruby-crowned Kinglet A MR Ar – – – – – x
Sylviidae
Polioptila caerulea Rabuita Blue-gray Gnatcatcher RI C B, Ar x x x x x –
Turdidae
Sialia sialis Azulejo Pechirrojo Eastern Bluebird A MR AA – – – – – x
Catharus fuscescens Tordo Colorado Veery TR R B – – – x – –
Catharus minimus Tordo de Mejillas Grises Gray-cheeked Thrush TR R B – – – – – x
Catharus ustulatus Tordo de Espalda Olivada Swainson’s Thrush TR R B – – – – – x
Hylocichla mustelina Tordo Pecoso Wood Thrush TR R B – – – – – x
Turdus plumbeus Zorzal Real Red-legged Thrush RP C B, Ar x x x x x –
Mimidae
Dumetella carolinensis Zorzal Gato Gray Catbird RI C B, Ar – – – – – x
Mimus polyglottos Sinsonte Northern Mockingbird RP C B, Ar x x x x x –
Toxostoma rufum Sinsonte Colorado Brown Thrasher A MR B, Ar – – – – – x
Bombycillidae
Bombycilla cedrorum Picotero del Cedro Cedar Waxwing TR R B, Ar – – – – – x
CUBA : ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE / NOVEMBER 2005 141
Apéndice /Appendix 7
Aves/Birds
LEYENDA/LEGEND
Residencia/Residence status
A = Accidental/Accidental
EN = Endémico de Cuba/Endemic to Cuba
RI = Residente invernal /Winter resident
RP = Residente permanente/Permanent resident
RPB = Residente permanente bimodal/Permanent resident with migration
RV = Residente de verano/Summer resident
TR = Transeúnte/Transient
Abundancia/Abundance
C = Común/Common
BC = Bastante común/Fairly common
PC = Poco común/Uncommon
R = Raro/Rare
MR = Muy raro/Very rare
Hábitat /Habitat
AA = Áreas abiertas/Open areas
Ab = Arbustos/Shrublands
Ar = Arboledas/Woodlands
B = Bosque/Forest
BC = Bosque de ciénaga/Swamp forest
Ci = Ciénaga/Marsh
Cs = Áreas costeras/Coastal areas
D = Desconocido/Unknown
H = Herbazales de ciénaga/Marsh grassland
L = Lagunas/Lagoons
Mn = Manglares/Mangrove forest
Mr = Marismas/Salt marshes
Pm = Palmares/Palm groves
PA = Plantaciones de arroz/Rice plantations
Pl = Playas/Beaches
R = Ríos/Rivers
S = Sabana/Savanna
Observaciones durante el inventario/Observations during inventory
x = Observado/Observed
x* = Observado en transito/Observed in transit
001
002
003
004
005
006
007
008
009
010
011
012
013
014
015
016
017
018
019
020
021
022
023
024
025
026
027
028
029
030
031
Otras especiesconocidas de Zapata/
Observaciones durante el inventario/ Other speciesObservations during inventory known from Zapata
Río PuntaBermeja Peralta Pálpite Hatiguanico Perdiz
– – x – x –
x x x x x –
x x x x x –
– – x – – –
– – – – – x
– – x x – –
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– – – x x –
– x x x x –
– – – x – –
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
x x x x x –
– – – – – x
– – – x – –
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
x x x x x –
– – – – – x
x x x x x –
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
142 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME / REPORT NO. 7
Residencia/ cNombre científico/ Residence Abundancia/ Hábitats/ Observaciones durante el inventario/ Other speciesScientific name Nombre común Common name status Abundance Habitats Observations during inventory known from Zapata
AVES / BIRDS
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
Apéndice /Appendix 7
Aves/Birds
Parulidae
Vermivora bachmanii Bijirita de Bachman Bachman’s Warbler RI Extinct? B – – – – – x
Vermivora pinus Bijirita de Alas Azules Blue-winged Warbler RI R B, Ar – – – – – x
Vermivora chrysoptera Bijirita Alidorada Golden-winged Warbler RI R B – – – – – x
Vermivora peregrina Bijirita Peregrina Tennessee Warbler TR R B, Ar – – – – – x
Vermivora ruficapilla Bijirita de Nashville Nashville Warbler A MR B, Ar – – – – – x
Parula americana Bijirita Chica Northern Parula RI C B, Ar x x x x x –
Dendroica petechia Canario de Manglar Yellow Warbler RP C Mn –
Dendroica pensylvanica Bijirita de Costados Chestnut-sided Warbler TR R B – – – – – xCastaños
Dendroica magnolia Bijirita Magnolia Magnolia Warbler RI C B, Ar –
Dendroica tigrina Bijirita Atigrada Cape May Warbler RI C B, Ar – – – – – x
Dendroica caerulescens Bijirita Azul de Black-throated Blue Warbler RI C B, Ar – – – – x –Garganta Negra
Dendroica coronata Bijirita Coronada Yellow-rumped Warbler RI R B, Ar – – – – – x
Dendroica virens Bijirita de Black-throated Green Warbler RI C B, Ar – – – – – xGarganta Negra
Dendroica dominica Bijirita de Yellow-throated Warbler RI C B, Ar – – x x – –Garganta Amarilla
Dendroica pinus Bijirita de Pinos Pine Warbler RI R B, Ar – – – – – x
Dendroica discolor Mariposa Galana Prairie Warbler RI C B, Ar x x x x x –
Dendroica palmarum Bijirita Común Palm Warbler RI C B, Ar – – – – – x
Dendroica castanea Bijirita Castaña Bay-breasted Warbler TR R B – – – x – –
Dendroica striata Bijirita de Cabeza Negra Blackpoll Warbler TR R B – – – – – x
Mniotilta varia Bijirita Trepadora Black-and-white Warbler RI C B, Ar x x x x x –
Setophaga ruticilla Candelita American Redstart RI C B, Ar x – x x – –
Protonotaria citrea Bijirita Protonotaria Prothonotary Warbler TR R B, Ar, Mn – – – – – x
Helmitheros vermivorum Bijirita Gusanera Worm-eating Warbler RI C B – – x x – –
Limnothlypis swainsonii Bijirita de Swainson Swainson’s Warbler RI C B – – – – x –
Seiurus aurocapillus Señorita de Monte Ovenbird RI C B x x x x x –
Seiurus noveboracensis Señorita de Manglar Northern Waterthrush RI C Mn, BC – x x x – –
Seiurus motacilla Señorita de Río Louisiana Waterthrush RI C B, R, BC x x x x – –
Oporornis philadelphia Bijirita de Cabeza Gris Mourning Warbler A MR Ci – – – – – x
Geothlypis trichas Caretica Common Yellowthroat RI C B, Ar – – – – – x
Teretistris fernandinae Chillina Yellow-headed Warbler EN C B, Ar x x x x x –
Wilsonia citrina Monjita Hooded Warbler RI R B, Ar x – x – x –
Wilsonia pusilla Bijirita de Wilson Wilson’s Warbler TR R B – – – – – x
CUBA : ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE / NOVEMBER 2005 143
Apéndice /Appendix 7
Aves/Birds
LEYENDA/LEGEND
Residencia/Residence status
A = Accidental/Accidental
EN = Endémico de Cuba/Endemic to Cuba
RI = Residente invernal /Winter resident
RP = Residente permanente/Permanent resident
RPB = Residente permanente bimodal/Permanent resident with migration
RV = Residente de verano/Summer resident
TR = Transeúnte/Transient
Abundancia/Abundance
C = Común/Common
BC = Bastante común/Fairly common
PC = Poco común/Uncommon
R = Raro/Rare
MR = Muy raro/Very rare
Hábitat /Habitat
AA = Áreas abiertas/Open areas
Ab = Arbustos/Shrublands
Ar = Arboledas/Woodlands
B = Bosque/Forest
BC = Bosque de ciénaga/Swamp forest
Ci = Ciénaga/Marsh
Cs = Áreas costeras/Coastal areas
D = Desconocido/Unknown
H = Herbazales de ciénaga/Marsh grassland
L = Lagunas/Lagoons
Mn = Manglares/Mangrove forest
Mr = Marismas/Salt marshes
Pm = Palmares/Palm groves
PA = Plantaciones de arroz/Rice plantations
Pl = Playas/Beaches
R = Ríos/Rivers
S = Sabana/Savanna
Observaciones durante el inventario/Observations during inventory
x = Observado/Observed
x* = Observado en transito/Observed in transit
001
002
003
004
005
006
007
008
009
010
011
012
013
014
015
016
017
018
019
020
021
022
023
024
025
026
027
028
029
030
031
Otras especiesconocidas de Zapata/
Observaciones durante el inventario/ Other speciesObservations during inventory known from Zapata
Río PuntaBermeja Peralta Pálpite Hatiguanico Perdiz
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
x x x x x –
– – – x – –
– – – – – x
– – x – – –
– – – – – x
– – – – x –
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– – x x – –
– – – – – x
x x x x x –
– – – – – x
– – – x – –
– – – – – x
x x x x x –
x – x x – –
– – – – – x
– – x x – –
– – – – x –
x x x x x –
– x x x – –
x x x x – –
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
x x x x x –
x – x – x –
– – – – – x
144 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME / REPORT NO. 7
Residencia/ cNombre científico/ Residence Abundancia/ Hábitats/ Observaciones durante el inventario/ Other speciesScientific name Nombre común Common name status Abundance Habitats Observations during inventory known from Zapata
AVES / BIRDS
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
Apéndice /Appendix 7
Aves/Birds
Icteria virens Bijirita Grande Yellow-breasted Chat TR R B – – – – – x
Coerebidae
Coereba flaveola Reinita Bananaquit A MR D – – – – – x
Thraupidae
Cyanerpes cyaneus Aparecido de San Diego Red-legged Honeycreeper RP C B x – x – – –
Spindalis zena Cabrero Western Stripe-headed Tanager RP C B, Ar x x x x – –
Piranga rubra Cardenal Summer Tanager TR R B, Ar – – x – x –
Piranga olivacea Cardenal Alinegro Scarlet Tanager TR R B, Ar – – – – – x
Emberizidae
Melopyrrha nigra Negrito Cuban Bullfinch RP C B, Ar x x x x x –
Tiaris canorus Tomeguín del Pinar Cuban Grassquit EN PC S x – – – – –
Tiaris olivaceus Tomeguín de la Tierra Yellow-faced Grassquit RP C Ar, AA x x x x x –
Torreornis inexpectata Cabrerito de la Ciénaga Zapata Sparrow EN C H – – – x – –
Spizella pallida Gorrión de Clay-colored Sparrow TR R AA –Cabeza Carmelita
Passerculus sandwichensis Gorrión de Sabana Savannah Sparrow RI R S, Cs – – – – – x
Ammodramus savannarum Chamberguito Grasshopper Sparrow RI R S, Cs –
Melospiza lincolnii Gorrión de Lincoln Lincoln’s Sparrow RI R S, Cs – – – – – x
Cardinalidae
Pheucticus ludovicianus Degollado Rose-breasted Grosbeak TR R B – – – – – x
Passerina cyanea Azulejo Indigo Bunting RI PC B, Ar – – – – – x
Passerina ciris Mariposa Painted Bunting RI R Ar – – – – – x
Passerina caerulea Azulejón Blue Grosbeak TR R Ab – – – – – x
Icteridae
Dolichonyx oryzivorus Chambergo Bobolink TR R AA, Ab – – – – – x
Agelaius assimilis Mayito de Ciénaga Red-shouldered Blackbird EN C Ci – x – x – –
Agelaius humeralis Mayito Tawny-shouldered Blackbird RP C B, Ar x – x x x –
Sturnella magna Sabanero Eastern Meadowlark RP C S – – x* – – –
Dives atroviolaceus Totí Cuban Blackbird EN C B, Ar x x x x x –
Quiscalus niger Chichinguaco Greater Antillean Grackle RP C B, Ar – x x x – –
Molothrus bonariensis Pájaro Vaquero Shiny Cowbird RP C B, Ar – – x* – – –
Icterus dominicensis Solibio Greater Antillean Oriole RP C B, Ar x – x x x –
Icterus galbula Turpial Baltimore Oriole TR R B, Ar – – – – – x
Fringillidae
Carduelis tristis Gorrión Amarillo American Goldfinch A MR Ar – – – – – x
Passeridae
Passer domesticus Gorrión Doméstico House Sparrow RP C AA – – x* – – –
CUBA : ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE / NOVEMBER 2005 145
Apéndice /Appendix 7
Aves/Birds
LEYENDA/LEGEND
Residencia/Residence status
A = Accidental/Accidental
EN = Endémico de Cuba/Endemic to Cuba
RI = Residente invernal /Winter resident
RP = Residente permanente/Permanent resident
RPB = Residente permanente bimodal/Permanent resident with migration
RV = Residente de verano/Summer resident
TR = Transeúnte/Transient
Abundancia/Abundance
C = Común/Common
BC = Bastante común/Fairly common
PC = Poco común/Uncommon
R = Raro/Rare
MR = Muy raro/Very rare
Hábitat /Habitat
AA = Áreas abiertas/Open areas
Ab = Arbustos/Shrublands
Ar = Arboledas/Woodlands
B = Bosque/Forest
BC = Bosque de ciénaga/Swamp forest
Ci = Ciénaga/Marsh
Cs = Áreas costeras/Coastal areas
D = Desconocido/Unknown
H = Herbazales de ciénaga/Marsh grassland
L = Lagunas/Lagoons
Mn = Manglares/Mangrove forest
Mr = Marismas/Salt marshes
Pm = Palmares/Palm groves
PA = Plantaciones de arroz/Rice plantations
Pl = Playas/Beaches
R = Ríos/Rivers
S = Sabana/Savanna
Observaciones durante el inventario/Observations during inventory
x = Observado/Observed
x* = Observado en transito/Observed in transit
001
002
003
004
005
006
007
008
009
010
011
012
013
014
015
016
017
018
019
020
021
022
023
024
025
026
027
028
029
030
031
Otras especiesconocidas de Zapata/
Observaciones durante el inventario/ Other speciesObservations during inventory known from Zapata
Río PuntaBermeja Peralta Pálpite Hatiguanico Perdiz
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
x – x – – –
x x x x – –
– – x – x –
– – – – – x
x x x x x –
x – – – – –
x x x x x –
– – – x – –
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– x – x – –
x – x x x –
– – x* – – –
x x x x x –
– x x x – –
– – x* – – –
x – x x x –
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
– – x* – – –
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
146 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME / REPORT NO. 7
Residencia/ cNombre científico/ Residence Abundancia/ Hábitats/ Observaciones durante el inventario/ Other speciesScientific name Nombre común Common name status Abundance Habitats Observations during inventory known from Zapata
AVES / BIRDS
257
258
Apéndice /Appendix 7
Aves/Birds
Ploceidae
Ploceus cucullatus Madame Saga Village Weaver A MR Ar – – – – – x
Estrildidae
Lonchura malacca Monja Tricolor Chestnut Mannikin RP C PA – – – – – x
Especies en total /Total species 6
CUBA : ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE / NOVEMBER 2005 147
Apéndice /Appendix 7
Aves/Birds
LEYENDA/LEGEND
Residencia/Residence status
A = Accidental/Accidental
EN = Endémico de Cuba/Endemic to Cuba
RI = Residente invernal /Winter resident
RP = Residente permanente/Permanent resident
RPB = Residente permanente bimodal/Permanent resident with migration
RV = Residente de verano/Summer resident
TR = Transeúnte/Transient
Abundancia/Abundance
C = Común/Common
BC = Bastante común/Fairly common
PC = Poco común/Uncommon
R = Raro/Rare
MR = Muy raro/Very rare
Hábitat /Habitat
AA = Áreas abiertas/Open areas
Ab = Arbustos/Shrublands
Ar = Arboledas/Woodlands
B = Bosque/Forest
BC = Bosque de ciénaga/Swamp forest
Ci = Ciénaga/Marsh
Cs = Áreas costeras/Coastal areas
D = Desconocido/Unknown
H = Herbazales de ciénaga/Marsh grassland
L = Lagunas/Lagoons
Mn = Manglares/Mangrove forest
Mr = Marismas/Salt marshes
Pm = Palmares/Palm groves
PA = Plantaciones de arroz/Rice plantations
Pl = Playas/Beaches
R = Ríos/Rivers
S = Sabana/Savanna
Observaciones durante el inventario/Observations during inventory
x = Observado/Observed
x* = Observado en transito/Observed in transit
001
002
003
004
005
006
007
008
009
010
011
012
013
014
015
016
017
018
019
020
021
022
023
024
025
026
027
028
029
030
031
Otras especiesconocidas de Zapata/
Observaciones durante el inventario/ Other speciesObservations during inventory known from Zapata
Río PuntaBermeja Peralta Pálpite Hatiguanico Perdiz
– – – – – x
– – – – – x
61 58 68 87 46 141
257
258
Regulaciones e instituciones en pro de las áreas protegidas de la península de Zapata
Año Regulación Función
148 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME / REPORT NO. 7
Apéndice /Appendix 8
Regulaciones/LawsLeyenda principal /Principal legend
REGULACIONES / LAWS
1984 Acuerdo 235 de 1984 del Comité Ejecutivo del Aprueba el Refugio de Fauna Santo Tomás, el cual queda incluidoPoder Popular de la provincia de Matanzas en la nueva área del Parque Nacional Ciénaga de Zapata
1996 Decreto 197/96 del Plan Turquino Manatí Declara a toda la Ciénaga de Zapata como Área Protegida deUso Múltiple, constituyendo el mismo el amparo legal para todoel territorio del sitio propuesto
1997 Acuerdo del 17 de febrero de 1997 del Consejo Aprueba el Sistema Provincial de Áreas Protegidas, quede la Administración Provincial incluye las áreas del Parque Nacional, las otras áreas núcleo
complemetarias, y el Elemento Natural Destacado SistemaEspeleolacustre de Zapata
1999 Acuerdo 3462/99 del Comité Ejecutivo del Aprueba la adhesión de Cuba a la Convención Ramsar y a laConsejo de Ministros Ciénaga de Zapata como primer sitio a nominar por Cuba
1984 Accord 235 of 1984 of the Executive Committee Approves Santo Tomás Wildlife Refuge, which is included in of the People’s Power of Matanzas Province the new protected area Zapata Swamp National Park
1996 Decree 197/96 of the Turquino Manatee Plan Declares the entire Zapata Swamp a Multiple-use ProtectedArea and constitutes the legal protection for the entire area ofthe proposed site
1997 Accord of 17 February 1997 of the Provincial Approves the Provincial System of Protected Areas, whichAdministrative Council includes the National Park, other complementary core areas, and
the Cave-lake System of Zapata Distinguished Natural Element
1999 Accord 3462/99 of the Executive Committee Approves Cuba’s adherence to the Ramsar Convention andof the Council of Ministers Zapata Swamp’s nomination as Cuba’s first Ramsar site
Laws and institutions on behalf of the protected areas of the Zapata Peninsula
Year Law Purpose
Instituciones/Institutions
Centro Nacional de Áreas Protegidas/ Calle 18A No. 4114 esq. 43 y 47National Center for Protected Areas Playa, La Habana, Cuba
(537) 240798 (tel / fax)[email protected]
Unidad de Áreas Protegidas de la Carretera Playa Larga Km 30Empresa Municipal Agropecuaria/Protected Areas Unit of Ciénaga de Zapatathe Municipal Agricultural Agency Provincia de Matanzas, Cuba
(5359) 7249 (tel / fax/e-mail)
Órgano CITMA, Ciénaga de Zapata/ Carretera Playa Larga Km 25CITMA, Ciénaga de Zapata Ciénaga de Zapata
Provincia de Matanzas, Cuba(53 01 45 9) 5539 (tel / fax/e-mail)
CUBA : ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE / NOVEMBER 2005 149
LITERATURA CITADA /LITERATURE CITED
Alayo, P., y J. Espinosa. En prensa. Atlas de los moluscos de Cuba:
especies terrestres y fluviátiles. Editorial Científico-Técnica,
La Habana.
Chinea, J. D. 1999. Changes in the herbaceous and vine
communities of the Bisley Experimental Watersheds, Puerto
Rico, following Hurricane Hugo. Canadian Journal of Forest
Research 29:1433-1437.
Espinosa, J., y J. Ortea. 1999. Moluscos terrestres del archipiélago
cubano. Avicennia, Suplemento 2:1-137.
Estrada, A. R., y L. T. Ferrer. 1987. Distribución del manatí
antillano Trichechus manatus (Mamalia: Sirenia) en Cuba.
I. Región Occidental. Poeyana 354:1-12.
Estrada, A. R., y S. B. Hedges. 1998. Sistemática de las ranas
ribereñas de Cuba (Leptodactylidae: Eleutherodactylus) con
la descripción de una nueva especie. Caribbean Journal of
Science 34:218-230.
Garrido, O. H. 1980. Los vertebrados terrestres de la Península
de Zapata. Poeyana 203:1-49.
Garrido, O. H., and A. Kirkconnell. 2000. Field guide to the birds
of Cuba. Cornell University Press, Ithaca.
Gundlach, J. 1880. Contribución a la herpetología cubana.
G. Montiel, La Habana.
Horvitz, C. C., and A. Koop. 2001. Removal of non-native vines
and post-hurricane recruitment in tropical hardwood forests of
Florida. Biotropica 33:268-281.
Horvitz, C. C., J. B. Pascarella, S. McMann, A. Freedman, and
R. H. Hofstetter. 1998. Functional roles of invasive non-
indigenous plants in hurricane-affected subtropical hardwood
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Alverson, W. S., L. O. Rodríguez, y/and D. K. Moskovits, eds.
2001. Perú: Biabo Cordillera Azul. Rapid Biological
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Pitman, N., D. K. Moskovits, W. S. Alverson, y/and R. Borman
A., eds. 2002. Ecuador: Serranías Cofán–Bermejo, Sinangoe.
Rapid Biological Inventories 03. The Field Museum, Chicago.
Stotz, D. F., E. J. Harris, D. K. Moskovits, K. Hao, S. Yi, and
G. W. Adelmann, eds. 2003. China: Yunnan, Southern
Gaoligongshan. Rapid Biological Inventories 04. The Field
Museum, Chicago.
Alverson, W. S., ed. 2003. Bolivia: Pando, Madre de Dios. Rapid
Biological Inventories Report 05. The Field Museum, Chicago.
Alverson, W. S., D. K. Moskovits, y/and I. C. Halm, eds. 2003.
Bolivia: Pando, Federico Román. Rapid Biological Inventories
Report 06. The Field Museum, Chicago.
Fong G., A., D. Maceira F., W. S. Alverson, y/and J. Shopland,
eds. 2005. Cuba: Siboney-Juticí. Rapid Biological Inventories
Report 10. The Field Museum, Chicago.
Pitman, N., C. Vriesendorp, y/and D. Moskovits, eds. 2003.
Perú: Yavarí. Rapid Biological Inventories Report 11.
The Field Museum, Chicago.
Pitman, N., R. C. Smith, C. Vriesendorp, D. Moskovits, R. Piana,
G. Knell, y/and T. Wachter, eds. 2004. Perú: Ampiyacu,
Apayacu, Yaguas, Medio Putumayo. Rapid Biological
Inventories Report 12. The Field Museum, Chicago.
Vriesendorp, C., L. Rivera Chávez, D. Moskovits, y/and
J. Shopland, eds. 2005. Perú: Megantoni. Rapid Biological
Inventories Report 15. The Field Museum, Chicago.
150 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME / REPORT NO. 7