Cuba Herpetology & Natural History 2018

The Guanahacabibes Peninsula, located at the far western tip of the island, is one of the last remaining wild places in the Caribbean. A major migratory corridor and world class diving and snorkel destination, this peninsula lies parallel to the Yucatan Peninsula in eastern Mexico and adjacent to the Palancar Reef, the largest contiguous coral reef in the northern hemisphere, second in size only to the Great Barrier Reef. The peninsula is home to many important aboriginal archaeological sites. In Arawak, the name of the area translates to “place of the Iguana”. The peninsula was Cuba’s first significant protected area following the triumph of the revolution in 1959, and in 1987 declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. The endemic Cuban Rock Iguana, Cuban Crocodile, and possibly 2 species of marine turtles are found here. Bee Hummingbird (world’s smallest bird), Cuban Parrot, and numerous other birds and reptiles will be sought here (2 nights).

Cuba’s Western Mountains include two of the country’s most diverse and dramatic ranges: the Sierra de la Rosario, and Sierra de los Organos. We will explore an area common to both ranges in search of western range endemic species of birds and other fauna. The Western Mountains includes habitat unique to much of the world that is often captured in photos and paintings of rural Cuba. Here we will encounter submontane seasonal rainforest, pine forest, and tropical karstic forest. A highlight of the trip, we will visit the magical, unusually beautiful karstic landscape of mogotes– the towering, lushly vegetated, flat-top limestone monoliths that dominate the Organos Mountains and Vinales Valley

We will also explore the diverse wetland region of the Zapata Peninsula, Cuba’s richest and most important birding destination located in the historic Bay of Pigs. This peninsula is a Ramsar Convention (international conservation treaty) designated site and is among the most important wetlands in the West Indies. Here, the best local guides will lead
us through protected areas in Cienaga de Zapata National Park and other natural sites off the beaten track. The Zapata Peninsula covers more than 2800 square miles and features easily accessible, Everglades-like ecology and habitat. Framed by the pristine Caribbean coastal environment of the Bay of Pigs, the peninsula features vast open swampland, low coastal forests, sparkling white sand beaches, healthy and accessible coral reefs, and refreshing natural limestone pools called cenotes. Cuban Black Hawk, Fernandina’s Flicker, Bare-legged Owl, Tawny- shouldered and Red-shouldered Blackbird are among the many birds we will hope to find (2 nights).