As it was
already mentioned endemism is very significant between the animals
and superior plants reaching 43% of the total of the terrestrial
species, although it is more important in some groups like:
mollusks
|
94% |
amphibians
|
93% |
reptiles |
75% |
plants
with flowers |
52% |
arachnids
|
52% |
mammals
|
40% |
|
Policmita |
Theare
are in Cuba marvels of the nature like the blind fish that inhabit
the crystalline waters of underground lakes in limestone caverns
at Pinar del Rio, truly charming snails: policmitas and Liguus,
the smalest frog on the planet (Eleutherodactylus limbatus, of
less than 1 cm of longitude), the tiniest bird in the world (Mellisuga
helenae or Zunzuncito, 63 mm), strange and beautiful orchids and
the extraordinary butterfly of transparent wings. |
Archaic
mammals can also be seen as almiqui, unfortunately in extinction
danger; fossil fish as manjuari that inhabits rivers and lagoons
(it is found with but frequency in Cienaga de Zapata) or vegetable
fossils as Palma Corcho (Microcycas calocoma), dozens of beautiful
and exotic species of orchids, marine mammals as manati; impressive
but inoffensive reptiles as iguanas (there are species that
reach a size of up to 1.5 meters), hundred of species of birds
many of them are of great beauty for their plumage or singers
that make happy the fields and forests with their melodious
sounds.
|
Flamingos
|
Cuba is
really an ecological paradise with very good conditions created
for the lovers of the nature and the ecoturism, taking advantage
of its immense wealth and ecological diversity.
Cave-turism,
observation of birds and flora and fauna in general, photo-hunter,
horse riders or overcoming rivers in typical crafts, diving
into subacuatic caves and the scaling of heights, they are modalities
for whose practical Cuba is a good option.
The practice
of walk across country also in the main ecoturistic areas is
helped for interpretive signalings, route camps and the attendance
of experts guides.
|
Lastly,
a small chart where the endemism of the terrestrial alive beings
of the island is summarized:
| |
Total |
Endemics |
% |
| Plants |
7941 |
3553 |
45 |
| Animals |
11690 |
4825 |
41 |
| Total terrestrial
alive beings |
19691 |
8378 |
43 |
|
| Natural
protected areas |
National
system of protected areas has 236 areas, 81 of national significance
and 155 of local interest at the moment, with a total surface
of 26 750 km² of which 19 958 km² is in terrestrial
areas and 6 792 km² in marine areas. Province of Pinar
del Rio is the one that has bigger number with 30, Guantanamo
province, 24; Matanzas, 23, and Island of Pines, 18.
|
Sierra
del Rosario, Pinar del Rio |
For
their handling categories they have been divided in Natural, Ecological
Reservations and Floristic Managed, National Park, Outstanding
Natural Element, Refuge of Fauna, Protected Natural Landscape
and Protected area of Managed Resources.
Each
one of them is in agreement with the classification of International
Union for the Conservation of the Nature and the Natural Resources
(UICN), arisen in 1948 in French city of Fontainebleau. |
Cuba has 8 areas protected with international recognition they
have very high ecological, landscape and cultural worth, they
are:
Name |
Category |
Area
(km²) |
Province |
| Guanahacabibes |
Reserve
of Biosphere |
1
192 |
Pinar
del Río |
| Sierra
del Rosario |
Reserve
of Biosphere |
251 |
Pinar
del Río |
| Cuchillas
del Toa |
Reserve
of Biosphere |
2
083 |
Guantánamo-Holguín |
| Baconao |
Reserve
of Biosphere |
806 |
Santiago
de Cuba |
| Ciénaga
de Zapata |
Reserve
of Biosphere |
10
499 |
Matanzas |
| Buenavista |
Reserve
of Biosphere |
3
135 |
Sancti
Spiritus |
| Parque
Nacional desembarco del Granma |
Patrimony of Humanity |
326 |
Granma |
| Parque
Nacional Viñales |
Cultural
Landscape |
111 |
Pinar
del Río |
|
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