Joining Forces for an by Peter J. Tolson, Paul Schoenfeld, and Patricia Loop Island of Biodiversity

Nestled in the rain shadow of the to GTMO and the adjacent dry forests Sierra Cristal, the U.S. Naval Base at outside the fence line. Ten are Guantanamo Bay, , has baked in endemic to southeastern Cuba, eight to sleepy isolation from the other eastern Cuba, and nine to central and biodiversity hot spots of the Western southeastern Cuba. for more than Endemic reptiles abound on the base, 100 years. Now that from the diminutive Sphaerodactylus “GTMO” has been thrust geckos to the Cuban ground iguana into the forefront of our (Cyclura nubila) and the Cuban boa nation’s defense against (Epicrates angulifer), the largest terres­ terrorism, our aware­ trial reptiles of Cuba. The size of these ness of the strategic and the population densities are importance of the base’s unusual. Cuban boas greater than 9.8 17 miles (27 kilometers) feet (3 meters) in total length are rare of perimeter fence has outside of the base, but are commonly increased substantially. encountered in a variety of GTMO Fewer of us realize the habitats. Ground iguanas exist in greater value of this barrier in densities on the base than anywhere else conserving a substantial on the island. Conservatively, the base’s A hutia feeds in a Phyllostylon tree. component of Cuban population of 2,000 iguanas represents Photos by Peter J. Tolson biodiversity. more than 5 percent of the total number With an annual living in Cuba. At least 26 reptile species rainfall of less than 19.5 are found on the base. As on other inches (500 millimeters) Caribbean islands, native mammal per year, the arid biodiversity is low, with eight species of landscape of the bats and one species of rodent, the hutia Guantanamo Naval Base (Capromys pilorides). is dominated by tropical Also contributing to this biodiversity xeric (dry) habitats, are 167 species of identified by the precisely the habitats Institute for Populations, a nonprofit that are most imperiled organization that fosters a global ap­ throughout the West proach to the study of changes in bird Indies. During an populations, while it conducted avian ecological assessment of field research at GTMO. Noteworthy the base completed in among these are eight endemic species, A Coccothrinax fragans palm forest near Windmill Beach. 1998, The Nature Conservancy identified including the bee hummingbird no fewer than five forest alliances, three (Mellisuga helenae), the world’s smallest woodland alliances, and five shrubland bird, and the Cuban ( alliances that comprise the plant commu­ multicolor), a small, colorful bird that nities of the base. digs tunnels in embankments for nesting. Fifty-one of the 193 plant species Thirty-one additional species are consid­ identified during the floristic surveys are ered uncommon and 19 species are endemic to Cuba, and four are endemic considered rare. The endangered

10 ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2004 VOLUME XXIX NO. 1 Antillean brown pelican (Pelicanus training in Caribbean ranges where occidentalis occidentalis) is common on environmental requirements include the base, and there are reliable sightings, aerial surveys for endangered or threat­ as yet unconfirmed, of the endangered ened species, marine life, and other Cuban parrot (Amazona leucocephala) nontarget hazards before training in a remote area of GTMO. exercises begin. Aerial surveys are also In a facility with more than 12 miles followed by spotter and safety craft to (19.3 km) of coastline, we might expect curtail operations should marine life or GTMO to have substantial marine nontarget hazards enter the ranges resources. The quality of reef habitats during the exercises. and mangrove forests, habitats that have The GTMO staff of environmental been substantially degraded elsewhere professionals manages several research on the island, is excellent on the base. programs for endangered and threatened Coral reefs fringing the coastline and species. In addition to the bird surveys southern portions of Guantanamo Bay described above, ongo­ are relatively pristine. In addition to the ing cooperative research many common coral species building the programs with the San reefs, large stands of undisturbed Diego and Toledo Zoos staghorn (Acropora cervicornus) and study the ecology and elkhorn (A. palmate) corals are found demography of GTMO here. Seagrass beds support an abun­ boa and iguana popula­ dance of queen conch (Strombus gigas), tions. The environmental and endangered West Indian manatees office also places a strong (Trichechus manatus) are frequently emphasis on outreach seen feeding in these areas. Mangrove and educational pro- forests and fringes provide habitat for a grams to inform base per­ variety of birds, including nesting sonnel of the importance resident shore birds and neotropical of environmental and migratory landbirds. Mangroves are also natural resource man- A male Cuban ground iguana. essential for many marine fish, and agement. These elements mangrove-dependent species such as combine to ensure snook (Centropomus undecimalis) and awareness among the mangrove snapper (Lutjanus griseus) are base residents and quite common. GTMO beaches provide military mission planners nesting habitat for four species of about environmental and threatened or endangered sea turtles, natural resources con­ and juvenile sea turtles are found siderations during the frequently in and around the coral reef daily living and working and seagrass habitats. routine. The Navy puts considerable effort into managing and conserving the natural resources of GTMO. New personnel Peter J. Tolson is indoctrinations include an environmental Director of Conserva­ session where they learn about such tion at The Toledo Zoo. Phyllostylon brasiliensis/cactus subjects as hazardous material minimiza­ Paul Schoenfeld is the Natural Resources forest. tion, hazardous waste management, Manager, U.S. Naval Base, Guantanamo recycling, recreational fishing and diving, Bay Cuba, and Patricia Loop is the species at risk, and applicable regula­ Environmental Director, U.S. Naval Base, tions. Mission-essential operations are Guantanamo Bay Cuba. reviewed for environmental impacts and are planned to avoid adverse effects. These operations include live-fire

ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2004 VOLUME XXIX NO. 1 11