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Rapid Biological Inventories : 07 Cuba: Península de Zapata THE FIELD MUSEUM ograms Drive vation Pr e rbi 12.665.7433 / 3 g , Illinois 60605-2496, USA onmental & Conser .fieldmuseum.or 12.665.7430 F Ciénaga de Zapata (CITMA) 3 www The Field Museum Envir Chicago T The John D. and Catherine T. Foundation MacArthur Financiado por / Partial funding by 1400 South Lake Shor Instituciones Participantes / Participating Institutions The Field Museum Natural de Cuba Museo Nacional de Historia y Medio Ambiente, Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnología Cornell Lab of Rapid Biological Inventories Biological Rapid

biological rapid inventories 07

Cuba: Península de Zapata

Arturo Kirkconnell Páez, Douglas F. Stotz, y/and Jennifer M. Shopland, editores/editors

NOVIEMBRE/NOVEMBER 2005

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 LOS INFORMES DE LOS INVENTARIOS BIOLÓGICOS RÁPIDOS SON Cita sugerida/Suggested citation PUBLICADOS POR/RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES REPORTS ARE Kirkconnell P., A., D. F. Stotz, y/and J. M. Shopland, eds. 2005. PUBLISHED BY: Cuba : Península de Zapata. Rapid Biological Inventories Report 07. The Field Museum, Chicago. THE FIELD MUSEUM Environmental and Conservation Programs Créditos fotográficos/Photography credits 1400 South Lake Shore Drive Carátula/Cover: La Ferminia (Ferminia cerverai ) está restringida Chicago Illinois 60605-2496, USA a las ciénagas de la península de Zapata. A diferencia de la casi T 312.665.7430, F 312.665.7433 extinta Gallinuela de Santo Tomás (Cyanolimnas cerverai ), www.fieldmuseum.org la Ferminia aún tiene una población significante. Aunque se Editores/Editors encuentra en estado vulnerable por su rango tan pequeño, hay optimismo para la supervivencia de la Ferminia con la continua Arturo Kirkconnell Páez, Douglas F. Stotz, protección de la peninsula. Foto de J. W. Fitzpatrick. / Zapata y/and Jennifer M. Shopland (Ferminia cerverai ) is restricted to the marshlands of the Zapata Diseño/Design Peninsula. Unlike the nearly extinct Zapata (Cyanolimnas cerverai ), the wren still has a significant population. Although Costello Communications, Chicago vulnerable because of its tiny range, there is optimism for the Traducciones/Translations ’s future survival with the continued protection of the Patricia Álvarez, Roberto Soto, Jennifer M. Shopland y/and peninsula. Photo by J.W. Fitzpatrick. Amanda Zidek-Vanega Carátula interior/Inner cover: Herbazales abiertos dominados por jamaicense ocupan gran parte de la región occidental The Field Museum es una institución sin fines de lucro exenta de y norte de la península de Zapata. Esta vegetación abierta es impuestos federales bajo la sección 501 (c)(3) del Código Fiscal Interno./ The Field Museum is a non-profit organization exempt from federal income mantenida por incendios periódicos. Este tipo de vegetación alberga tax under section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. varias especies de aves endémicas a Cuba, incluyendo las dos especies restringidas a la península de Zapata. Foto de R. Foster./ ISBN 0-914868-61-6 Open marshlands dominated by Cladium jamaicense occupy much ©2005 por el Field Museum. Todos los derechos reservados./ of the western and northern portions of the Zapata Peninsula. This ©2005 by the Field Museum. All rights reserved. open vegetation is maintained by periodic fire. This vegetation type Cualquiera de las opiniones expresadas en los Informes de los Inventarios is home to several of endemic to Cuba, including the Biológicos Rápidos son expresamente las de los autores y no reflejan two species restricted to the Zapata Peninsula. Photo by R. Foster. necesariamente las del Field Museum./Any opinions expressed in the Rapid Biological Inventories Reports are those of the authors and do not Láminas a color/Color plates: Figs. 5B–G, T. Barksdale; necessarily reflect those of The Field Museum. Figs. 4A–L, L. Diaz; Figs. 5A, 6C–D, J. W. Fitzpatrick; Figs. 2B–H, 3A–F, 6A–B, R. Foster 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. Impreso sobre papel reciclado/Printed on recycled paper

2 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME/REPORT NO. 7 1 2

3

4

5 6

[ Kilómetros/Kilometers 10 20 30

••• Reserva de la Biosfera de costa. El Parque Nacional de 1) Río Hatiguanico, 2) Peralta, CUBA: Zapata Zapata/Zapata Biosphere Zapata (verde) cubre 4 320 km 3) Pálpite, 4) Caleta Sábalo, Reserve cuadrados de principalmente 5) Punta Perdiz, and 6) Bermeja. ciénagas y de mangles. Cuatro The Zapata Biosphere Reserve ••• Parque Nacional de Zapata/ áreas protegidas más pequeñas (white) encompasses the entire La Habana Zapata National Park consisten de tres refugios de peninsula and the near-shore ••• Refugios de Fauna/ fauna silvestre (amarillo)— waters. Zapata National Park Wildlife Refuges Arroyones, Los Sabalos y Bermeja (green) covers 4,320 sq. km of del oeste al este—y un reserva mostly marshland and . CUBA Arroyones florística (azul). El área grande Four smaller protected areas Santiago Los Sabalos de color naranja sin brillo entre consist of three wildlife refuges Bermeja las dos secciones del parque, y (yellow) Arroyones, Los Sabalos, ••• Reserva Floristica/ continuando al este a lo largo del and Bermeja, from west to east, Floristic Refuge borde de la Bahía de Cochinos y and a floristic refuge (blue). la costa sur, representa los The broad swath of dull orange bosques importantes y con poca between the two sections of the FIG.1 Península de Zapata protección de la península de park, and continuing east along desde una imagen de Satélite. Zapata. El patrón geométrico al the edge of the and Los sitios muestreados durante norte de la Reserva de la Biosfera the southern coast, represents nuestro inventario están demuestra que, mientras que la the important and underprotected indicados con números en esta península está bastante intacta, forests of the Zapata peninsula. imagen de la siguiente manera: casi todo el paisaje fuera de la The geometric pattern north of 1) Río Hatiguanico, 2) Peralta, península ahora se encuentra the Biosphere Reserve shows that, 3) Pálpite, 4) Caleta Sábalo, bajo agricultura intensiva./ while the peninsula is largely 5) Punta Perdiz, y 6) Bermeja. Zapata Peninsula by Satellite. intact, nearly all the landscape La Reserva de la Biosfera Zapata The sites surveyed during our outside the peninsula is now (blanco) abarca la península inventory are indicated by under intensive agriculture. completa y las aguas cerca a la numbers on this image as follows: [ Kilómetros/Kilometers 10 20 30

FIG.2A Vegetación terrestre Semideciduo/Semideciduous: VEGETACIÓN SEMINATURAL/ FIG.2B Matorral de baja de la península de Zapata./ SEMI-NATURAL VEGETATION diversidad, como este en el Mesófilo típico/ Terrestrial vegetation of the lado oriental de la Bahía de Typical mesophyll Vegetación secundaria Zapata peninsula. Cochinos, cubre la plataforma (bosques, matorrales y de piedra caliza a lo largo de Comunidades herbáceas/ comunidades herbáceas la costa arriba de línea de marea. Herbaceous communities: secundarias)/Secondary VEGETACIÓN NATURAL/ No muestreamos muy a fondo vegetation (forests, NATURAL VEGETATION Herbazal de ciénaga/ este hábitat./A low-diversity scrubland and secondary Marsh grassland scrub, such as this one on the herbaceous communities) Bosques Tropicales Latifolios/ east side of the Bay of Pigs, Vegetación acuática/ Broadleaf Tropical Forests covers the limestone shelf Aquatic vegetation VEGETACIÓN CULTURAL/ along the coast above tideline. Siempreverde/Evergreen: HUMAN-DOMINATED We did not thoroughly survey Complejos de Vegetación/ VEGETATION Mesófilo de baja altitud this . Vegetation complexes: (menor de 400 m)/Low Cultivos agrícolas FIG.2C Bosques de ciénaga altitude mesophyll (below De mogotes/Of mogotes con focos de pastos y cubren las partes altas del 400 m) vegetación secundaria/ De costa rocosa (costa alta)/ río Hatiguanico./Swamp forests Agricultural crops with Micrófilo costero y Of rocky coast (high coast) cover the upper reaches of patches of pasture and subcostero (monte seco)/ the Río Hatiguanico. De costa arenosa (Playa)/ secondary vegetation Coastal and sub-coastal Of sandy coast (beach) microphyll (dry scrub) Pastos con focos de cultivos, sabanas naturales De ciénaga/swamp forest y vegetación secundaria/ De mangles/mangroves Pastures with patches of crops, natural savannas and secondary vegetation

Plantaciones forestales/ Forestry plantations 2B

FIG.2D Los herbazales de FIG.2G Palmares como estos ciénaga en Peralta albergan de Sabal maritima ofrecen grandes poblaciones de Mayitos refugio para aves amenazadas de Ciénaga (Agelaius assimilis) incluyendo a la Cotorra (Amazona y varias especies de Gallinuelas./ leucocephala) y al Carpintero The marsh grasslands at Churroso (Colaptes fernandinae)./ Peralta harbor large populations Palm stands, like these Sabal of Red-shouldered Blackbirds maritima, are havens for (Agelaius assimilis) and several threatened birds including species of rails. the Cuban Parrot (Amazona leucocephala) and Fernandina’s FIG.2E Bosques semideciduos Flicker (Colaptes fernandinae). ricos cubren las secciones más secas de la península./Rich FIG.2H Herbazales de 2C semi-deciduous forests cover the ciénagas abiertos, cubiertos drier sections of the peninsula. por Cladium jamaicense, son albergue para dos aves FIG.2F Bosques de ciénaga, especialistas de Zapata: mangles y ciénagas abiertas la Gallinuela de Santo Tomás se entretejen a lo largo del (Cyanolimnas cerverai) y la río Hatiguanico, una cuenca Ferminia (Ferminia cerverai)./ principal de la península Open marsh grasslands, de Zapata./Swamp forests, covered by Cladium jamaicense, mangroves and open marshland are home to the two Zapata interweave along the Río specialties: Hatiguanico, a main drainage (Cyanolimnas cerverai) and in the Zapata peninsula. Zapata Wren (Ferminia cerverai).

2D 2E 2F

2G 2H 3A

FIG.3A Nymphaea ampla FIG.3E El almácigo, Bursera ocurre comúnmente en las partes simaruba es común en Zapata más abiertas de las ciénagas de y en una gran parte de los Zapata./Nymphaea ampla occurs bosque semideciduos del Caribe./ commonly in the more open parts The gumbo limbo, Bursera of Zapata’s marshlands. simaruba, is common in Zapata’s, and much of the ’s, FIG.3B Bosques dominados semi-deciduous forests. por mangle rojo, Rhizophora mangle, bordean los estuarios FIG.3F La caoba, Swietenia y mucha de la costa de la mahogani, ha sido abundante península de Zapata./Forests en los bosques semideciduo dominated by red , de Cuba y Zapata, pero has sido Rhizophora mangle, line the reducido a causa de la tala estuaries and much of the coast excesiva./The mahogany, of the Zapata peninsula. Swietenia mahogani, has had its abundance in the semi- FIG.3C Los bosques deciduous forests of Cuba semideciduos son ricos en and Zapata severely reduced especies de árboles, pero through overharvesting. domina Lysiloma latisiliquum./ Zapata’s semi-deciduous forests are rich in tree species, but Lysiloma latisiliquum dominates.

FIG.3D Calophyllum antillarum es uno de los árboles dominantes en los bosques de ciénaga de Zapata./Calophyllum antillarum is one of the dominant trees in Zapata’s swamp forests.

3B 3C 3D

3E 3F 4A 4B 4C 4D

4E 4F 4G 4H

4I 4J 4K 4L

FIG.4A , una FIGS.4D, E, G Eleutherodactylus FIG.4H La tortuga cubana FIG.4K melanurus, especie pequeña y en gran parte auriculatus, (4D), E. varleyi (4E) endémica Trachemys decussata, una serpiente común en Zapata arbórea, es endémica a Cuba, y E. atkinsi (4G) son 3 de las todavía es abundante en Zapata, es activa mayormente de noche./ pero se encuentra a través de 8 epecies que registramos de pero su cosecha excesiva es una Tropidophis melanurus, a common la isla./Anolis porcatus, a small este género en Zapata. Nuestro amenaza a esta especie./The in Zapata, is mostly active and largely arboreal species, registros de E. atkinsi fueron endemic Cuban turtle, Trachemys at night. is endemic to Cuba but found los primeros para la península. decussata, is still abundant in FIG.4L Una de las dos throughout the island. Eleutherodactylus compone el Zapata but its overharvesting is especies de amphisbaenidos 57% de las especies de ranas a threat to the species. FIG.4B Chamaeleolis conocidos de Zapata, Cadea que encontramos en Zapata chamaeleonides, una lagartija FIG.4I Antillophis andreai es blanoides es raramente visto (una dominancia típica para el arbórea común en Zapata es una de las doce especies de debido a sus hábitos de hacer Caribe)./Eleutherodactylus parecida pero no tiene parentesco serpientes que se encuentran madrigueras./One of two auriculatus (4D), E. varleyi (4E) con los camaleones verdaderos en la península de Zapata./ species of amphisbaenids known and E. atkinsi (4G) are 3 of the y no cambia de colores./ Antillophis andreai is one of from Zapata, Cadea blanoides 8 species of this we Chamaeleolis chamaeleonides, twelve species of found is seldom seen because of its registered in Zapata. Our records a common arboreal in in the Zapata peninsula. burrowing habits. of E. atkinsi were the first for the Zapata, resembles but is not peninsula. Eleutherodactylus FIG.4J Epicrates angulifer es related to true Chamaeleons made up 57% of the frog species la serpiente más grande en Cuba. and does not change colors. we found at Zapata (a typical Esta endémica cubana es FIG.4C Nuestros registros dominance for the Caribbean). perseguida extensamente debido de Bufo empusus son los a su reputación por matar aves FIG.4F Los estudios en Zapata primeros para la península de de corral./Epicrates angulifer sugieren que esta rana, Bufo Zapata desde los principios is the largest snake in Cuba. fustiger, es mejor tratarla como del Siglo XIX./Our records This Cuban endemic is widely un morfo de color en Bufo of Bufo empusus are the persecuted because of its peltacephalus./Studies at Zapata first for the Zapata peninsula reputation for killing poultry. suggest this frog, Bufo fustiger, since the 19th century. is best treated as a color morph in Bufo peltacephalus. 5A 5B

FIG.5A La Ferminia, Ferminia FIG.5D El Bobito Chico, Contopus cerverai, es una de las dos caribaeus, es una de las epecies especies de aves cuyo rango total numerosas de aves residentes es la península de Zapata./Zapata que depende de los bosques de Wren, Ferminia cerverai, is one of la península de Zapata./Cuban two species of birds whose entire Pewee, Contopus caribaeus, is range is the Zapata peninsula. one of the numerous resident bird species that rely on the FIG.5B El Zunzuncito, Mellisuga forests of the Zapata peninsula. helenae, una endémica cubana amenazada, es el ave más FIGS.5E–F Zapata tiene las pequeña del mundo. Zapata tiene poblaciones más grandes y la población más grande de esta más diversos de aves terrestres especie, pero los daños causados que migran de Norteamérica en por huracanes a sitios críticos Cuba, y probablemente del ha reducido sus números./Bee Caribe. La Bijirita Chica, Parula Hummingbird, Mellisuga helenae, americana (5E), y la Bijirita a threatened Cuban endemic, Trepadora, Mniotilta varia (5F), 5C is the smallest bird in the world. son especies comunes que pasan Zapata contains the largest el invierno en los bosques de population of this species, but Zapata./Zapata has the largest hurricane damage to crucial sites populations and diversity of has reduced its numbers. migrant landbirds from in Cuba, and probably FIG.5C La Cotorra, Amazona the Caribbean. Northern Parula, leucocephala, que tiene Parula americana (5E), and poblaciones reproductivas Black-and-white Warbler, Mniotilta significantes en las sabanas de varia (5F), are common wintering palmas en Zapata, se encuentra species in Zapata’s forests. amenazada por la pérdida de hábitat y por la captura de los FIG.5G El Zunzún, Chlorostilbon polluelos para el comercio de ricordii, abundante en un amplio mascotas./Cuban Parrot, rango de hábitats en la península Amazona leucocephala, which de Zapata, ocurre a través de has significant breeding Cuba y en las Bahamas./Cuban 5D populations in Zapata’s palm Emerald, Chlorostilbon ricordii, savannas, is threatened by abundant in a wide range of habitat loss and by capture of in the Zapata peninsula, nestlings for the pet trade. occurs throughout Cuba and in the Bahamas.

5E 5F 5G 6C

FIG.6A cinerea FIG.6B El impacto de (marabú), introducido de África, huracanes es agravado más ha invadido el sotobosque de los por la fragmentación de los bosques en toda la península de bosques./The impact of Zapata. Esta es solamente una de hurricanes is greatly exacerbated varias especies de plantas exóticas by forest fragmentation. alterando el medio ambiente de FIGS.6C–D La extracción de Zapata./Dichrostachys cinerea madera, principalmente para (marabu), introduced from Africa, leña para combustible, ha ido has invaded the understory of disminuyendo los bosque de forests throughout the Zapata Zapata./Logging, mainly for peninsula. This is just one of fuel, has eaten away at the several species of exotic forests of Zapata. altering Zapata’s environments.

6A 6B

6D

ENGLISH CONTENTS

(for Color Plates, see pages 15–22) 91 Technical Report 91 Overview of Inventory Sites 94 Flora and Vegetation 66 Participants 98 67 Institutional Profiles 100 Mollusks 69 Acknowledgments 101 Amphibians and 104 Birds 70 Mission and Approach 110 71 Report at a Glance 111 Human Communities

76 Why the Zapata Peninsula? 115 Appendices 116 (1) Vascular 77 Overview of Results 121 (2) Ground 77 Landscape and Sites Visited 123 (3) 78 Flora and Vegetation 124 (4) 79 Insects 125 (5) Mollusks 79 Mollusks 126 (6) Amphibians and Reptiles 79 Amphibians and Reptiles 128 (7) Birds 80 Birds 148 (8) Laws 80 Mammals 81 Human Communities 149 Literature Cited 81 Threats 150 Previous Reports 83 Conservation Targets 85 Benefits for Conservation and for the Region 87 Recommendations

CUBA: ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE/NOVEMBER 2005 65 PARTICIPANTS

FIELD TEAM

Eduardo Abreu Guerra Arturo Kirkconnell (birds) (amphibians and reptiles, human communities) Museo Nacional de Historia Natural de Cuba Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnología y La Habana, Cuba Medio Ambiente de Ciénaga de Zapata [email protected] Ciénaga de Zapata, , Cuba [email protected] Alina Lomba (mollusks) Museo Nacional de Historia Natural de Cuba Tania Chateloín (plants) La Habana, Cuba Parque Nacional Ciénaga de Zapata [email protected] Matanzas, Cuba [email protected] Debra K. Moskovits (coordination, birds) Environmental and Conservation Programs Luis M. Díaz (amphibians and reptiles) The Field Museum, Chicago, IL, U.S.A. Museo Nacional de Historia Natural de Cuba [email protected] La Habana, Cuba [email protected] Douglas F. Stotz (birds) Environmental and Conservation Programs Stephen Díaz (mammals) The Field Museum, Chicago, IL, U.S.A. Museo Nacional de Historia Natural de Cuba [email protected] La Habana, Cuba [email protected] dmusl eum.e@fzi r ot o t dsSophiag Twichell (coordination) Environmental and Conservation Programs Jorge Luis Fontenla Rizo (ants and dragonflies) The Field Museum, Chicago, IL, USA Museo Nacional de Historia Natural de Cuba [email protected] La Habana, Cuba [email protected] COLLABORATORS

John W. Fitzpatrick (birds) Ramona Oviedo Prieto (plants) Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology Instituto de Ecologia y Sistematica, Ithaca, NY, USA Ministerio de Ciencia Tecnologia y Medio Ambiente [email protected] La Habana, Cuba [email protected] Robin Foster (plants) Environmental and Conservation Programs Tania Piñeiro Cordero (human communities) The Field Museum, Chicago, IL, U.S.A. Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnología y [email protected] Medio Ambiente de Ciénaga de Zapata Ciénaga de Zapata, Matanzas, Cuba Osmany González (birds) [email protected] Parque Nacional Ciénaga de Zapata Ciénaga de Zapata, Matanzas, Cuba Pavel Valdés (ground beetles) [email protected] [email protected]

66 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME/REPORT NO. 7 INSTITUTIONAL PROFILES

The Field Museum Museo Nacional de Historia Natural de Cuba

The Field Museum is a collections-based research and The Museum’s core mission is to collect, research, conserve, educational institution devoted to natural and cultural diversity. and exhibit natural objects to promote scientific and cultural Combining the fields of Anthropology, Botany, Geology, Zoology, knowledge of nature. It is an institution comparable, in structure and Conservation , Museum scientists research issues in and function, with the international model for this kind of , environmental biology, and cultural anthropology. museum; for that reason it includes the following among its Environmental and Conservation Programs (ECP) is the branch fundamental objectives: of the Museum dedicated to translating science into action that I Research on biogeography, paleogeography, and the biodiversity creates and supports lasting conservation. ECP collaborates of Cuba and the Caribbean; with another branch, the Center for Cultural Understanding and I Conservation of the collections of Cuban minerals, rocks, Change, to ensure that local communities are involved in efforts fossils, plants, and residing in the Museum, which are for long-term protection of the lands on which they depend. With part of the National Heritage; losses of natural diversity accelerating worldwide, ECP’s mission is to direct the Museum’s resources—scientific expertise, worldwide I Broadening of these collections so that they will be collections, innovative education programs—to the immediate representative of Cuban nature, and systematic study of the needs of conservation at local, national, and international levels. collections and of the environment from which specimens were collected; and

The Field Museum I Creation of exhibits about nature, with emphasis on Cuban 1400 South Lake Shore Drive natural history, and the education of visitors and the general Chicago, Illinois 60605-2496 U.S.A. public in a culture of nature. 312.922.9410 tel www.fieldmuseum.org 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

CUBA: ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE/NOVEMBER 2005 67 Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnología y Medio Ambiente Cornell Lab of Ornithology de Ciénaga de Zapata (CITMA)

CITMA de Ciénaga de Zapata has the following responsibilities: The “Lab” is a nonprofit membership institution whose mission is to interpret and conserve the earth’s biological I Enforcing the regulations established with respect to the environment and the wise use of natural resources diversity through research, education, and citizen science focused in ; on birds. Our programs work with citizen scientists, government and nongovernment agencies across North America and beyond. I Developing and setting objectives for conservation and We believe that bird enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels sustainable development in the region; can and do make a difference. From backyards and city streets I Evaluating all proposals for the introduction or modification of to remote forests, anyone who counts birds can contribute to techniques or technologies to be used in the area, and proposing the Lab’s research. Data from the projects are used to monitor appropriate technological solutions; bird populations and outline conservation efforts.

I Participating in, evaluating, and regulating, within the guidelines The Lab’s conservation work is based on sound science of its jurisdiction, the design and implementation of and draws extensively from the efforts of other Lab programs. development projects in the region; and Our conservation staff produces guidelines and manuals to help professional land managers and private landowners make informed, I Conducting systematic evaluations of the environmental conditions of the area and the status of its natural resources, conservation-minded management decisions. Lab staff belong to as well as determining the requirements of highest priority for a number of conservation alliances including Partners in Flight achieving conservation objectives set for the region, through and the International Whaling Commission, which work hard to adopting measures within its purview and proposing those that affect broad-scale conservation policy. require approval at higher levels of organization. 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 Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnología y Medio Ambiente de they need to provide science-based programs to their students. Ciénaga de Zapata (CITMA) Carretera a Playa Larga, Km 26 Cornell Lab of Ornithology Ciénaga de Zapata, Matanzas, Cuba 159 Sapsucker Woods Road 53.01.459.5539 tel Ithaca, NY 14850 U.S.A. www.cubagov.cu/des_soc/sitio-citma/ciencia-index.htm 800.843.2473, 607.254.2473 tel www.birds.cornell.edu

68 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME/REPORT NO. 7 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We would like to thank all those who helped with this inventory Thanks are also due the helpful people at HAVANATUR for of the Zapata Peninsula. Although in the following we name some their work on logistics during our stay in Cuba, and transport to and people individually, all receive our warmest thanks. First, we are from our study sites. Dan Brinkmeier, Isa Halm, and Julie Smentek grateful to the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Environment provided logistic support in the days before the presentation of our (CITMA) authorities at the national level for facilitating the rapid results in . Robin Foster is indebted to Ramona Oviedo Prieto inventory and its results. Special recognition is due to CITMA in for her generous aid in identifying plants photographed in the field. for all the logistical support they provided and Bil Alverson, Sergio Rabiela, and Sarah Kaplan assisted with the for ensuring the success of the inventory. Likewise, we thank the production of the images used in the report. local CITMA authorities for all the interest and effort that they Tyana Wachter and Sophie Twichell provided tremendous showed, as well as for their active participation in the preparation support in coordinating the work done for this rapid inventory, of the report. We especially would like to thank Marisol Gil, la both in Cuba and in Chicago. We also thank Patricia Álvarez, Delegada del CITMA en Matanzas, and the managers and support Amanda Zidek-Vanega, and Tyana Wachter for translations and staff at CITMA Station in Palpite for helping to make us Roberto Soto for the translation and explanation of soil types. comfortable during our inventory. Laurie Hunter edited the appendices. Yazmín Peraza, Tyana Wachter, In Havana, we would like to especially thank Yazmín Peraza Corine Vriesendorp, Debby Moskovits, and Brandy Pawlak of the Nacional Museum of Natural History of Cuba (Museo provided careful reviews of this report. Nacional de Historia Natural de Cuba) for exceptional help and We thank John W. McCarter for his constant support of support in all phases of the inventory from getting permits, through our program. Funds for this rapid inventory were provided by fieldwork, to the writing of the report. Nadia Pérez and Regla the John D. And Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and Balmori of the National Museum of Natural History of Cuba The Field Museum. shared their friendship and organizational skills. Reinaldo Estrada, of the Nacional System of Protected Areas (Sistéma Nacional de Editors’ Note: Jennifer Shopland revised, edited, or wrote all Áreas Protegidas [SNAP]), provided us with very helpful comments text and appendices except the plate captions. Because she had on the results and especially the recommendations arising from our to leave the project before its conclusion, however, she contributed fieldwork. Other organizacional units of CITMA coordinated the to the final editing of the English text only, and to none of the permits for access to the study areas and for the collection of proofreading. The remaining errors in form and content are the specimens. The Cuban Interests Section in Washington, D.C., sole responsibility of the other editors. kindly granted visas for the U. S. participants.

CUBA: ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE/NOVEMBER 2005 69 MISSION

The goal of rapid biological and social inventories is to catalyze effective action for conservation in threatened regions of high biological diversity and uniqueness.

Approach

During rapid biological inventories, scientific teams focus the assets of these communities that can serve as points of primarily on groups of organisms that indicate habitat type and engagement for long-term participation in conservation. condition and that can be surveyed quickly and accurately. These In-country scientists are central to the field teams. The inventories do not attempt to produce an exhaustive list of species experience of local experts is crucial for understanding areas with or higher taxa. Rather, the rapid surveys (1) identify the important little or no history of scientific exploration. After the inventories, biological communities in the site or region of interest and protection of wild communities and engagement of social networks (2) determine whether these communities are of outstanding rely on initiatives from host-country scientists and conservationists. quality and significance in a regional or global context. Once these rapid inventories have been completed (typically During social asset inventories, scientists and local within a month), the teams relay the survey information to local communities collaborate to identify patterns of social organization and international decision makers who set priorities and guide and opportunities for capacity building. The teams use participant conservation action in the host country. observation and semistructured interviews to evaluate quickly

70 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME/REPORT NO. 7 REPORT AT A GLANCE

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 . The Zapata -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 (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 , 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 , 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.

CUBA: ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE/NOVEMBER 2005 71 REPORT AT A GLANCE

Highlights of results We recorded 305 species of vascular plants, from an estimated 1,000 in the (continued) 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 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 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 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 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 richardi (1 of the 2 reptile species restricted to the peninsula) as well as 4 reptile species and 1 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 , 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-. Zapata’s forests are equally

72 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME/REPORT NO. 7 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 are representatives of a group of large-bodied restricted to the Greater Antilles. One of these hutias, enanus, is known in modern times only from Zapata. Of the region’s 15 species (both native and introduced), we recorded the relatively common native Capromys pilorides and the introduced , house mouse, and small Indian .

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

CUBA: ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE/NOVEMBER 2005 73 REPORT AT A GLANCE

Main Threats feral mammals, (4) damage to sabal and royal palms, (5) hunting of threatened (continued) 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.

Principal Discussions with staff from the above agencies have led to the following recommendations principal recommendations: for protection

and management 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.

74 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME/REPORT NO. 7 Principal 07 Evaluate the threats from pollution, channelization, and drainage to Zapata’s recommendations wetlands. Develop protocols to monitor and manage these potential threats. for protection and management (continued) 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.

Long-term 01 A globally outstanding conservation area that includes (1) one of the world’s conservation largest and most nearly intact marsh ecosystems; (2) the largest remaining benefits 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.

CUBA: ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE/NOVEMBER 2005 75 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’s south-central coast—is another kind of refuge. The same hidden waterways, tangled vegetation, and soggy 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 nowhere else, or vanishing from other parts of Cuba or the West Indies, maintain a stronghold. Where the swamp 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’s wetlands. At more than 4,500 km2, it is in a with the Florida Everglades (USA) and the Pantanal 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 the Caribbean—have such large tracts of lowland forest escaped destruction. Substantial populations of more than 80% of Cuba’s endemic birds depend on these swamp forests and drier semideciduous forests. 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 the peninsula’s vegetation grows on peaty soils. This mosaic of water and land deserves its international recognition and national protection. Zapata Swamp is a UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Reserve and a Ramsar site, as well as a Cuban national park (Fig. 1). Four other core conservation areas are protected by Cuban law—but much of the peninsula, especially the forests, remains outside formal protection. Logging of large timber trees and harvesting of fuelwood go unchecked throughout much of the region. Even the marshes and swamps are not immune to peril. Invasive species, especially exotic trees and shrubs, have begun their march into Zapata’s inner reaches, and agricultural lands surrounding Zapata are potential sources of pollutants. Our aim in conducting a rapid biological inventory was twofold: to document the presence of and plant groups, especially those less well known than birds, and to link the status of these organisms to threats that continue to grow in the Zapata Peninsula. Conservation coverage in the region is admirable, but more intensive management is needed, especially outside the formally protected parts of the peninsula. Information on diversity and danger will support the preservation of this giant gem of the Caribbean, not only by Cuban conservationists, but also by Zapata’s human communities.

76 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME/REPORT NO. 7 OverviewOverview 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), (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 threatened with extinction, as well as several inventory we found fewer than half of the bird species other fishes restricted to Cuba (Gambusia punctata, known from the peninsula and no new records for the G. punticulata, Cichlasoma tetracantha, and Cubanichthys region. In contrast, the field team recorded more species cubensis). Species or subspecies found only on the of amphibians and reptiles during the week-long peninsula itself include Zapata Wren (Ferminia cerverai, inventory than had been registered previously for the Fig. 5A), Zapata Rail (Cyanolimnas cerverai), Zapata peninsula. Nevertheless, for most of the organism groups Sparrow (Torreornis inexpectata), the surveyed, members of the field team had collected (a , Mesocapromys nanus), the information during earlier studies. We present highlights (Crocodylus rhombifer), and a new species of blind fish of this ecological context in the Technical Report. (Lucifuga) recently discovered in the eastern cenotes. Archaeological sites contribute to the Zapata Peninsula’s cultural significance in the region. Of the FLORA AND VEGETATION 33 sites present on the peninsula, some include remains The broad extent and relatively good condition of of the three main aboriginal cultures of Cuba. Zapata Swamp’s vegetation underscore its significance At present, the biodiversity of the peninsula is for conservation. The region is probably best known protected formally through four core conservation areas. for its marsh grasslands. Although these marshes are low Two are of national importance: Zapata Swamp National in species richness and endemism, they are crucial habitat Park (Parque Nacional Ciénaga de Zapata) and the for endemic birds, the largest remaining population of Zapata Cave-Lake System (Sistema Espeleolacustre de Cuban crocodiles, some endemic fishes, and a notable Zapata), a Distinguished Natural Element in Cuba’s population of West Indian manatees, as well as a host of protected-area network. Their combined area is other species. Vegetation within the marshes ranges from 432,100 ha. The other two—Bermeja and Los Sábalos plants floating on open water to dense fields of sawgrass Wildlife Refuges—protect areas of great local value (Fig. 2H), actually a sedge, with tall grasses and scattered (combined area 2,446 ha). Zapata Swamp also has been palms. Like the sawgrass areas of the Florida Everglades, designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (657,100 ha), Zapata’s marshes are kept open by fire. Without it, as well as a Ramsar site (an internationally important woody vegetation would encroach and the marshes wetland) by the International Wetlands Convention (Fig. would become shrubland. But much of the marsh may 1). Most of the land protected by Cuban law or burn too often to maintain dense sawgrass and other international agreement lies in the swamp itself (for the characteristic vegetation. Little is yet known about the applicable laws, please see Appendix 8). Upland forests, effects of too-frequent fire on the vegetation and fauna of which harbor many endemic species that do not occur in Zapata Swamp, but we suspect that the ideal burn cycle the wetlands, have received very little protection and are is intermediate, maintaining structural diversity without hardest hit by overexploitation of natural resources. allowing significant invasion of woody vegetation. Such a Even for the wetlands, long-term health of the ecosystem regime probably would be favorable for species, like the is at risk because the headwaters are outside the national endemic Zapata Rail and Zapata Wren, that depend on park and may be threatened by diversion, channelization, open marsh grassland. and pollution. Mangrove forests hug the coastline and Zapata’s importance as a center of avian penetrate up Zapata’s rivers. Though depauperate in diversity and endemism has been known for many both plant and vertebrate diversity when compared with years. Other taxonomic groups have not received as other forest types, mangrove areas are crucial nurseries much scientific attention. For example, during the rapid for much of the region’s marine life. We surveyed these

78 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME/REPORT NO. 7 forests mainly along the Hatiguanico River, where three As Cuba’s most extensive wetland, Zapata species of mangroves occur. Swamp is a site of great importance for dragonfly Most of Zapata’s upland forests occupy a wide conservation. Of the 50 species of dragonflies predicted swath mainly south and east of the marsh (Figs. 1, 2A). to occur in the Zapata region, we noted 18 (Appendix 4). These stands are the most extensive remnant of low- No Cuban dragonflies are endemic. 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. MOLLUSKS The canopy is dominated by relatively few tree species. Land snails dominate the mollusk fauna of Cuba. We surveyed two types of upland forest: seasonally to Of approximately 1,300 species found in the country, permanently inundated swamp forest (Fig. 2C), which nearly all are endemic. Zapata has few species for an appears to be resistant to fire; and semideciduous forest area of its size. As is true for ants, the periodic flooding (Fig. 2E), primarily on limestone, in which Lysiloma of terrestrial habitats may have been a barrier to land latisiliquum dominates. snails’ invasion of the region. In our inventory of these four vegetation During the rapid inventory we recorded types, as well as some areas of open, disturbed land, 5 species of land snails, of which 1 (Cysticopsis exauberi) we recorded 305 species of vascular plants of an is a new species for the Zapata region (Appendix 5). estimated 1,000 in the region (Appendix 1). Among We also registered 7 species of freshwater mollusks, them were several tree species of ecological or economic including 2 new Zapata records (Helisoma foveale and significance, including mahogany and sabal palm. the rare Drepanotrema anatinum). Two other notable records were Liguus fasciatus alcaldei, a subspecies previously thought extirpated in the region, and INSECTS Eurycampta supertexta, a Cuban endemic. The surveys of conducted during the rapid inventory must be considered preliminary because of our limited field time. Among insects, we surveyed ground AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES beetles (in the family Carabidae), ants, and dragonflies. The survey of amphibians and reptiles that we conducted We recorded 54 species of carabid beetles, of added significantly to the knowledge of the herpetofauna which 4 are endemic to Cuba and 1 is a new species of of the Zapata Peninsula. Of 16 amphibian species Ardistomis (Appendix 2). We suspect that many more predicted to occur in the region, 10 had been recorded species will be found at Zapata when more habitats and before the rapid inventory; we registered 14 (Appendix 6). sites have been inventoried. Of an estimated 43 reptile species, 36 had been recorded Zapata’s ant fauna is dominated by previously; we registered 41 (Appendix 6). widespread and introduced species. Cuba’s primarily About one-quarter of Cuba’s amphibian and terrestrial ants may not have been able to adapt to the reptile species are known from the Zapata Peninsula. In inundation to which almost the entire peninsula is reptiles, species richness is relatively high but endemism subjected. During the rapid inventory we recorded 17 is only moderate (15 of the 41 species recorded on the of the 30 species predicted for the region (Appendix 3). rapid inventory are endemic to Cuba). Two of these One of these species ( pasozi) is endemic endemic species, a lizard (Sphaerodactylus richardi) and to Cuba. We noted a range extension for the leafcutting a snake (Arrhyton procerum), are restricted to the ant Acromyrmex octospinosus.

CUBA: ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE/NOVEMBER 2005 79 peninsula. In contrast to reptiles, and like Cuba’s considered threatened or endangered) are dependent amphibians in general, Zapata amphibians show an on the remnant and, at present, unprotected forests. extraordinary degree of endemism (13 of the 14 species Populations of these threatened species are among the recorded during the inventory are found only in Cuba). largest remaining in Cuba. Given that we saw every One of our amphibian records (the toad Cuban endemic (with the exception of the nearly extinct Bufo empusus, Fig. 4C) was the first for Zapata since Zapata Rail) on Zapata’s list during this brief survey, the nineteenth century. Eleutherodactylus auriculatus populations must be very large for these range-restricted (Fig.4D), E. varians, E. eileenae, E. planirostris, species as well. Full protection of Zapata’s forests will E. riparius, Bufo peltacephalus, and Osteopilus secure habitat for nearly all of Cuba’s endemic avifauna. septentrionalis (all frogs and toads) were abundant Such protection cannot be duplicated elsewhere. during the rapid inventory. Compared to other areas of Cuba, the Zapata First records for reptiles in Zapata were Peninsula has the largest populations and greatest species Anolis equestris juraguensis, A. lucius, A. pumilus, richness of migrant from North America. Arrhyton taeniatum, and Typhlops biminiensis. We also For at least 12 species of these migrants, a significant noted a range extension for the Zapata endemic portion of the population winters in Cuba and uses the Sphaerodactylus richardi, which was abundant during forests of the Zapata region. Because the rapid inventory our survey. Several other lizard species appeared to have took place outside the peak of their migration, our large populations, as did the turtle Trachemys decussata species count for migrant passerines was low. Migrant (Fig. 4H), even though the latter is heavily harvested for shorebirds flock to Zapata’s wetlands, but we did not food, religious purposes, souvenirs, and pets. visit parts of the peninsula where shorebird populations are highest. These latter migrants probably were abundant at the time of our survey. BIRDS In all, we recorded 117 species of birds (91 breeders, 17 species overwintering, and 9 transients; The Zapata Peninsula is unquestionably the most Appendix 7). In addition to the local endemics noted important area for birds in Cuba. More species of above, we observed Gundlach’s Hawk, Blue-headed Cuban endemics occur here than anywhere else. The Quail-Dove, Gray-fronted Quail-Dove, Cuban Parakeet, marshes contain the largest populations of waterbirds Bee Hummingbird (Fig. 5D), and Fernandina’s Flicker, in the country. Species richness and population sizes all threatened Cuban endemics. Other significant of migrant landbirds are the highest in Cuba. records included the first Bay-breasted Warbler for All three of the birds restricted to the Zapata Zapata Swamp; significant numbers of migrating region—Zapata Rail, Zapata Wren (Fig. 5A), and an Common Nighthawks and Eastern Kingbirds, which endemic subspecies of Zapata Sparrow—are inhabitants had been registered only once and twice, respectively, of its marshes. Zapata Sparrow is known otherwise only at Zapata before this inventory; and Yellow-throated from two small populations in eastern and northern Vireos, a rare winter resident, in mixed-species flocks. Cuba. Zapata’s marshes also are home to the endemic Red-shouldered Blackbird, the threatened Sandhill Crane (represented by an endemic subspecies), and the MAMMALS threatened West Indian Whistling-Duck. As critical as Zapata’s marsh habitats are for Mammalian diversity in the Zapata region, as in Cuba, , its forests are at least as significant. is low. Including both native and introduced species, Twenty of the 23 bird species endemic to Cuba occur in Zapata’s mammal fauna includes 5 orders, 9 families, the Zapata Peninsula; most of them (including 9 species 14 genera, and 15 species. Bats are richer in species than

80 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME/REPORT NO. 7 other groups. The declining West Indian manatee THREATS (subspecies Trichechus manatus manatus) inhabits the The primary threats to the biological diversity and La Broa-Hatiguanico River Inlet along Zapata’s coast. natural resources of the Zapata Peninsula are (1) human The peninsula’s 3 species of hutias are representatives of activities that damage the water table, marshes, and a group of large-bodied rodents, containing 13 living swamps; (2) human activities that destroy or degrade species, restricted to the Greater Antilles. One of these upland forests; and (3) invasive species. hutias, Mesocapromys nanus, is known in modern times Agriculture is of concern as a potential threat only from the Zapata region. During the rapid to Zapata’s wetlands. Outside Zapata Swamp itself, inventory we recorded 4 mammal species: the relatively fertilizers and livestock may contribute to excessive common and widespread native hutia Capromys nutrient loads and chemical contamination that pilorides and 3 introduced species (black rat, Rattus eventually pollute the marshes and swamps. Also, water rattus; house mouse, Mus musculus; and small Indian is diverted and impounded for irrigation, as well as other mongoose, Herpestes javanicus). human uses, with unknown impacts on the ecosystem. Experiments in rice culture are among the agricultural developments that lead to drainage of wetlands. The HUMAN COMMUNITIES nonhuman inhabitants of Zapata Swamp also may suffer Human population density in Zapata Swamp is low from fragmentation of their habitats by roads and canals, (2 inhabitants per km2). Access to the region has been and from the lingering effects of past peat extraction. limited to the railroad and one paved road entering the Zapata’s forests are threatened both by selective heart of the peninsula. Zapata’s extensive marshes have logging and by clearcutting. Local needs for firewood and discouraged human visitation, let alone settlement. charcoal lead to clearing of forest patches. Over more This light footprint is responsible in part for the good extensive areas, loggers target larger trees as sources of condition of many of the peninsula’s wild communities. lumber for construction. This degradation of the forest Nevertheless, Zapata’s human communities goes beyond the loss of individual trees, however. depend on the natural resources provided by the swamp Artificial openings exacerbate hurricane damage and and surrounding forests. Our work in Zapata Swamp did leave the forest more susceptible to devastation by not include a rapid social inventory, in part because of lightning- or human-induced fires. Even if remnant forests the short period available for fieldwork. But prior studies survive these forces, their structure may no longer be indicate that inhabitants of the buffer zone subsist mainly suitable for some of Zapata’s endemic species of birds. through small-scale agriculture, exploitation of forests So far, the most destructive invasive species (lumber and charcoal; Fig. 6C), and fishing. Other in the Zapata region are nonnative plants. Melaleuca, activities include silviculture, livestock production, sport an Australian tree, has invaded the marshes and may hunting, and apiculture. Recently, tourism has blossomed prove as severe a problem there as in the Florida in the region but has had little economic impact on most Everglades, where it is the target of vigorous control residents. Well-planned development of ecotourism in the efforts. Dichrostachys (known locally as marabú, Zapata Peninsula could provide some economic support Fig. 6A) and Casuarina have similar potential for to the local population as well as increase their stake in degradation of native habitats in the upland forests. the continued conservation of forests, marshes, and But plants are not the only invaders that threaten marine resources. 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

CUBA: ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE/NOVEMBER 2005 81 other small vertebrates. Several nonnative fish species I Hunting: Wild populations of some species may be (Clarias [walking ], Oreochormis, and Cyprinus) able to support harvest at the subsistence level. But the have been introduced into Zapata’s waterways. hunting of Cuban crocodiles, hutias, and West Indian Whistling- must be eliminated. The jicotea (the Other threats to the conservation of wild species and turtle Trachemys decussata) and the majá de Santa communities include the following: María (Cuba’s largest snake, Epicrates angulifer) may

I Fires at unnaturally high frequencies in the marshes: need similar protection.

As noted above in Flora and Vegetation, ecologists I Unregulated tourism: Although ecologically sensitive still know little about how much fire is too much, tourism could be a force supporting conservation on but uncontrolled fires set by humans, combined with the peninsula, the spread of recreational infrastructure hurricane damage and alteration of the water table and uses that ignore conservation needs is a potential and wild vegetation, present a clear danger. threat. On beaches, alteration of substrate and

I Desiccation and salinization of soils: Past exploitation vegetation poses a specific threat to carabid beetles of peat and current agricultural practices have and may endanger other animals, as well as plants.

rendered some soils unsuitable for wild communities. I Limitations on human resources for conservation:

I Free-ranging livestock and feral mammals: These Local residents lack the knowledge of flora, fauna, animals degrade vegetation directly by grazing and and ecosystem sensitivity that would prepare them trampling. Also, cattle and goats introduce seeds of for more conservation-friendly practices. In addition, invasive exotics into the forests. At present, water Zapata’s conservation staff need additional equipment buffaloes are limited to the region of rice plantations, and training to achieve their potential for action. but if they should spread into wild swamps and marshes, they could become a serious problem.

I 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.

82 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME/REPORT NO. 7 CONSERVATION TARGETS

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 (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)

CUBA: ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE/NOVEMBER 2005 83 CONSERVATION TARGETS

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, prehensilis

West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus) (declining)

Human Communities No specific targets yet identified

84 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME/REPORT NO. 7 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.

CUBA: ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE/NOVEMBER 2005 85 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.

86 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME/REPORT NO. 7 RECOMMENDATIONS

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.

Protection and 01 Expand the intensity and extent of conservation action to the entire Zapata Management 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

CUBA: ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE/NOVEMBER 2005 87 RECOMMENDATIONS

Protection Reserve recognizes the crucial role that human communities must play in and Management regional conservation action. Engaging local populations will be essential to (continued) 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.

88 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME/REPORT NO. 7 Research 03 Measure the effects of fire frequency and intensity on the flora and fauna of (continued) 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 of Zapata populations of giant Anolis 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.

CUBA: ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE/NOVEMBER 2005 89 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,

CUBA: ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE/NOVEMBER 2005 91 southwest of Province and southeast of swamps, trenches, and artificial channels of medium La Habana Province. to low volume, most surface water is discharged into the Although elevations on the Zapata Peninsula Bay of Pigs and La Broa Inlet through two main range from sea level to 10 m, the Zapata Basin itself does drainages. The more important of the two routes follows not exceed 6 m asl. It consists of two well-defined blocks the Hatiguanico, Negro, Gonzalo, and Guareiras Rivers, of land, separated by deep terrestrial faults, on either side which drain directly into the sea through La Broa Inlet. of the Bay of Pigs. To the west, the Ciénaga Occidental, Numerous springs in the upper third of the basin give rise bounded by La Habana Province, is lower and has a to these rivers. shallow coast characterized by an accumulation of The extent of subterranean drainage in the sediments. To the east lies the higher Ciénaga Oriental, basin has not been evaluated yet, but its considerable bounded by Cienfuegos Province and distinguished by a contribution appears as numerous submarine springs steeper, rocky shore. Crossing the center of the peninsula clearly visible in satellite images (ICGC 1993). Zapata from east to west is a calcareous ridge that penetrates the Swamp is a buffer rather than a barrier to marine low, flooded western sector and is known locally as la intrusions. Maximum water depth in the salt marshes parte alta de la Ciénaga (“the high part of the Swamp”). is 2 m; in the coastal zone, 600 m; and in the Bay of Peaty soils predominate in the Zapata Basin. Pigs, 1,000 m. Running in four bands from east to west are the following soil types: (1) red ferralitic (typic and hydrated) and Climate yellowish ferralitic; (2) peaty, peaty gleysols, and marly- Like the rest of Cuba, the Zapata Peninsula has peaty; (3) red and black rendzinas; and (4) coastal bog two clearly differentiated seasons: a warm, wet season and mangrove swamp solonchaks. The largest from May to October and a dry, cooler season from concentrations of peat occur in the Ciénaga Occidental, November to April. Rainfall varies from 1,200 to 1,300 along with marsh soils that include muddy and sandy mm during the wet season (80-85% of the annual total) material. In the Ciénaga Oriental, bare karst and from 250 to 300 mm during the dry. The annual predominates, with vegetation growing directly on it. average is 1,500 mm. Most rain falls in the afternoon. Sand dunes taller than 2 m are found in the same zone. The northeastern part of Zapata Swamp is one of the wettest places in Cuba—1,700 mm of annual Hydrology precipitation is the maximum. Electrical storms are Intense karstic development, not only in Zapata Swamp frequent and intense during the wet season. The itself but also in the upper third of the basin (the southern prevailing winds come from the east. karstic plain of Colón), has created the largest limestone The mean annual temperature on the peninsula drainage system in the country. This Southern Matanzas is 24.5°C, with an average minimum of 18°C and an Basin, or Zapata Basin, occupies nearly the entire average maximum of 38°C. Winters in the region are southern portion of Matanzas Province and the among the coolest in Cuba. Temperature range is more southwestern extreme of Cienfuegos Province (ICGC extreme in the interior of the peninsula, which also is 1993). The drainage system forms a complex of aquifers wetter than the coast. Shallow waters are very warm at different depths. Its discharge, in large part, creates throughout the year, the mean temperature ranging Zapata Swamp. from 24 to 30°C. The superficial hydrology of the basin is very Relative humidity is particularly high in Zapata dissected because of the karst geology, flooding processes, Swamp, with average values ranging from 76% (March- and human activities of channelization, regulation of April) to 83% (September-November). Annual averages water levels, and drainage. Carried in rivers, lagoons, 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 at Peralta is 2.5 km long. Peralta’s swamp forests are humidity, dry continental air masses, high temperatures, similar to those at Bermeja. The southern section of solar exposure, and wind patterns combine during this site also contains marsh grasslands (Fig. 2D). drought periods to create favorable conditions for We surveyed this site on 10 September 2002. wildfires. Whether of human origin or from lightning strikes, these fires cause considerable ecological and Pálpite (between 22º19’45” N, 81º11’5” W, and economic damage on the peninsula. 22º19’28” N, 81º12’38” W) The most dangerous and dramatic atmospheric This site lies approximately 5 km south of Guamá phenomena on the Zapata Peninsula, as throughout on the road to Playa Girón. The swamp forests to the Cuba, are tropical storms and hurricanes. Hurricane southwest of the village are similar to those in other season lasts from June to November, but the most active parts of the peninsula. We surveyed the area informally months are September, October, and November. Sustained each day throughout the inventory, as our base was at wind speeds exceeding 210 km/h have been recorded for Pálpite. On the afternoon of 9 September 2002 we some hurricanes that have hit Zapata. Flooding is surveyed a trail running west from the village. common in May and June or September and November, not only from hurricanes but also from large rainfalls Hatiguanico River (between 22º35’49” N, 81º26’16” that occur within a 24-h period. W, and 22º35’49” N, 81º38’54” W) More than 30 km long, the Hatiguanico is the largest SITES VISITED river draining the Zapata Peninsula. It reaches the heart of Zapata Swamp. Our Hatiguanico site (Fig. 2C,F) lies Here we describe sites surveyed during the rapid inventory 8 km south of the highway between La Habana and conducted in September 2002. We selected these sites to Santa Clara at Km 101. It includes the guard post at sample a broad range of habitats from accessible entry Hato de Jicarita. The Hatiguanico River empties into points. In the sections on individual taxonomic groups, La Broa Inlet and is navigable for small boats along below, we characterize sites surveyed by team scientists most of its course. Its banks are low and mostly covered working on inventories or research at other times. with mangroves that have a canopy 5-15 m high, with Bermeja (22º9’33” N, 80º57’52’’ W) herbaceous plants and vines present. Elsewhere along the river are marsh grasslands that are periodically or At this site, 12 km north of Playa Girón, are swamp permanently flooded, with an accumulation of peat. forests that are periodically or permanently inundated, The dominant plants in this marshland include the sedge with soils rich in organic matter. The forests have a Cladium jamaicense (sawgrass, cortadera de ciénaga), canopy layer 8-15 m tall, with emergents to 20 m, and (cattails, macío), rushes, and show deciduous and epiphytic elements. The area has Sagittaria lancifolia. We surveyed this site by small boat been disturbed by logging and by domestic livestock, on 11 and 12 September 2002. especially cattle. We reached the area from the south and walked old trails and dirt roads. Surveys took Punta Perdíz (between 22º7’3” N, 81º6’58” W, and place on 9, 10, and 14 September 2002. 22º8’7” N, 81º5’38” W)

Peralta (between 22º35’27” N, 81º18’21” W, and This site is situated within the Cave-Lake System 22º33’57” N, 81º19’15” W) of Zapata (Sistema Espeleolacustre de Zapata). It is characterized by semideciduous forest with a canopy This site is situated along the highway between La at 15-20 m growing on well-drained, bare karst. It Habana and Santa Clara at Km 122, approximately contains elements from dry evergreen forests and coastal 20 km from the entrance road to Zapata. The trail

CUBA: ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE/NOVEMBER 2005 93 forests, including Metopium toxiferum (poisonwood, METHODS guao de costa), Swietenia mahagoni (mahogany, caoba) Because our time for the rapid inventory was so limited, and Bursera simaruba (gumbo-limbo, almácigo). we used informal survey methods to cover as much We surveyed a trail leading inland from the highway to ground and to visit as many habitats as possible. We Playa Girón on the morning of 13 September 2002. complemented descriptions of vegetation types and lists of species with photographs of species taken during Caleta Sábalo (22º13’31” N, 81º8’34” W) our surveys. A subset of these photographs appears in Two vegetation types stand out at this site, 4-6 km Rapid Color Guides (http://fm2.fieldmuseum.org/ northeast of Los Hondones: swamp forests dominated plantguides/guideimages.asp?ID=176 and by Bucida spp., and semideciduous forests. Palms are a http://fm2.fieldmuseum.org/plantguides/guideimages notable element here. The mollusk team surveyed this .asp?ID=177). Analysis of satellite images allowed us site on 10 September. The beetle team surveyed this site to describe the distribution of and temporal changes in before the rapid inventory. vegetation types. Also, we incorporated information from previous studies by biologists and naturalists from the National Center for Protected Areas (Centro FLORA AND VEGETATION Nacional de Áreas Protegidas [CNAP]), CITMA, the Participants/Authors: Robin Foster, Tania Chateloín Institute of Ecology and Systematics (Instituto de Ecología y Sistemática [IES]), and the National Museum Conservation targets: Marsh ecosystem with dynamic mosaic of habitats; semideciduous forests; swamp forests; palm of Natural History of Cuba (Museo Nacional de savannas; local endemics (five species); timber trees Historia Natural de Cuba). (Swietenia, Cedrela, etc.) ECOLOGICAL CONTEXT INTRODUCTION Floristic richness and endemism The vegetation of Zapata Swamp bears a striking Scientists and naturalists who have explored the Zapata resemblance to that of the Florida Everglades, USA, wetland complex have recorded approximately 1,000 even though many or most of the dominant plant species of vascular plants in 110 families. Within this species are different. Both regions have limestone flora, endemism is relatively low. As many as 130 species foundations, as well as high frequencies of hurricanes found in Zapata may be endemic to Cuba. Most of and fire. Ecological equivalents are evident in the these endemics are found in the drier forests, not in two ecosystems. For example, the common tree of the swampland. Endemic to the Zapata Peninsula itself inundated forest in the Everglades, bald cypress are 5 species of plants: 2 species of palms (Copernicia (Taxodium), is similar in growth form to the júcaros brittonorum, Coccothrinax cupularis) with known (Bucida palustris and Bucida buceras) in Zapata localities, and 3 additional species (Acacia zapatensis, Swamp. As in the Everglades, deductions about plant Behaimia roigii, Calyptranthes peninsularis), which have communities can be confusing as a result of human not been collected for more than 80 years. intervention. Not only have drainages shifted from their original locations, but also most of the access Vegetation in the area follows either elevated roads and The Zapata Peninsula is remarkable in having extensive causeways or canals with levees. Each has its own areas of natural vegetation in good condition, as well as narrow band of invasive vegetation penetrating the a degree of forest cover considered outstanding at the native habitats. 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 and Tabebuia leptoneura. Although Bucida is a dominant Rhizophora Floristic richness and endemism plant in swamp forest, it does not occur with here as do these other tree species. Where these streams During the survey we registered 305 species (Appendix 1) meet the estuary, Rhizophora is mixed with white of an estimated 1,000 in the region. Of the species mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa). Here the influence recorded, at least 3 had not been observed previously of salt water is strong enough to eliminate all but a by T. Chateloín in her many years as a botanist in the very few of the swamp forest species (e.g., the vines region. Compared with other parts of Cuba, the Zapata Dalbergia ecastaphyllum and Rhabdadenia biflora, Peninsula has few local endemics. Species richness is and the two mangrove ferns Acrostichum aureum and moderately high, mainly because of high habitat A. danaeifolium). The bark of these mangrove species diversity. Zapata’s forests are the vegetation types seems to be too smooth to support establishment of richest in species, but in general their species counts are many epiphyte species. lower than those of similar forests in other parts of the country. Although Zapata’s wetlands are far less Marsh grassland (Herbazal de ciénaga) speciose than its forests, they are richer in species than At the sites we surveyed, marsh grasslands (Fig. 2D) wetlands elsewhere in Cuba and the Caribbean. range from open, shallow water with aquatic plants that Nymphaea ampla Vegetation are either floating (e.g., [Fig. 3A], Nymphoides grayana) or emergent (e.g., Thalia Of the species we observed, 99 were herbaceous (32%), geniculata, Oxypolis filiformis), to dense fields of 85 shrubs (28%), 58 trees (19%), 47 vines (15%), and sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense, Fig. 2H) often mixed 16 epiphytes (5%). The main vegetation types that we with tall grasses (e.g., Saccharum giganteum) and the observed during the survey were mangrove forest cattail, Typha domingensis. These areas often are dotted (10 species), marsh grassland (31 species), swamp forest with clumps of the short palm Acoelorraphe wrightii (90 species), semideciduous forest (101 species) and and scattered individuals of the tall palm Sabal open, disturbed land (99 species). We briefly examined, maritima, both of which are fire tolerant. but did not thoroughly survey, a shrub formation on Our initial impression was that areas with limestone (costa caliza, Fig. 2B) (29 species) at the edge more extensive open water had deeper water as well. of the Bay of Pigs. But comparison of satellite images suggests that these Mangrove forest (Manglar) areas are merely at an earlier stage of vegetation development following a major fire in the sedge fields. The mangrove forests in Zapata Swamp are like Apparently, some large sedge fields have become open- mangroves everywhere: very low in plant diversity but water marshes in just two months (January to March extremely important for the marine life they support, 2001), and some large open-water marshes have become especially as breeding grounds. Red mangrove dense sedge fields in two years (1999 to 2001). If fire (Rhizophora mangle, Fig. 3B) is the species most tolerant were suppressed in Zapata Swamp, the marsh of salt water and most capable of establishing itself in the grasslands—as is the case in the Everglades of the deepest water closest to the ocean. But this species also United States and in the pampas of Venezuela and grows well in freshwater and comes farther than other Bolivia—would disappear and would be taken over by species up freshwater streams, where it is mixed with woody vegetation, first as shrubland, then as low forest. button mangrove (Conocarpus erectus), a predominantly Although fire maintains the integrity of Zapata’s marsh freshwater species. Along the same stream edges, grasslands, it is a destructive force in other vegetation Rhizophora occurs with many other species of the swamp types (see Threats and Recommendations, below). forest, such as the trees Calophyllum antillanum (Fig. 3C)

CUBA: ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE/NOVEMBER 2005 95 Swamp forest (Bosque de ciénaga) species in semideciduous forest. It spreads clonally The fire resistance of this inundated forest is probably and resprouts readily following disturbances, such as attributable to its being in a depression that holds water hurricanes, and thereafter dominates by shading out and maintains high soil and plant moisture in the dry other species. Like other species of its genus, Swietenia season. In some parts of the Tropics, islands of forest mahagoni (Fig. 3F) is greatly prized for its wood. remain in fire-dominated savannas in part because a ring The wood of this species may be the finest among the of fire-tolerant woody species along the island’s margins mahoganies (Mathew 1994). It originally was a common slows the fire and prevents it from penetrating farther. element of woodlands and forests of the Greater Antilles. The swamp forest (Fig. 2C) is relatively species- Its abundance has declined throughout this range, and it rich but usually dominated by two species of Bucida is considered endangered (WCMC 1998). (palustris and buceras), Tabebuia leptoneura, Calophyllum Local human populations use approximately antillanum, and the palm Roystonea regia in the canopy. 125 plant species for their medicinal properties. In the understory, the small trees/shrubs of Chrysobalanus icaco, Annona glabra, Coccoloba diversifolia, Ouratea THREATS AND RECOMMENDATIONS nitida, and Cephalanthus occidentalis predominate, with a Threats high frequency of Blechnum serrulatum ferns close to the Among the serious threats to the vegetation and ground. Around the springs we visited, Amphitecna trees flora of Zapata Swamp is the invasion of several plant are abundant in the understory. species: Melaleuca (an Australian tree that is invading swamp forest and marsh grassland), Dichrostachys Semideciduous forest (Bosque semideciduo) (a shrub native to Africa that was in all upland forests Much of Cuba originally was covered with semideciduous and disturbed areas visited, Fig. 6A), Casuarina (an forest (Fig. 2E). At least in the areas with limestone Australian tree that invades disturbed upland areas), substrata, many of the same species, such as the trees Delonix (an ornamental from , found in Bursera simaruba (Fig. 3E) and Guazuma tomentosa, disturbed swamp forest), and Myriophyllum (the predominate throughout these forests. Prior to European cosmopolitan water milfoil, which displaces native colonization, the most valuable economic species, such as aquatic pondweeds). Delonix probably poses the least Swietenia mahagoni (Fig. 3F) and Cedrela odorata, may significant threat to the region’s vegetation. Melaleuca have been much more abundant. In Zapata, by far the has caused severe problems as an invasive in the dominant species of tree is Lysiloma latisiliquum (Fig. 3C), Florida Everglades and is the target of vigorous but species richness of small trees is high throughout. control efforts there. Wildfires are a vital ecological process in Species of ecological, economic, or seasonally dry swamps—without fire, marsh grasslands cultural significance become shrublands. But fires that are too frequent or too Several species of trees stand out as ecologically or severe can be destructive rather than restorative. Invasive economically important in the forests of the region. plants may follow fire into the ecosystem, as in the The sabal palm Sabal maritima (Fig. 2G) provides nest Florida Everglades. After hurricanes, forest fires often sites for bird species including two threatened parrots, are much more severe than those that normally maintain Cuban Parrot (Amazona leucocephala) and Cuban the diversity and condition of plant communities. Parakeet (Aratinga euops), and the threatened endemic Climate change, especially warming, and deliberate Fernandina’s Flicker (Colaptes fernandinae). Populations burning by humans can aggravate these threats. of S. maritima are clumped, with an uneven age Evidence of hurricanes was strong in the distribution. Lysiloma latisiliquum is the dominant tree vegetation of the Zapata Peninsula (Fig. 6B). For example,

96 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME/REPORT NO. 7 we observed trees that had been blown down north to I Study forest recovery after hurricanes. The effects of south by Hurricane Georges in September 1998. Like hurricanes on forest structure have been examined in fires, hurricanes are a force to which many Zapata other parts of the Caribbean Basin. The effects in plants are adapted—for example, many species Zapata should be compared to those in other areas, regenerate by resprouting from stem bases. But large including (e.g., Chinea 1999; Weaver areas may be required as refuges for species that do not 2002), Nicaragua (Vandermeer 1997), and elsewhere. resprout. Also, as noted above, hurricane damage may Studies in the Florida Everglades following Hurricane prepare the way for invasive plants and may produce Andrew (Horvitz and Koop 2001; Horvitz et al. large accumulations of deadwood that fuel the severity 1998; Pascarella and Horvitz 1998) may be most of fires. Forest fragmentation severely exacerbates the relevant because of the ecological similarities of the destruction caused by hurricanes. Everglades and Zapata. Use the results to protect Although human density in the Zapata refuges for the hardest-hit plant species. Peninsula is low, pressure on plant communities is I Initiate regular surveillance of all vegetation types significant. Human activities with the most severe impacts to guard against the establishment of invasive plant for the vegetation and flora are the selective removal of species. Develop plans for control or eradication of trees, which renders the forest more vulnerable to any invasives detected. hurricane and fire damage, and the wholesale clearing I Experiment with the management of fire frequency in of land to raise livestock, especially cattle. marsh, swamp, and forest habitats. Use the results to Local people use trees (Figs. 6C, D) for three establish prescribed fire cycles that sustain biodiversity. main purposes: (1) lumber (e.g., Swietenia mahagoni and Calophyllum antillanum for building materials); I Investigate the potential for managed logging. (2) charcoal (e.g., Lysiloma latisiliquum and Tabebuia I Track changes in the extent and condition of leptoneura); and (3) curing tobacco (e.g., Lysiloma mangrove forests, using both satellite images and latisiliquum and Rhizophora mangle). To some extent, field observations. Use the data to detect potentially the resprouting of many species after hurricanes is a harmful changes in marshland hydrology (flow preadaptation for managed forestry (coppiced forests). characteristics, sediment deposition, salinity), to Taking advantage of this characteristic, local people which mangroves are very sensitive. might be able to extract wood without harming the I Study the dynamics of marsh grasslands, especially biodiversity of wild forest communities. in relation to fire. Obtain baseline data through In contrast, raising livestock in the Zapata satellite images and sampling of the biota, and region typically involves repeated cutting and burning compare before and after fires. Use the data to of forests to eliminate resprouting. As a result, manage fire frequency by maintaining the proper vegetation cover is reduced to palms and inedible shrubs balance of vegetation structure. and herbs. Cattle ranching is the strongest of all threats to plant communities in Zapata forests. I Compare relative water depths in swamp forest and marsh grasslands to determine whether deeper water Recommendations reduces the severity of fires in the forest. Use this I Limit additional clearing of forest for livestock information to evaluate whether channels within the pastures, and restrict access of livestock to forest peninsula, or water use upstream, is interfering with from existing pastures. the water levels crucial for biodiversity maintenance.

I Control the spread of Melaleuca. Build on the efforts I Use the results of all of the above research to develop of land managers in Florida to eradicate this species. a regional management plan.

CUBA: ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE/NOVEMBER 2005 97 INSECTS areas, and other species that are attracted by the lights GROUND BEETLES of the numerous tourist installations of this area.

Participant/Author: Pavel Valdés I Canal Soplillar: Areas far from the origin of the artificial channel of Soplillar, consisting of a gravel Conservation targets: A new species of the genus Ardistomis; four endemic species: Clivina cubae, Ardistomis elongatulus, bed with many herbaceous species. This region is Coptia effeminata, and Chlaenius cubanus flooded very frequently.

I Los Sábalos: A wooded area 4-6 km northeast of INTRODUCTION Los Hondones. This site was not visited during the The ground beetles of the family Carabidae (Coleoptera) rapid inventory. Along the edges of numerous bodies are predators and live mostly in the soil. They are of water, many species live in the humid peat. associated with many habitats from the coastline to I Pálpite: See description in Overview of Inventory the highest elevations in Cuba. These insects constitute Sites, above. excellent assessment indicators of the condition of I Canal de los Patos: The beetles live in the peat that natural ecosystems and are particularly sensitive to forms the flood-prone soils. the damage caused by human activity. Zapata Swamp protects appropriate habitat for populations of several species of ground beetles that ECOLOGICAL CONTEXT

are not frequently encountered in the rest of Cuba. Zapata Swamp has been poorly studied in terms This wetland constitutes a genuine refuge of its carabid fauna. None of the previous researchers for the majority of species of carabid beetles that live with large collections of Carabidae (for example, in the lowlands. Here are found the oldest and the most P. J. Darlington Jr.) worked in this area. J. C. Gundlach generalist members of most lineages that colonized collected some representatives of the family and Cuba. This pattern of colonization is reflected in the indicated that they came from Zapata, but he did not low endemism and high species richness in Zapata. provide specific localities or publish a list of species for the area. The inventory of carabid beetles listed in this METHODS report thus constitutes the first published for Zapata This report summarizes the carabid beetles found on Swamp but should be considered preliminary. sporadic visits to Zapata Swamp from 1997 through the rapid inventory of September 2002. Because we visited RESULTS OF THE RAPID INVENTORY

only localities in the eastern part of the Swamp, just a I recorded 54 species, 4 of them endemic to Cuba small portion of the region has been surveyed. (see Appendix 2). Among them, I discovered a new The main methods used during the inventory species in the genus Ardistomis during this survey. were the direct collection of beetles in the field and the Some taxa could not be identified to the level of species, nocturnal attraction of beetles though the use of lights because a detailed review of the material deposited in installed in human-altered locations. scientific collections is required for identification. In the future, I expect that many more species will be found We surveyed the following sites for carabid beetles: as more sites are covered, especially in the western I Playa Larga: Coastal segment of the Bay of Pigs that part of the region. includes Buena Ventura and Playa Larga up to Girón, where we collected many species that inhabit saline

98 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME/REPORT NO. 7 THREATS AND RECOMMENDATIONS about these two groups than about other organisms, but

Threats we record both the ecological context and the inventory results here. Like the vertebrate groups mentioned earlier, ground beetles are threatened by habitat loss and deterioration Ants caused by wood extraction and forest clearing, intense In general, the ant fauna of the Zapata Peninsula fires, and damage to the wetlands. Specific dangers to is poor in comparison to that of other parts of Cuba. these insects include the following: (1) desiccation and The species that predominate are either introduced, or salinization of soils as a result of peat exploitation and adaptable and opportunistic. Examples of these include agricultural activity, (2) use of insecticides against the fire ant (Solenopsis geminata) and the Santa Anilla bloodsucking insects, and (3) overuse of beaches for (Wasmannia auropunctata). The low species richness of tourism (with strong impacts on littoral species). ants in the Zapata region may be attributable to the

Recommendations periodic inundation of forests—the majority of Cuban ants are terrestrial, as opposed to arboreal. I Manage the local extraction of wood for The rapid inventory of the ants in the Zapata subsistence use. region recorded 17 species of an estimated regional fauna I Implement effective reforestation plans. of 30 (Appendix 3). We found 1 species endemic to Cuba:

I Improve working conditions for conservation staff. Pseudomyrmex pasozi, an arboreal ant. Our record of the leafcutting ant Acromyrmex octospinosus is noteworthy I Regulate the development and impact of tourist because the species was previously known only from the installations. northwestern and north-central parts of Cuba. I Describe the new species of Ardistomis. Dragonflies I Review specimens for which specific status must be confirmed through detailed comparisons. Cuba is home to 81 species of dragonflies; none of these is endemic. As the largest wetland in the Antilles, I Continue to document the natural history of ground Zapata is an area of great importance for the conservation beetle species. of dragonflies. Fifty species probably occur in the region. I Evaluate present and future anthropogenic influences During the rapid inventory we recorded on the carabid fauna. 18 species of dragonflies (Appendix 4). The low species

I Undertake new inventories in the rest of the peninsula count was largely the result of the short period of the during the rainy season. survey combined with its emphasis on areas of terrestrial vegetation. The most abundant species varied among the sites surveyed: at Bermeja it was umbrata; at the Hatiguanico River site it was insularis. OTHER INSECTS Nevertheless, both species were very common at all the Participant/Author: Jorge Luis Fontenla sites visited. Future surveys should include the dry Conservation targets: No specific targets yet identified months, because some dragonfly species migrate during the winter months. Canals with abundant aquatic INTRODUCTION vegetation should be surveyed with greater intensity. During the September 2002 rapid inventory, the field team surveyed two other insect groups: ants and dragonflies. We were able to collect less information

CUBA: ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE/NOVEMBER 2005 99 MOLLUSKS RESULTS OF THE RAPID INVENTORY

Participant/Author: Alina Lomba During the rapid inventory we found five species of land snails. One of them, Cysticopsis exauberi, is a new Conservation targets: Two Cuban endemics: Eurycampta supertexta and Cerion magister; the Zapata endemic Laevapex record for the area. pfeifferi; Liguus fasciatus alcaldei (IUCN category Vulnerable); We collected seven species of freshwater Drepanotrema anatinum (rare) mollusks (Appendix 5). The most abundant in the region is Pomacea palludosa. The presence of Helisoma INTRODUCTION foveale and Drepanotrema anatinum constitute new The terrestrial malacological fauna of Cuba is almost records for the area. Drepanotrema anatinum was also entirely endemic—totally different from those of the an important find because, although this species is neighboring Antillean islands (for example, widely distributed throughout Cuba, it is considered and ). Among its main characteristics are the rare. Because the majority of the sites visited are flooded high diversity of taxonomic forms, the abundance of for most of the year, the freshwater malacofauna is many populations, the marked endemism, and the particularly abundant. limited range of many species and subspecies We made the following observations at individual sites: (Espinosa and Ortea 1999). In Cuba, scientists have registered nearly 1,300 species of land snails, of which I Bermeja (semideciduous forest and marsh grassland): 96% are endemic. No species was notably abundant at Bermeja, which was flooded during the rapid inventory. Here we METHODS recorded Eurycampta supertexta, Zachrysia auricoma auricoma, and Cysticopsis exauberi. Between 8 and 15 September 2002 we visited the following sites in the Zapata Swamp region: Bermeja, I Peralta (marsh shrubland): We found both Helisoma Peralta, Pálpite, Hato de Jicarita (Hatiguanico River), caribeum and Pomacea palludosa. The latter species Caleta Sábalo, and Punta Perdíz. We recorded species not only is very abundant here but also reaches both by direct observation and by collecting specimens. incredible sizes. We also recorded Helisoma foveale and Drepanotrema anatinum, both new records ECOLOGICAL CONTEXT for Zapata.

The malacofauna of Cuban rivers consists of very few I Pálpite (semideciduous forest): We found Zachrysia species, and most of them have dull coloration. This auricoma auricoma and Eurycampta supertexta, group of species is of biomedical interest because they both typical inhabitants of this vegetation type. are potential intermediate hosts of dangerous nematodes Close to this area, we found shells of Liguus fasciatus and platyhelminths that parasitize both humans and alcaldei. This subspecies had been reported for the economically important nonhuman animals. region, but scientists had thought that the logging Five species of land snails and 14 freshwater of semideciduous forests (its preferred habitat) and mollusk species had been reported for the Zapata region severe hurricane damage had eliminated its prior to the rapid inventory, from collections and from populations. the literature (Espinosa and Ortea 1999; Alayo and I Hato de Jicarita (marsh grassland): We found Espinosa in press). Pomacea palludosa (especially abundant), Helisoma foveale, Drepanotrema anatinum, Laevapex pfeifferi, and Eupera cubensis.

100 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME/REPORT NO. 7 I Caleta Sábalo (semideciduous forest): We found I Investigate the effects of local shell collecting on specimens of Eurycampta supertexta and Zachrysia Liguus populations. auricoma auricoma. According to a personal communication from one of the specialists for this Liguus fasciatus alcaldei region, live individuals of AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES have been found in the forests of Caleta Sábalo. We did not encounter this species in our survey of this site. Participants/Authors: Luis M. Diaz and Eduardo Abreu Guerra

However, we are optimistic that in future inventories, Conservation targets: Threatened species: Crocodylus rhombifer, live specimens of L. f. alcaldei could be found. Trachemys decussata, Epicrates angulifer; endemic taxa: Sphaerodactylus richardi, Arrhyton procerum, two subspecies of I Punta Perdíz (coastal thickets [manigua] along Anolis luteogularis (A. l. calceus and A. l. jaumei) the shore, as well as the littoral zone): We found Cerion sp. (terrestrial), Nerita peloronta, N. versicolor, INTRODUCTION Fissurella barbadensis, Cenchritis muricatus, and Endemism in Cuba’s herpetofauna is high. Of 58 Acanthopleura granulata. The species seen, in described species of amphibians, approximately 95% particular Acanthopleura granulata, indicate that the are found only in Cuba. Of 137 described species of condition of the ecosystem in this area is good. reptiles, 81% are endemic. At least 2 additional species Particularly abundant were Fissurella barbadensis, of amphibians and several species of reptiles are now Nerita versicolor, and N. peloronta. being described. We estimate the herpetofaunal richness of the Zapata Peninsula at 16+ species of amphibians THREATS AND RECOMMENDATIONS and 43 of reptiles. Threats Threats to terrestrial mollusks include the forest METHODS clearing, logging, and fragmentation that have been so We based the rapid inventory of September 2002 on devastating for the rest of Zapata’s fauna. Fires that are information from visits to Zapata Swamp that began not part of the regenerative cycle of forest habitats also in 1994. take their toll. Hurricanes can aggravate the effects of To inventory amphibians, we listened for frogs’ these threats. For Liguus, shell collecting may cause calls at night, taped their voices, and collected specimens damage to local populations. for identification. We used a small net to detect the Contamination of marshes, swamps, and presence of tadpoles in bodies of water. rivers may be a threat for Zapata’s freshwater mollusks. For reptiles, we used a rake to search the leaf Elimination or degradation of wetlands through litter and looked under stones and fallen logs for hidden drainage for agriculture may limit the habitat available snakes and lizards. We searched other vegetation layers for these species. as well, making observations in wooded and sunny areas, in addition to building interiors. With these Recommendations methods we found most of the anoles, geckos, teiids, I Eliminate or mitigate the large-scale threats (clearing, and other lizards recorded, as well as snakes and rare logging, fragmentation, and excessive burning) of the species with fossorial habits. To make visual observations forests that support Zapata’s land snails. of turtles and crocodiles, we surveyed the Hatiguanico

I Evaluate, and if necessary reduce, the impact River in a motorboat, all the way to its outlet, channels, of waterborne pollution and wetland drainage on and tributaries. freshwater mollusks.

CUBA: ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE/NOVEMBER 2005 101 Some of our inventory records are based Eleutherodactylus atkinsi (Fig. 4G), and E. eileenae, on specimens found dead. At night we observed some previously unknown in the Zapata region. Bufo gundlachi species of amphibians and snakes on the highway and and B. empusus are explosive breeders and are seldom detected some sleeping geckos, snakes, and anoles by encountered outside their giant choruses during rainy using a headlamp. nights. This behavior may account for the long absence of We complemented our field observations Zapata records. Eleutherodactylus auriculatus (Fig. 4D), with analysis of voucher specimens in other collections. E. varians, E. eileenae, E. planirostris, and E. riparius We were able to work with specimens for most of the are abundant but much easier to hear than to see. Bufo species collected previously in Zapata Swamp localities. peltacephalus and Osteopilus septentrionalis are two other very common anurans. ECOLOGICAL CONTEXT We found frogs with a color pattern like that described for Bufo fustiger (Fig. 4F), as well as others Before the rapid inventory, 10 species of amphibians with the characteristics of Bufo peltacephalus. Schwartz and 36 species of reptiles had been recorded for the (1960) initially described Bufo fustiger as a geographic Zapata Peninsula. None of the amphibian species is race of B. peltacephalus. Schwartz and Henderson (1991) endemic to Zapata. Although Zapata populations of recognized it as a distinct species. In a preliminary Eleutherodactylus riparius are differentiated from other acoustic analysis of the recordings that we made in Los populations of the species, they are not yet recognized Hondones, where the color pattern is of the fustiger type, as a different taxon (Estrada and Hedges 1998). and Bermeja, where color is of the peltacephalus type, we Among reptiles, a lizard (Sphaerodactylus did not detect significant vocal differences between these richardi, Gekkonidae) and a snake (Arrhyton procerum, populations. Also, we found individuals with both color Colubridae) are local endemics. The type locality for both patterns in the Bermeja population. Typically, Bufo species is Caleta Buena (40 km east of Playa Larga). fustiger has dark brown vermiculations over a light Arrhyton is known from just two specimens and may be background; Bufo peltacephalus displays small, elongated very rare. Zapata Swamp is unusual in harboring 4 species spots over a dark background. We recommend more of giant anoles. Two subspecies of the giant anole Anolis extensive taxonomic studies of these populations to luteogularis (A. l. calceus and A. l. jaumei) are restricted to clarify their status and relationships to other populations. the peninsula and have narrow ranges there. A. l. jaumei Currently we consider Bufo peltacephalus the large toad is known only from the vicinity of Playa Larga. species present in Zapata Swamp. During the rapid inventory we registered RESULTS OF THE RAPID INVENTORY 41 species of reptiles (Appendix 6), constituting more During the rapid inventory we recorded 14 species than 30% of Cuba’s species. Fifteen (36%) of the species of amphibians (Appendix 6)—one-quarter of Cuba’s recorded are endemic to Cuba. amphibian fauna, with representatives of all amphibian With respect to taxa endemic to Zapata, families known in the country. Thirteen of these species our observations extended the known distribution of are endemic to Cuba. Sphaerodactylus richardi to Playa La Máquina, Our record of Bufo empusus (Fig. 4C) in approximately 40 km west of the type locality. Also, Zapata Swamp was the first since the late nineteenth judging from material collected on the rapid inventory, century (Gundlach 1880). We heard several choruses of we confirmed that Anolis luteogularis calceus, restricted this toad during rainy nights at the Bermeja site and in to the peninsula, should be considered a geographic race all the grassy areas south of the highway near Peralta. of A. equestris rather than of A. luteogularis. A future We heard and collected Bufo gundlachi, taxonomic revision would be useful in clarifying its status.

102 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME/REPORT NO. 7 We obtained the first records for the Zapata consequences for amphibians than for other terrestrial region of the reptiles Anolis equestris juraguensis, vertebrates. Both agricultural fertilizers and insecticides, A. lucius, A. pumilus (referred to by Estrada [unpubl. used to control crop pests and mosquitoes, are potential ms.] as Anolis centralis), Arrhyton taeniatum, and sources of this contamination. Typhlops biminiensis. In addition to these widespread threats that We found several species of lizards easy harm most or all amphibians and reptiles, heavy pressure to detect: Anolis allisoni, A. homolechis, A. sagrei, on three reptile species puts them at particular risk:

Leiocephalus carinatus, L. stictigaster, and Ameiva auberi. I Crocodylus rhombifer: The only remaining wild Several geckos (Hemidactylus haitianus, Sphaerodactylus population of the Cuban crocodile is found in Zapata argus, and S. elegans) were common inside houses. Swamp. In Lanier Swamp () and The turtle Trachemys decussata (Fig. 4H) was abundant other parts of Cuba, this species has been extirpated and we frequently saw individuals basking in rivers completely, although reintroduction efforts are under and channels. way. Of the breeding grounds in Zapata Swamp, the By searching carefully in its microhabitats, most important is in La Boca, Laguna del Tesoro. we discovered that the endemic Sphaerodactylus richardi Major threats to this species include illegal hunting is abundant among the rocks along the coastline and for food; illegal sale of mounted specimens, and of in semideciduous forest on limestone. During the day live juveniles as pets; and hybridization with Tropidophis melanurus (Fig. 4K) takes refuge under Crocodylus acutus on the breeding farms. palm fronds, logs, and stones, but at night it is easy to I Trachemys decussata (Fig. 4H): Although populations spot as it forages on the ground, even close to houses. of this turtle (jicotea) seem to be substantial, it is Some cryptic species, such as Anolis alutaceus, overharvested for food and religious use, and to be A. angusticeps, A. loysianus, A. pumilus, A. luteogularis, sold as souvenirs or kept as pets. and A. ophiolepis, may not be scarce, even though they I Epicrates angulifer (Fig. 4J): This boa is the largest are seldom encountered. snake in Cuba. It is threatened mainly by popular Further sampling in the Zapata region should prejudices, as it is considered a serious menace to add additional species. One area worthy of exploration poultry. Its bad reputation has extended to other would be the limestone formations near Cienfuegos snakes (especially Tropidophis). In addition, the local Province, where we would expect to find Tarentola population uses its fat for its presumed healing powers. americana (Gekkonidae). Among the ground-dwelling Eleutherodactylus species, E. dimidiatus probably lives in the leaf litter of forests that never flood. Recommendations

I Manage local logging for subsistence use and protect THREATS AND RECOMMENDATIONS remaining forests, especially those at Bermeja, as habitat for amphibians and reptiles. Threats Like other animal groups in Zapata Swamp, amphibians I Track and, if necessary, control the influx of nutrients and reptiles are vulnerable to habitat conversion and through waterways from the highway to Playa Larga. degradation from logging, charcoal production, and I Investigate the feasibility of controlling the frequency agriculture, including livestock ranching. Human-set fires and intensity of fires. also may pose a significant threat to these vertebrates, I Evaluate and, if necessary, reduce the chemical and which are for the most part less mobile than birds or organic contamination of the aquifer and the mammals. Chemical and organic contamination of the wetlands it feeds. aquifer and the wetlands it feeds may have more serious

CUBA: ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE/NOVEMBER 2005 103 I Reduce, control, or eliminate the harvest of The Zapata Peninsula is not only the threatened species. richest site for bird species in Cuba (258 species, i.e., 70% of the Cuban avifauna), but also the richest in the I Increase the number of long-term studies of Caribbean for endemic species. Of Cuba’s 23 endemics, the natural history of individual species (nutrition, 20 occur in the Zapata region. Two of these, Zapata reproduction, structural use of the habitat, climatic Rail (Cyanolimnas cerverai) and Zapata Wren (Ferminia requirements, vocalizations, general behavior). cerverai, Fig. 5A), are found only in Zapata Swamp. In I Continue biological inventories across different addition, Zapata is crucially important for birds that are seasons and in the largest possible diversity of habitats. currently considered threatened with extinction. Of the Vegetation types on the limestone formations near 30 threatened species in Cuba, 16 currently have Cienfuegos Province should be the targets of one populations on the Zapata Peninsula (Garrido and such inventory. Kirkconnell 2000). Historically, Hook-billed Kite

I Research the taxonomy of the populations of giant (Chondrohierax uncinatus wilsonii), Ivory-billed anoles, frogs, and other amphibian species. (Campephilus principalis), Cuban Macaw (Ara tricolor), and Bachman’s Warbler (Vermivora I Track amphibian populations to detect possible bachmanii) were known from the area. The importance declines. For example, in 1998 we heard large choruses of the Zapata Peninsula to the conservation of Cuba’s of Eleutherodactylus eileenae on the Bosque Sonoro avifauna cannot be exaggerated. Trail near Pálpite but heard none during the rapid inventory. Does this difference indicate some unknown METHODS force affecting local amphibian populations? Between 1987 and the rapid inventory of September 2002, A. Kirkconnell (AK) spent approximately 450 days

BIRDS surveying birds in the Zapata area. The field team’s methods and results were built on these efforts. Participants/Authors: Arturo Kirkconnell, Osmany González, During the rapid inventory, we walked trails, Douglas F. Stotz, John W. Fitzpatrick, Debra K. Moskovits typically in two to three groups of observers. We began Conservation targets: Local endemics of Zapata Swamp our observations about 30 min before sunrise and (3 threatened species or subspecies); other threatened Cuban returned from the field around noon. In the afternoon, endemics (6 species, all forest birds); other threatened species we returned to the field for 2-3 h in the late afternoon (7); other endemic species (11); habitat for terrestrial migrants when activity levels picked up. On a few occasions, we went out at night to search for owls and nightjars. INTRODUCTION Occasionally, we used recordings to attract some By island standards, Cuba is remarkable both species. The recorded voice of Cuban Pygmy-Owl for species richness and for endemism (Garrido and (Glaucidium siju) attracted small birds. Kirkconnell 2000). It has more bird species (360 species: 285 regular in the Cuban archipelago, 75 accidental) We sampled the avifauna of the following sites: and more single-island endemics (23) than any other I Bermeja (20 h: 9 September [morning], 10 September island in the Antilles. The West Indies themselves stand [afternoon], 14 September [morning]) out in terms of endemism. A high proportion of the land birds are endemic to the region, and many are I Peralta (6 h: 10 September [morning])

endemic to single islands. These small ranges put many I Pálpite (7 h: 9 September [afternoon]; 5 h: 8-15 species at risk. September [casual observations])

104 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME/REPORT NO. 7 I Hatiguanico River (25 h: 11-12 September) apparently occurs in extremely low densities, in permanently inundated sawgrass marshes of the Zapata I Punta Perdíz (8 h: 13 September [morning]) region. As determined from interpretations of satellite imagery, suitable habitat may occur as far east as the ECOLOGICAL CONTEXT Playa Larga highway and west to the tip of the Zapata Of the 258 bird species known from the Zapata Peninsula. Survival of Zapata Rail depends on complete Peninsula, 126 breed in the area, 65 are regular winter protection of the sawgrass marshes of Zapata. residents, 35 are regular passage migrants, and the remaining 32 are vagrants (see Appendix 7). Zapata is one Zapata Wren (Ferminia cerverai, Fig. 5A) of the best-known areas in Cuba in terms of its avifauna. Along with Zapata Rail, this species has the most As far back as Gundlach’s work in the early 1800s, its restricted range of any Cuban endemic. Recent surveys importance as a site for birds was recognized. Recently, by AK and colleagues have documented local populations with improved access to the region and its designation as west of La Turba (1 km west of the Playa Larga highway), a Biosphere Reserve, study by ornithologists has increased northwest of Sabana Grande, and south of Arroyones. dramatically. Complementing AK’s observations since The species also occurs in marshes on both banks of the 1987, personnel at Zapata Swamp National Park and the Hatiguanico River. To the west, it is known to occur only local CITMA office have contributed numerous sightings as far as the mouth of the Guareira River. Nevertheless, and studies. The avifaunal list for the Zapata region expanses of suitable habitat appear to occur well presented in Appendix 7 is based primarily on this recent westward into the middle of the Zapata Peninsula. Zapata work but includes records from the ornithological occupy year-round territories (except immediately literature. Here we draw on work prior to the rapid after fires), although they are not distributed uniformly inventory to note the status of species at risk, as well through the inundated marsh habitats of western Zapata. as some additional endemics. In Results of the Rapid They occur only where dense sawgrass is interspersed with Inventory we call out sightings of several of these small islands of shrubs and trees, which the birds use as species and give new records or extensions of previous singing perches. They nest in sawgrass. knowledge of Zapata’s birds. Zapata Sparrow (Torreornis inexpectata) ENDEMIC TO THE One of three subspecies of this Cuban endemic is ZAPATA PENINSULA restricted to the Zapata region, where its documented

Zapata Rail (Cyanolimnas cerverai ) distribution is very similar to that of Zapata Wren. Elsewhere, the species is known only from Cayo Coco, This species and Zapata Wren have the narrowest Ciego de Ávila, and coastal Guantánamo Province. distributions of all endemic bird species in Cuba, and Zapata Sparrow occurs primarily in marshes, but its the two appear to share precisely the same habitat. habitat requirements are slightly broader than those Still definitively known only from two localities (Santo of the two preceding species. In addition to using pure Tomás and Peralta), Zapata Rail has been reliably sawgrass, sparrows (either individually or in groups of up reported only three times since 1970, no doubt because to 5-7 birds) can be found perching or moving through of its secretive behavior and the difficulty of surveying brushy edges of the marsh, and even in mangroves its habitat. Adding to the difficulty of documenting the bordering sawgrass. This subspecies is not found in presence of this species is the lack of definitive recordings forests of any kind, in agricultural areas, or in any other of its vocalizations (the single sound specimen originally habitat lacking sawgrass. Its total population size is attributed to this species recently was identified as probably somewhat higher than that of Zapata Wren. [ maculatus]). This rail

CUBA: ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE/NOVEMBER 2005 105 THREATENED CUBAN ENDEMICS Bee Hummingbird (Mellisuga helenae, Fig. 5D)

Gundlach’s Hawk (Accipiter gundlachi) The Zapata population of this species (the world’s smallest bird) is the most important remaining in the Forests of the Zapata region support one of the five world. In Zapata this species is restricted to the band of most important populations of this hawk in Cuba. swamp forest from Santo Tomás to the east, as far as The species occurs in extremely low densities and is Playa Girón and Bermeja. Outside the breeding season persecuted by local farmers throughout Cuba because the species is difficult to find; it may move locally in it occasionally kills their chickens. For successful breeding response to flowering. this species requires large areas of dense forest well away from human settlements. Fernandina’s Flicker (Colaptes fernandinae)

Gray-fronted Quail-Dove (Geotrygon caniceps) The Zapata population of this woodpecker is the most important in Cuba. The species occurs very locally The Zapata population of this species is by far the within Zapata, reaching its highest numbers in the most important in Cuba. It occurs throughout Zapata region of Bermeja. Like the two parrots, this flicker in the understory of swamp forests and in marsh occupies forested areas with high densities of sabal borders. Its numbers appear to be stable, but long-term or royal palms. persistence of the species in Cuba depends on continued existence of significant tracts of swamp forest in the OTHER THREATENED SPECIES Zapata region. West Indian Whistling-Duck (Dendrocygna arborea) Blue-headed Quail-Dove (Starnoenas cyanocephala) This globally vulnerable species occurs on many The Zapata region is one of the three most important Caribbean islands but is declining everywhere. Cuba population centers for this species in Cuba (the other supports the largest population, but its numbers are two being and Sierra del declining steadily as a result of hunting (local hunters Rosario). In Zapata this dove occurs principally in the indicate that this bird’s meat has an excellent flavor). narrow band of dry semideciduous forest bordering the The Zapata region supports one of Cuba’s most coast from Playa Larga to 20 km west of Playa Girón. important breeding populations of this species. In addition, it is found regularly in swamp forest east of Playa Larga as far as Bermeja. Masked Duck (Nomonyx dominicus) This secretive duck occurs in freshwater marshes from Cuban Parakeet (Aratinga euops) the southern USA patchily south to northern Argentina. The Zapata region supports the fourth most important It occurs on all of the Greater Antilles, in addition to population of this endangered parakeet (the others scattered islands in the Lesser Antilles, but has declined occurring in Sierra de Guamuhaya, Sierra de Najasa, throughout the West Indies (Raffaele et al 1998). It is and the Nipe-Sagua-Baracoa Mountains). In Zapata the seldom encountered anywhere in its range, including in parakeet’s numbers have been declining since 1990, Cuba. Although it is rare in Zapata, it is regularly mainly because of nest robbing and destruction of palm recorded at some sites, especially San Tomás. The trees by humans. This species is highly mobile, moving Zapata population is likely the most important for this seasonally in response to local fruit and seed abundance. species anywhere in the West Indies. Besides loss of It requires intact forest with good numbers of mature habitat, nest by introduced mammals is a sabal or royal palms. major threat.

106 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME/REPORT NO. 7 Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus) studied further, but clearly both require greater This species is rare in the Zapata peninsula. protection of forests in order to persist in Zapata. Zapata is home to both the resident Cuban subspecies Stygian Owl (Asio stygius) (A. s. fringilloides) and, in winter, migrants from North America (A. s. velox). The resident subspecies Stygian Owl occurs patchily through much of the is considered threatened and usually is associated with Neotropics. In the West Indies, it is found in Cuba and pine forests. Because pine stands are rare in Zapata, Hispaniola. The status of this owl in Zapata is poorly populations here are not particularly large. Zapata is known, primarily because it is nocturnal. A few probably not crucial to the long-term conservation of individuals have been found at scattered locations through this species in Cuba. much of the peninsula. Its preference for dense pine forests suggests that populations in Zapata are probably not as Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis) high as those in some other parts of Cuba. Cuba hosts an endemic subspecies of this widespread Other Cuban endemics crane, and the only population that breeds in Latin America. In Zapata, the third most important Cuban In addition to the species discussed above, 15 other population occurs and numbers about 80 individuals. bird species are endemic to Cuba. Eleven of these Their principal breeding occurs in the savannas of the 15 endemics (74%) occur in the Zapata region. All San Lázaro region. of these 11 except the Cuban Grassquit have large populations in the Zapata region. Plain Pigeon (Patagioenas inornata) I Bare-legged Owl (Gymnoglaux lawrencii) This species occurs throughout the Greater Antilles but I Cuban Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium siju) is rare and extremely localized on every island. In Cuba, the principal population occurs in the Sierra de Najasa. I Cuban Trogon (Priotelus temnurus)

In Zapata, the species has been reported recently only in I Cuban Tody (Todus multicolor) Maniadero, west of Santo Tomás, where it occupies I Cuban Green Woodpecker (Xiphidiopicus percussus) open country with scattered palms. I Cuban Martin (Progne cryptoleuca) Cuban Parrot (Amazona leucocephala, Fig. 5E) (endemic as breeder) Forests of the Zapata region support one of the five I Cuban Vireo (Vireo gundlachi) most important populations of this parrot in Cuba (the I Yellow-headed Warbler (Teretistris fernandinae) others occurring in the Guanahacabibes Peninsula, Sierra de Guamuhaya, Sierra de Najasa, and the Nipe- I Cuban Grassquit (Tiaris canorus) Sagua-Baracoa Mountains). In Zapata Swamp the I Red-shouldered Blackbird (Agelaius assimilis) parrot populations declined substantially through the I Cuban Blackbird (Dives atroviolacea) 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 North American migrants settlement. Although both species require intact forest Zapata is the most important site in Cuba for endemic with mature and dead palms, the parrot occurs in a birds, with the largest number of species of endemics, wider variety of forests than does the parakeet. The and 2 species plus a subspecies restricted to the peninsula. ecologies of both the parrot and the parakeet should be It is also arguably the most important area in Cuba for migrant birds from North America. One hundred species

CUBA: ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE/NOVEMBER 2005 107 regularly winter in or migrate through Zapata. The Conservation of Zapata Wren depends on protecting forests of Zapata and coastal mudflats are the most and managing its marsh habitat, including controlling the important habitats for migrants. Migrant landbirds frequency of fires and stopping the spread of Melaleuca (Figs. 5B,C) are abundant throughout the nonbreeding trees. During our inventory we saw or heard Zapata season in Zapata’s forests. The abundance and species Wrens along the Hatiguanico River, and on both sides of richness of wintering landbirds is higher at Zapata than the road to the guard station at Hato de Jicarita. anywhere else in Cuba. At least 12 species of migrant Zapata Sparrow: Conservation strategies for Zapata landbirds have large portions of their wintering Sparrow are the same as those for the previous two populations in Cuba and use Zapata’s forests. species. During our inventory we saw Zapata Sparrows The mudflats along the southern coast of the along the Hatiguanico River and along the road to Hato Zapata peninsula are used heavily by migrant shorebirds de Jicarita. both during migration and in winter. Species richness and abundance of individual shorebirds, though not Threatened Cuban endemics particularly high by global standards, are probably Gundlach’s Hawk: During our inventory we greater here than at any other site in the Caribbean. encountered Gundlach’s Hawk in Bermeja and soaring over the mangroves of the Guareira River (where they RESULTS OF THE RAPID INVENTORY nest in the forest islands called petenes). We recorded We observed 117 species of birds during the rapid them also in marsh grasslands and in the semideciduous inventory. Ninety-one of them breed in the Zapata forest near Punta Perdíz. region, 17 winter there, and 9 occur only as transients. Gray-fronted Quail-Dove: We heard Gray-fronted Because of the timing of our inventory, most wintering Quail-Doves in moderate numbers in the swamp forests migrants had not yet arrived or, if present, occurred only at Bermeja, Peralta, and Pálpite. We saw a few individuals, in small numbers. We observed the following numbers including a cooperative pair on the trail at Peralta. The of species at the study sites (note that we observed species is moderately common in Zapata in the 3 species—Eastern Meadowlark, Shiny Cowbird, and appropriate habitat. House Sparrow—only in transit between the major Blue-headed Quail-Dove: We heard Blue-headed sites sampled): Quail-Dove at dawn at Bermeja. Bermeja (61) Cuban Parakeet: At Pálpite we saw small flocks, ranging Peralta (58) from 3 to 8 individuals, on three dates, in disturbed forest Pálpite (68) along the road. The forest around Pálpite appears Hatiguanico River (86) marginal as breeding habitat for this species. Punta Perdíz (46) Bee Hummingbird: (5 Nov 2001) Noteworthy sightings (or absences) caused substantial damage to the forest containing the Endangered Zapata endemics highest number of Bee Hummingbirds in Zapata. The population was extremely low during the period of our Zapata Rail: We did not encounter this species during inventory. We found only 4 individuals. our brief inventory. Fernandina’s Flicker: At Bermeja, where the largest Zapata Wren: Judging from field surveys by AK and population in Zapata occurs, we observed several colleagues, satellite imagery, and ground-truthing during individuals in open palm savanna on each of our and after the rapid inventory, we estimate the total three visits. population of Zapata Wrens at 120 to 150 pairs.

108 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME/REPORT NO. 7 Other new or significant records more specific threats. The three Zapata endemics, On 12 September, AK and J. W. Fitzpatrick observed with their ranges narrowly restricted to the marshes, a Bay-breasted Warbler (Dendroica castanea) in the are especially vulnerable to long-term or episodic mangroves along the lower course of the Hatiguanico destruction or degradation of this habitat. Cutting of River. This is the first record for the Zapata Swamp, sabal and royal palms is particularly devastating to and the earliest fall record for Cuba by two weeks. populations of both parrot species and Fernandina’s Two species, Common Nighthawk Flicker. The parrots also suffer from direct human (Chordeiles minor) and Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus interference with their breeding efforts, especially when tyrannus), known from one and two previous records at nests are robbed for chicks to be sold as pets. Humans Zapata, were migrating through the area in significant target Gundlach’s Hawk because they perceive it as a numbers during our inventory. The nighthawk was threat to poultry. Uncontrolled hunting of gamebirds, observed in moderate numbers at Bermeja and Pálpite both terrestrial (e.g., White-crowned Pigeon) and on the days between 8 and 10 September. Eastern aquatic (e.g., West Indian Whistling-Duck) may already Kingbirds were migrating overhead in significant be putting Zapata’s populations at risk. numbers on 9 September, with more than 200 birds seen Recommendations in several flocks ranging in size from 15 to 75 birds. Throughout the rest of the inventory, we observed I Consolidate and extend protection for Zapata’s birds flocks with fewer than 10 individuals daily. and their habitats by expanding the intensity and Yellow-throated Vireo (Vireo flavifrons), extent of conservation action to the entire peninsula. typically a rare winter resident on mainland Cuba, was I Track and, if necessary, control diversions and other observed regularly at Zapata in small numbers in mixed- hydrological alterations, as well as runoff and other species flocks dominated by warblers, gnatcatchers and sources of contamination of the water table and other species of vireos. surface water.

I Regulate the extraction of wood, in volume, structure, THREATS AND RECOMMENDATIONS and seasonality. Threats I Control the spread of Melaleuca in the marsh, In spite of the mobility of many species, the Zapata as it presents particular dangers for the three marsh Peninsula’s birds suffer from all the large-scale threats endemics. noted earlier: (1) alteration and contamination of the I water table and resulting impacts on inundated habitats Investigate the feasibility of controlling the frequency especially; (2) uncontrolled logging, which alters the and intensity of fires. vegetation structure on which some endemic species I Reduce hunting of bird species of particular depend; (3) smaller-scale use of trees—for example, conservation concern. cutting leaves for roofing during avian breeding season; I Raise awareness, in farming communities, of the (4) degradation of habitat by invasive plants and ecological value of Gundlach’s Hawk. introduced vertebrate species; and (5) fires that are I too frequent or too severe for the resilience of the Devise and test strategies for protecting the nest sites ecosystem. These threats can cause different kinds of of parrots, parakeets, and flickers. damage during nonbreeding and breeding seasons. I Study the habitat requirements of breeding Zapata In addition to these sweeping menaces to most Wren and Zapata Sparrow. of Zapata’s birds, particular species are at risk from

CUBA: ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE/NOVEMBER 2005 109 I Fill particular information gaps in the ecologies of West Indian manatee in Cuba. Estrada and Ferrer (1987) Cuban Parrot and Cuban Parakeet: food, breeding consider its current situation very precarious, mainly a behavior, use of frontier habitats. result of indiscriminate exploitation, for meat and skins, that the species has faced for hundreds of years. Its I Conduct inventories, in more depth, of the following: geographic distribution includes, among other areas of (1) Zapata Rail, (2) Zapata Wren, (3) Zapata western Cuba, part of the Zapata Peninsula, along the Sparrow, (4) forested areas east of Playa Girón, and coastal region in the La Broa-Hatiguanico River Inlet. (5) the large expanse of swamp to the south and west Bats (Chiroptera) are the mammal group of the Zapata Peninsula. with the greatest species richness in Zapata. The taxa recorded are Noctilio leporinus mastivus, Pteronotus parnelli parnelli, Artibeus jamaicensis parvipes, Phyllops MAMMALS falcatus, Brachyphylla nana, and Lasiurus borealis. Participant/Author: Stephen Díaz Six rodents are known from Zapata: Rattus rattus, Mus musculus, Mesocapromys nanus, Capromys Conservation targets: Three species of hutias: Mesocapromys nanus, Capromys pilorides, Mysateles prehensilis; West Indian pilorides, Mysateles prehensilis, and Agouti paca. manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus) Other mammals known from Zapata are the West Indian manatee (the subspecies Trichechus manatus INTRODUCTION manatus), white-tailed deer (Artiodactyla: Odocoileus virginianus), and the small Indian mongoose (Carnivora: In the Cuban archipelago, scientists have recorded Herpestes javanicus) (Garrido 1980). Of these species, 38 extant native species of terrestrial and freshwater only the bats, Mesocapromys, Capromys, Mysateles, mammals: 27 bats (with 3 endemic species); an endemic and the manatee are native. insectivore, the almiquí (Solenodon cubanus); 9 endemic Zapata is home to 3 species of hutias. These species of hutias (Rodentia, Capromyidae); and the rodents belong to the family Capromyidae, which is West Indian manatee (Sirenia: Trichechus manatus). restricted to the West Indies. Some 26 species pertaining to 8 genera survived into historic times, but only 13 species METHODS in 6 genera still exist (Nowak 1999), and most are We inventoried mammals mainly through direct threatened with extinction. Human exploitation for food observation in the field, as well as through indirect means has been the primary cause of their demise, although loss such as searching for scat and bite damage on branches. of forest in recent times may have contributed to the The team also relied on the support and the experience of endangerment of the remaining species. station personnel for information on mammals. Of the 3 hutias known from Zapata, We visited the following sites: Peralta, Mesocapromys nanus (dwarf hutia, jutía enana) is a Hatiguanico River, Bermeja, Pálpite, and Punta Perdíz. relict species, with a geographic distribution restricted to the Zapata region. Fossil remains of this species have ECOLOGICAL CONTEXT been found elsewhere in the Cuban archipelago (Varona Mammals are less diverse than other animal groups in and Arredondo 1979), indicating that at one time it had the Zapata region. Including both native and introduced a larger geographic distribution. The current status species, Zapata’s mammal fauna includes 5 orders, (distribution and abundance) of Mesocapromys nanus in 9 families, 14 genera, and 15 species. the peninsula is unknown. According to the personal Scientists and conservation authorities are communications gathered by Garrido (1980), at one time concerned by a progressive decline of populations of the this animal was common near Santo Tomás and Soplillar.

110 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME/REPORT NO. 7 But a notable reduction in its distribution has occurred, canals. The disappearance of aquatic vegetation is likely and it has not been seen or collected since 1937. to be a threat to manatee populations. Adding to the Capromys pilorides (jutía conga) and damage caused by habitat loss is the impact of illicit Mysateles prehensilis (jutía carabalí) are more common hunting on some mammal species. in the archipelago, and their distributions are much more extensive. Both hutias are found in forested areas Recommendations and islets of vegetation (including mangroves) that are I Address the sources of large-scale loss and not flooded during rainy periods. Populations of deterioration of mammal habitat. Manage logging, Capromys pilorides are distributed throughout Cuba wetland drainage, fire cycles, road building, and and show substantial ecological plasticity. Nonetheless, channelization so that they are compatible with the species has declined with increasing human known conservation needs of mammal species. populations and extension of the agricultural lands in I Control illicit hunting. Cuba. Capromys pilorides is the largest species of hutia. I Verify the status of Mesocapromys nanus in the region. Apparently it is the species most heavily subjected to If the species still occurs in Zapata Swamp, conduct illicit hunting, but it is also frequently kept in captivity studies to define its current geographic distribution, by villagers and bred as food. assess habitat quality, and obtain population estimates. Little information about Zapata’s other Seek support for natural history studies. mammal species exists.

I Study the ecology of the other species of hutias in RESULTS OF THE RAPID INVENTORY Zapata, with the goal of managing their populations.

During the inventory we recorded only four species: I Increase knowledge of the biology of Trichechus the native hutia Capromys pilorides and three introduced manatus in Zapata. species (Rattus rattus, Mus musculus, and Herpestes javanicus). We observed C. pilorides at the Pálpite and Hatiguanico River sites. Many areas visited had enough HUMAN COMMUNITIES evidence of human activity to suggest pressure on local Participants/Authors: Tania Piñeiro and Eduardo Abreu Guerra populations of this species. Conservation targets: No specific targets yet identified THREATS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Threats INTRODUCTION Destruction or degradation of habitat is probably the Our work in Zapata Swamp did not include a rapid greatest threat to the mammals of Zapata Swamp. Some social assessment, and without this exploration of the of the most sweeping losses may result from unmanaged ecology of local communities, we do not feel confident cutting of forests and drainage of marsh and swamp for in identifying specific conservation targets in the conversion to agricultural fields (for example, the rice human sphere. But previous studies of the peninsula’s agroecosystem in the south). The latter threat may be the history and human ecology have the potential to put main culprit in the reduction of populations of the dwarf the results of the rapid biological inventory into hutia in central Zapata Swamp. Severe fires following context. Here we present excerpts of information on hurricanes or deliberately set by humans make further demography, history and culture, use of and threats to inroads into the quality of mammal habitat, as does the the region’s biological diversity, and the socioeconomic fragmentation of forest and wetlands by roads and potential for conservation.

CUBA: ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE/NOVEMBER 2005 111 DEMOGRAPHY Agency (CIA) involved 1,500 organized men trained, armed, and directed by the government of the United Zapata Swamp is the largest and least populated States of America. The Cuban army defeated these troops municipio (comparable to a county) in Cuba. It is home to in battles along the road to Playa Girón from the north. 9,000 people, with a population density of approximately Zapata Swamp has a distinct cultural identity. 2 inhabitants per km2. Roughly 40% of the population It has enormous importance for the conservation of lives in urban areas and 60% in rural zones, distributed key elements of the Cuban and Caribbean cultures, among 19 settlements. such as significant archeological sites of aboriginal pre-agricultural communities, as well as the customs, HISTORY AND CULTURE lifeways, and traditional uses of natural resources of The Zapata Peninsula owes its name not to its shoelike the current inhabitants. shape (zapato), as some might believe, but to Francisco Zapata, a landholder to whom the municipal government USE OF NATURAL RESOURCES of La Habana granted part of the region in 1635. In the past, human pressure on the biological diversity On his second voyage to the West Indies, of the Zapata Peninsula was limited. Human Christopher Columbus encountered native populations, populations were and remain relatively low, and much belonging to a late pre-agricultural ceramic culture, of the terrain is inaccessible because of the presence of around the present-day Bay of Pigs. Later, the distance extensive mangrove forests, flooded savannas, and of the Zapata Peninsula from marine routes, its marsh grasslands. geographic isolation, and the presence of numerous Human communities living in and near keys and other potential hiding places made this coast Zapata Swamp depend on its forests and wetlands for an ideal refuge for pirates. Two of the most notorious sustenance. Wood extraction and charcoal manufacture were Diego Pérez and Gilberto Girón, who at different are the main source of local income—almost all of periods used Zapata as headquarters for their operations. Zapata’s inhabitants have links to these activities. From When piracy and freebooting were eliminated in the the forests comes the wood used to build their homes, nineteenth century, the illegal importation of slaves tourist installations, and other structures. Ecotourism boomed in the region. makes use of some of the forested areas of high quality. The Ten-Year War for independence in the Zapata Swamp is the most important source of water nineteenth century did not reach Matanzas Province for many local communities, even though this water is with the force that it had in the eastern part of the not always potable. Local communities, as well as country. But because of its proximity to Las Villas neighboring settlements and cities, also depend on the Province, where large contingents of mambises Zapata ecosystem for food. revolutionaries operated, Zapata Swamp played a far- reaching role in the independence movements of the Core areas nineteenth century. The rebel army found safe havens In the protected zones that constitute the core areas of here to regain their strength and heal their wounds. Zapata Swamp, the following uses of natural resources In the middle of the first decade of the take place: twentieth century, the first and only railroads in the region were built. I Silviculture: In the core areas, silviculture is directed The Zapata Peninsula definitively entered the toward management for forest conservation rather history of the Americas on 17 April 1961 with the Bay of than wood production. Elimination of exotic plants is Pigs invasion. This operation of the Central Intelligence one of the goals of this use of the forest.

112 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME/REPORT NO. 7 I Tourism: This activity has boomed recently but I Livestock production: Cattle ranching is limited provides economic benefits to only a small portion of in the Zapata region to the environs of some local the local population at present. Basic tourist communities and is not extensive. It is regulated infrastructure has been constructed in portions of by two basic plans: the Cattle Plan and the Special Zapata Swamp National Park. Activities include Buffalo Plan. Some livestock, especially water wildlife observation, boat trips, sport fishing, buffaloes, have gone feral, causing severe damage landscape viewing, and hiking. to crops and natural vegetation.

I Scientific research: Because of its inaccessibility, I Sport hunting: Hunters kill migratory and resident Zapata Swamp has hosted fewer scientific studies species of birds, primarily in rice fields. Hunting than most other areas of the country. Nevertheless, quotas, and therefore impacts on populations, vary some of the current research includes investigations from species to species. of fauna and flora, socioeconomic studies of local I Fisheries: A small fishing port is active at Caleta Ávalos. communities, and historical and cultural research. I Apiculture: Artificial beehives are moved from place to place at intervals. Because of the richness of the Buffer zone bee-pollinated flora of the region, apiculture could Outside the core areas, the major uses of natural become stronger than it is now. Also, it is likely to be resources are the following: more compatible with biodiversity conservation than I Forestry: In this zone, forest exploitation is many other uses of natural resources. authorized by a forest ordination project and is directed to the production of lumber, firewood, OBSTACLES TO AND POTENTIAL FOR charcoal, and wood for the curing of tobacco and CONSERVATION leather. Forestry companies are involved in larger- scale extraction; a small percentage of charcoal In recent years, socioeconomic changes in Cuba and producers are self-employed. The guidelines of the in the Zapata Peninsula have encouraged an increase in ordination project allow extraction of firewood from human pressure on the biological diversity of the region. logging zones as long as specific harvesting schedules Both local populations and migrants from other parts of are observed. Despite reforestation efforts, a large the country have contributed to the increases in forest area of forest on the peninsula has been destroyed or destruction and degradation and in illegal hunting and significantly disturbed. fishing. Two overarching influences that aggravate this pressure have been the strained circumstances of the I Silviculture: This activity focuses on forest national economy and an evident decrease in national improvement through the development of plantations capacity to preserve crucial natural areas. A major and other alternatives to the harvest of wild forests. handicap is the lack of infrastructure adequate to Silviculture generates jobs for the local population and sustain protected-area conservation and to promote has the potential to guarantee the survival of the forest. environmental education. I Agriculture: Rice, citrus, and other agroecosystems On a regional scale, unplanned tourism poses have been developed in the region. Some of the a future threat. Even ecotourism has the potential to land users are private smallholders. The most damage Zapata’s ecosystems, as well as its economic significant damage caused by this use of resources fabric, unless activities are managed carefully and unless comes from and pollution via financial and social benefits flow to local communities. chemical fertilizers.

CUBA: ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE/NOVEMBER 2005 113 Times may be changing for the better. Cuba I Regulate or eliminate the hunting of threatened, is showing a trend toward economic recovery. Efforts endangered, or sensitive species. like the World Wildlife Fund-Canadian International I Improve working conditions for conservation staff. Development Agency Conservation and Sustainable I Coordinate the activities of responsible agencies Development in Zapata Swamp project provide a to strengthen planning and implementation of nucleus for building conservation capacity in the region. conservation. Protection and management of Zapata Swamp could

take a great leap forward with the following steps that I Conduct sociological and ethnobiological studies would address underlying socioeconomic pressures: with Zapata’s human communities to provide the basis for local and successful management plans. I Expand the intensity and extent of conservation action

to the entire Zapata Peninsula, with appropriate zoning I Increase the extent and level of conservation to accommodate people living in the region. education for the peninsula’s inhabitants, as well as training for conservation staff. I Manage the extraction of local wood, especially in

the Bermeja area, and implement effective plans for I Encourage environmental tourism and concentrate reforestation. plans for new hotels in areas already developed.

I Track and, if necessary, check the inflow of nutrients and contaminants from agricultural areas to the north.

114 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME/REPORT NO. 7 Apéndices/Appendices Apéndice /Appendix 1

Plantas Vasculares/ Especies de plantas vasculares fotografiadas durante el inventario biológico rápido de la península de Zapata, Vascular Plants 8-15 de septiembre de 2002. Fotos de Robin B. Foster. Identificaciones por Ramona Oviedo y Tania Chateloín.

PLANTAS VASCULARES / VASCULAR PLANTS

Nombre científico/ Nombre científico/ Scientific name Scientific name

ANTHOPHYTA (plantas con flores/flowering plants) Acoelorraphe wrightii Acanthaceae Roystonea regia Ruellia tuberosa Sabal maritima Aizoaceae radiata Sesuvium microphyllum Aristolochiaceae Sesuvium portulacastrum Aristolochia glandulosa Alismataceae Asclepiadaceae Sagittaria lancifolia Asclepias nivea Amaranthaceae Sarcostemma clausum Amaranthus australis Asteraceae Gomphrena vermicularis Ageratum conyzoides Amaryllidaceae Bidens pilosa Crinum erubescens Borrichia arborescens Anacardiaceae Koanophyllon villosum Comocladia dentata Melanthera hastata Annonaceae Mikania micrantha Annona glabra Parthenium hysterophorus Oxandra lanceolata Pluchea carolinensis Apiaceae Pluchea rosea Centella erecta Solidago stricta Oxypolis filiformis Spilanthes urens Apocynaceae Tridax procumbens Cryptostegia grandiflora Verbesina alata Echites umbellata Viguiera dentata Forsteronia corymbosa Wedelia rugosa Plumeria obtusa Wedelia trilobata Rauvolfia cubana (1 unidentified sp.) Rauvolfia nitida Bignoniaceae Rauvolfia tetraphylla Amphitecna latifolia Rhabdadenia biflora Crescentia cujete Tabernaemontana amblyocarpa Tabebuia leptoneura Tabernaemontana citrifolia Bombacaceae Urechites lutea Ceiba pentandra Aquifoliaceae Boraginaceae Ilex cassine Bourreria succulenta Araceae Cordia gerascanthus Philodendron lacerum Heliotropium angiospermum Araliaceae Tournefortia volubilis Dendropanax (1 unidentified sp.)

116 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME/REPORT NO. 7 Apéndice /Appendix 1

Species of vascular plants photographed during the rapid biological inventory of the Zapata Peninsula, Plantas Vasculares/ 8-15 September 2002. Photos by Robin B. Foster. Identifications by Ramona Oviedo and Tania Chateloín. Vascular Plants

PLANTAS VASCULARES / VASCULAR PLANTS

Nombre científico/ Nombre científico/ Scientific name Scientific name

Bromeliaceae Merremia aegyptia Hohenbergia penduliflora (1 unidentified sp.) Tillandsia balbisiana Cyperaceae Tillandsia fasciculata Cladium jamaicense Tillandsia flexuosa Cyperus (1 unidentified sp.) Tillandsia usneoides Eleocharis articulata Tillandsia utriculata Rhynchospora colorata Burseraceae Scleria lithosperma cf. Bursera simaruba Dioscoreaceae Cabombaceae Dioscorea (2 unidentified spp.) Cabomba (1 unidentified sp.) Erythroxylaceae Cactaceae Erythroxylum confusum Opuntia dillenii Erythroxylum suave Selenicereus grandiflorus Euphorbiaceae Campanulaceae Adelia ricinella Isotoma longiflora Argythamnia candicans Casuarinaceae Caperonia castaneifolia Casuarina equisetifolia Caperonia cubana Cecropiaceae Chamaesyce hypericifolia Cecropia schreberiana Croton lucidus Chrysobalanaceae Euphorbia heterophylla Chrysobalanus icaco Gymnanthes lucida Clusiaceae Jatropha (1 unidentified sp.) Calophyllum antillanum Ricinus communis Combretaceae – Caesalpinioideae Bucida buceras Caesalpinia bonduc Bucida palustris Caesalpinia coriaria Conocarpus erectus Caesalpinia violacea Laguncularia racemosa Caesalpinia (1 unidentified sp.) Terminalia catappa Peltophorum adnatum Commelinaceae Senna chrysocarpa cf. Commelina elegans Senna ligustrina Senna occidentalis martinicensis Fabaceae – Mimosoideae Cuscuta (1 unidentified sp.) Dichrostachys cinerea Ipomoea acuminata cf. Lysiloma latisiliquum Ipomoea alba Neptunia oleracea cf. Ipomoea microdactyla Pithecellobium lentiscifolium Ipomoea pes-caprae Fabaceae – Papilionoideae Ipomoea tiliacea Belairia mucronata

CUBA: ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE/NOVEMBER 2005 117 Apéndice /Appendix 1

Plantas Vasculares/ Vascular Plants

PLANTAS VASCULARES / VASCULAR PLANTS

Nombre científico/ Nombre científico/ Scientific name Scientific name

Calopogonium caeruleum Marantaceae Canavalia maritima Thalia geniculata Centrosema virginianum Martyniaceae Dalbergia ecastaphyllum Martynia annua Delonix regia Meliaceae Desmodium canum Cedrela odorata Galactia striata cf. Guarea guidonia Lonchocarpus domingensis Swietenia mahagoni Macroptilium lathyroides Trichilia havanensis Mucuna urens Trichilia hirta Rhynchosia minima Menispermaceae Flacourtiaceae Hyperbaena cubensis Casearia guianensis Menyanthaceae Casearia sylvestris Nymphoides grayana Homalium racemosum Moraceae Zuelania guidonia Ficus aurea Lamiaceae Ficus crassinervia Hyptis verticillata Ficus subscabrida Lauraceae Trophis racemosa Cassytha filiformis Myricaceae Nectandra coriacea Lentibulariaceae Myrtaceae Utricularia foliosa Eugenia farameoides Loganiaceae Eugenia foetida Mitreola petiolata Eugenia rhombea cf. Loranthaceae Eugenia tuberculata Dendrophthora (1 unidentified sp.) Nyctaginaceae Lythraceae Boerhavia erecta Cuphea parsonsia Pisonia aculeata Malpighiaceae Nymphaeaceae Banisteriopsis pauciflora Nymphaea ampla Stigmaphyllon sagraeanum Ochnaceae Malvaceae Ouratea ilicifolia Hibiscus elatus Ouratea nitida Hibiscus maculatus Olacaceae Pavonia spinifex cf. Schoepfia chrysophylloides Sida acuta Oleaceae Sida (1 unidentified sp.) Forestiera rhamnifolia Thespesia populnea Fraxinus cubensis

118 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME/REPORT NO. 7 Apéndice /Appendix 1

Plantas Vasculares/ Vascular Plants

PLANTAS VASCULARES / VASCULAR PLANTS

Nombre científico/ Nombre científico/ Scientific name Scientific name

Onagraceae Rhizophoraceae Ludwigia octovalvis Rhizophora mangle Orchidaceae Rubiaceae Bletia pupurea Borreria laevis Oeceoclades maculata Cephalanthus occidentalis Oncidium variegatum Chiococca alba Vanilla phaeantha cf. Guettarda calyptrata Vanilla wrightii cf. Guettarda combsii Passifloraceae Guettarda elliptica Passiflora suberosa Guettarda scabra cf. Phytolaccaceae Hamelia patens Rivina humilis Morinda royoc Picramniaceae Palicourea domingensis Picramnia pentandra Psychotria (1 unidentified sp.) Piperaceae Psychotria undata Piper auritum Rachicallis americana Poaceae Stenostomum lucidum Andropogon (1 unidentified sp.) Rutaceae Arundo donax Amyris elemifera Lasiacis (1 unidentified sp.) Zanthoxylum elephantiasis Panicum maximum Zanthoxylum fagara Paspalum virgatum Zanthoxylum martinicense Saccharum giganteum Salicaceae (2 unidentified spp.) Salix caroliniana Polygalaceae Sapindaceae Securidaca elliptica Allophylus cominia Securidaca (1 unidentified sp.) Cupania glabra Polygonaceae Cupania macrophylla Coccoloba diversifolia Exothea paniculata Coccoloba uvifera Melicoccus bijugatus Polygonum densiflorum Serjania diversifolia Portulacaceae Sapotaceae Portulaca oleracea Chrysophyllum oliviforme Potamogetonaceae Pouteria (1 unidentified sp.) Potamogeton illinoensis Scrophulariaceae Rhamnaceae Bacopa monieri Colubrina arborescens Capraria biflora Colubrina asiatica Scoparia dulcis Gouania polygama Stemodia maritima

CUBA: ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE/NOVEMBER 2005 119 Apéndice /Appendix 1

Plantas Vasculares/ Vascular Plants

PLANTAS VASCULARES / VASCULAR PLANTS

Nombre científico/ Nombre científico/ Scientific name Scientific name

Simaroubaceae Campyloneurum phyllitidis Simarouba glauca Polypodium aureum Smilacaceae Psilotum nudum Smilax havanensis Salvinia (1 unidentified sp.) Smilax laurifolia Thelypteris (1 unidentified sp.) 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

120 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME/REPORT NO. 7 Apéndice /Appendix 2

Especies de escarabajos de la familia Carabidae registradas para la península de Zapata, Carábidos/Ground Beetles 1997-2002, por Pavel Valdés

LEYENDA/LEGEND CARÁBIDOS / GROUND BEETLES

* = Presumiblemente una nueva Nombre científico/ Localidades/ Endemismo/ especie pendiente a descripción/ Scientific name Localities Endemism Presumably a new species pending description Bembidiini

Bembidion sparsum Bates Pla – Localidades/Localities Micratopus sp. Pla – Pla = Playa Larga Paratachis sp. 1 Pla – Plp = Pálpite Paratachis sp. 2 Pla, Sbl – Sbl = Los Sábalos Paratachis sp. 3 Pla, Cpt – Csp = Canal Soplillar Pericompsus sp. Sbl – Cpt = Canal de los Patos 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 – 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 –

CUBA: ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE/NOVEMBER 2005 121 Apéndice /Appendix 2

Carábidos/Ground Beetles Species of beetles of the family Carabidae recorded for the Zapata Peninsula, 1997-2002, by Pavel Valdés

LEYENDA/LEGEND CARÁBIDOS / GROUND BEETLES

* = Presumiblemente una nueva Nombre científico/ Localidades/ Endemismo/ especie pendiente a descripción/ Scientific name Localities Endemism Presumably a new species pending description Lachnophorini

Euphorticus pubescens Dej. Pla – Localidades/Localities Pla = Playa Larga coriacea Chev. Pla – Plp = Pálpite Apenes parallela Dej. Pla – Sbl = Los Sábalos Calleida rubricollis Dej. Sbl – Csp = Canal Soplillar Euproctinus trivittatus LeConte Pla – Cpt = Canal de los Patos 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 –

122 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME/REPORT NO. 7 Apéndice /Appendix 3

Especies de hormigas (Formicidae) registradas durante el inventario biológico rápido de la península de Zapata, Hormigas/Ants 8-15 de septiembre de 2002, por Jorge Luis Fontenla/Species of ants (Formicidae) recorded during the rapid biological inventory of the Zapata Peninsula, 8-15 September 2002, by Jorge Luis Fontenla

HORMIGAS / ANTS

Nombre científico/ Nombre común/ Localidades y abundancia/ Scientific name Common name Abundance in locality

Hato de Punta Bermeja Peralta Pálpite Jicarita Perdiz

Formicinae Brachymyrmex obscurior –L––LL Camponotus planatus –MMMMM 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 HH Ponerinae Hypoponera sp. – P – P – P Odontomachus insularis –––L–– Odontomachus ruginodis – LL – –– 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

LEYENDA/ * = Endémico de Cuba/ Abundancia/Abundance LEGEND Endemic to Cuba L = Bajo/Low M = Medio/Medium H = Alto/High P = Presente/Present

CUBA: ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE/NOVEMBER 2005 123 Apéndice /Appendix 4

Libélulas/Dragonflies Especies de libélulas () 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 the rapid biological inventory of the Zapata Peninsula, 8-15 September 2002, by Jorge Luis Fontenla

LIBÉLULAS / DRAGONFLIES

Nombre científico/ Localidades y abundancia/ Scientific name Abundance in locality

Hato de Punta Bermeja Peralta Pálpite Jicarita Perdiz

Aeshnidae Coryphaeshna ingens –– – –P Coryphaeshna viriditas LL – –L Gynacantha nervosa –– P –– Brachymesia furcata –– – L– Erythemis attala –– P –– Erythemis simplicicollis – L– M– Erythemis vesiculosa MM M MM Erythrodiplax fervida LL L ML Erythrodiplax justiniana MM M MM Erythrodiplax umbrata HMM MM Miathyria marcella L ––H– Micrathyria didyma – – – L L Orthemis ferruginea L L L L L Pantala flavescens –– – M– Pantala hymenaea –– – H– citrina M M– H– Tramea calverti –– – M– Tramea insularis MM M HL Especies en total/Total species 9 9 8149

LEYENDA/ Abundancia/Abundance LEGEND L = Bajo/Low M = Medio/Medium H = Alto/High

124 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME/REPORT NO. 7 Apéndice /Appendix 5

Especies de moluscos registradas durante el inventario biológico rápido de la península de Zapata, Moluscos/Mollusks 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

MOLUSCOS / MOLLUSKS

Nombre científico/ Localidades/ Scientific name Localities

Punta Hato de Caleta Pálpite Peralta Perdiz Jicarita Bermeja Sábalo

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/ Localidades/Localities LEGEND x = Presente en el sitio/ Present at the site

CUBA: ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE/NOVEMBER 2005 125 Apéndice /Appendix 6

Anfibios y Reptiles/ Especies de anfibios y reptiles registrados durante el inventario biológico rápido de la península de Zapata, Amphibians and Reptiles 8-15 de septiembre de 2002, por Luis M. Díaz y Eduardo Abreu Guerra/Species of amphibians and reptiles recorded during the rapid biological inventory of the Zapata Peninsula, 8-15 September 2002, by Luis M. Díaz and Eduardo Abreu Guerra

ANFIBIOS Y REPTILES / AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES

Nombre científico/ Nombre científico/ Scientific name Scientific name

AMPHIBIA Anolis luteogularis jaumei Bufonidae Anolis ophiolepis Bufo empusus Anolis porcatus Bufo fustiger Anolis pumilus Bufo gundlachi Anolis sagrei Bufo peltacephalus Chamaeleolis chamaeleonides Hylidae Cyclura nubila Osteopilus septentrionalis Leiocephalus carinatus Leptodactylidae Leiocephalus cubensis Eleutherodactylus atkinsi Leiocephalus stictigaster Eleutherodactylus auriculatus Teiidae Eleutherodactylus eileenae Ameiva auberi Eleutherodactylus pinarensis Boidae Eleutherodactylus planirostris Epicrates angulifer Eleutherodactylus riparius Colubridae Eleutherodactylus varians Alsophis cantherigerus Eleutherodactylus varleyi Antillophis andreai Ranidae Arrhyton procerum Rana catesbeiana Arrhyton taeniatum REPTILIA Tretanorhinus variabilis Amphisbaenidae Amphisbaena barbouri Tropidophis feicki Cadea blanoides Tropidophis melanurus Anguidae Tropidophis pardalis Diploglossus delasagra Tropidophis semicinctus Gekkonidae Typhlopidae Hemidactylus haitianus Typhlops biminiensis Typhlops lumbricalis Sphaerodactylus elegans Crocodylidae Sphaerodactylus notatus Crocodylus acutus Sphaerodactylus richardi Crocodylus rhombifer Iguanidae Emydidae Anolis allisoni Trachemys decussata Anolis alutaceus Anolis angusticeps Anolis equestris juraguensis Anolis homolechis Anolis loysianus Anolis lucius Anolis luteogularis calceus

126 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME/REPORT NO. 7 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

AVES / BIRDS

Residencia/ c Nombre científico/ Residence Abundancia/ Hábitats/ Observaciones durante el inventario/ Other species Scientific name Nombre común Common name status Abundance Habitats Observations during inventory known from Zapata

Podicipedidae

001 Podilymbus podiceps Zaramagullón Grande Pied-billed Grebe RPB C L, Mr – x – x – –

002 Tachybaptus dominicus Zaramagullón Chico Least Grebe RP C R, L – – – – – x Sulidae

003 Sula sula Pájaro Bobo Blanco Red-footed Booby A MR Cs – – – – – x Pelecanidae

004 Pelecanus erythrorhynchos Alcatraz Blanco American White Pelican A MR Cs, Mr – – – – – x

005 Pelecanus occidentalis Alcatraz Brown Pelican RPB C Cs, L – Phalacrocoracidae

006 Phalacrocorax auritus Corúa de Mar Double-crested Cormorant RPB C Cs, L, R – – – – – x

007 Phalacrocorax brasilianus Corúa de Agua Dulce Neotropic Cormorant RP C L, R, Cs – – – x – – Anhingidae

008 Anhinga anhinga Marbella Anhinga RP C L, R, Mr – – – x – – Fregatidae

009 Fregata magnificens Rabihorcado Magnificent Frigatebird RP C Cs – – – x x – Ardeidae

010 Ixobrychus exilis Garcita Least Bittern RPB C Ci, R – x – x – –

011 Ardea herodias Garcilote Great Blue Heron RPB C Mr, L – – – – – x

012 Ardea alba Garzón Blanco Great Egret RPB C Mr, L – – – x – –

013 Egretta thula Garza Real Snowy Egret RPB C Mr, L – x – x – –

014 Egretta caerulea Garza Azul Little Blue Heron RPB C Mr, L x x – x – –

015 Egretta tricolor Garza de Vientre Blanco Tricolored Heron RPB C Mr, L – – – x – –

016 Egretta rufescens Garza Roja Reddish Egret RPB C Mr – – – – – x

017 Bubulcus ibis Garcita Bueyera Cattle Egret RPB C AA – – x x – –

018 Butorides virescens Cagaleche Green Heron RPB C L, R, Ci x x x x – –

019 Nycticorax nycticorax Guanabá de la Florida Black-crowned Night-Heron RPB C Ci, Mn x – – – – –

020 Nyctanassa violacea Guanabá Real Yellow-crowned Night-Heron RPB C Ci, Mn – – x – – – Threskiornithidae

021 Eudocimus albus Coco Blanco White Ibis RP C Ci, Mn – – – – – x

022 Plegadis falcinellus Coco Prieto Glossy Ibis RP C Ci, PA – – – – – x

023 Platalea ajaja Seviya Roseate Spoonbill RP C Mr, L – – – – – x Ciconiidae

024 Mycteria americana Cayama Wood Stork RP C Mr, L – – – – – x Cathartidae

025 Cathartes aura Aura Tiñosa Turkey Vulture RPB C AA, B, Ci, x x x x x – Cs, Mn

128 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME/REPORT NO. 7 Apéndice /Appendix 7

Species of birds recorded for the Zapata Peninsula, 1987-2002, by Arturo Kirkconnell, and during the Aves/Birds rapid biological inventory, 8-15 September 2002, by Arturo Kirkconnell, Osmany González, Douglas F. Stotz, John W. Fitzpatrick, and Debra K. Moskovits

LEYENDA/LEGEND

Otras especies Residencia/Residence status conocidas de Zapata/ A = Accidental/Accidental Observaciones durante el inventario/ Other species EN = Endémico de Cuba/ Observations during inventory known from Zapata Endemic to Cuba RI = Residente invernal/Winter resident Río Punta Bermeja Peralta Pálpite Hatiguanico Perdiz RP = Residente permanente/ Permanent resident

001 RPB = Residente permanente bimodal/ 001 –x–x–– 002 Permanent resident with migration 002 –––––x RV = Residente de verano/ Summer resident 003 003 –––––x TR = Transeúnte/Transient

004 Abundancia/Abundance 004 – – – – –x 005 C = Común/Common 005 – – – x – – 006 BC = Bastante común/Fairly common 007 PC = Poco común/Uncommon 006 –––––x 008 R = Raro/Rare 007 – – –x–– MR = Muy raro/Very rare

009 008 –––x–– Hábitat/Habitat 010 AA = Áreas abiertas/Open areas 011 009 –––xx– Ab = Arbustos/Shrublands 012 Ar = Arboledas/Woodlands 013 010 – x – x –– B = Bosque/Forest 014 011 –––––x BC = Bosque de ciénaga/Swamp forest 015 012 –––x–– Ci = Ciénaga/Marsh 016 013 – x–x–– Cs = Áreas costeras/Coastal areas 017 014 x x–x–– D = Desconocido/Unknown 018 015 –––x–– H = Herbazales de ciénaga/ 019 016 – ––––x Marsh grassland 020 017 ––xx–– L = Lagunas/Lagoons 021 018 x x x x–– Mn = Manglares/Mangrove forest 022 019 x – – – –– Mr = Marismas/Salt marshes 023 020 ––x––– Pm = Palmares/Palm groves 024 PA = Plantaciones de arroz/ 025 Rice plantations 021 –––––x 026 Pl = Playas/Beaches 022 –––––x 027 R = Ríos/Rivers 023 –––––x 028 S = Sabana/Savanna 029 024 –––––x Observaciones durante el inventario/ 030 Observations during inventory

025 x = Observado/Observed 031 x x x xx– x* = Observado en transito/ Observed in transit

CUBA: ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE/NOVEMBER 2005 129 Apéndice /Appendix 7

Aves/Birds

AVES / BIRDS

Residencia/ c Nombre científico/ Residence Abundancia/ Hábitats/ Observaciones durante el inventario/ Other species Scientific name Nombre común Common name status Abundance Habitats Observations during inventory known from Zapata

Phoenicopteridae

026 Phoenicopterus ruber Flamenco Greater Flamingo RPB C Mr – – – – – x

027 Dendrocygna bicolor Yaguasín Fulvous Whistling-Duck RP C PA – – – – – x

028 Dendrocygna arborea Yaguasa West Indian Whistling-Duck RP C PA – – – x – –

029 Dendrocygna viduata Yaguasa Cariblanca White-faced Whistling-Duck A MR D – – – – x

030 Dendrocygna autumnalis Yagusa Barriguiprieta Black-bellied Whistling-Duck RPRPA –––––x

031 Cygnus columbianus Cisne Tundra Swan A MR D

032 Anser albifrons Guanana Greater White-fronted Goose A MR D – – – – – x

033 Aix sponsa Huyuyo Wood Duck RPB PC R – x – – – –

034 Anas crecca Pato Serrano Green-winged Teal RI R Mr – – – – – x

035 Anas platyrhynchos Pato Inglés Mallard RI R Mr, L – – – – – x

036 Anas bahamensis Pato de Bahamas White-cheeked Pintail RP R PA, L – – – – – x

037 Anas acuta Pato Pescuecilargo Northern Pintail RI PC L, Mr –

038 Anas discors Pato de la Florida Blue-winged Teal RI C L, PA – – – – – x

039 Anas clypeata Pato Cuchareta Northern Shoveler RI C L, PA – – – – – x

040 Anas strepera Pato Gris Gadwall A MR L

041 Anas americana Pato Lavanco American Wigeon RI C L, Mr – – – – – x

042 Aythya valisineria Pato Lomiblanco Canvasback A MR L – – – – – x

043 Aythya collaris Pato Cabezón Ring-necked Duck RI PC L – – – – – x

044 Aythya marila Pato Cabezón Raro Greater Scaup A MR L – – – – – x

045 Aythya affinis Pato Morisco Lesser Scaup RI R L, R, Mr – – – – – x

046 Mergus serrator Pato Serrucho Red-breasted Merganser A MR Cs – – – – – x

047 Oxyura jamaicensis Pato Chorizo Ruddy Duck RPB R L, Mr – – – – – x

048 Nomonyx dominicus Pato Agostero Masked Duck RP R L, Mr – – – – – x Accipitridae

049 Pandion haliaetus Guincho Osprey RPB C Cs, L, Mr, R – – – x x –

050 Elanoides forficatus Gavilán Cola de Tijera Swallow-tailed Kite TR R AA –

051 Rostrhamus sociabilis Gavilán Caracolero Snail Kite RP C Ci, R – – – – – x

052 Circus cyaneus Gavilán Sabanero Northern Harrier RI PC Ci, Mn – – – – – x

053 Accipiter gundlachi Gavilán Colilargo Gundlach’s Hawk EN PC Ci, B x – – x – –

054 Accipiter striatus Gavilancito Sharp-shinned Hawk RPB R B – – – – – x

055 Buteogallus anthracinus Gavilán Batista Common Black-Hawk RP C Mr, Cs – – – – – x

056 Buteo platypterus Gavilán Bobo Broad-winged Hawk RPB C B x – x – – –

057 Buteo jamaicensis Gavilán de Monte Red-tailed Hawk RP CB xx–x––

130 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME/REPORT NO. 7 Apéndice /Appendix 7

Aves/Birds

LEYENDA/LEGEND

Otras especies Residencia/Residence status conocidas de Zapata/ A = Accidental/Accidental Observaciones durante el inventario/ Other species EN = Endémico de Cuba/ Observations during inventory known from Zapata Endemic to Cuba RI = Residente invernal/Winter resident Río Punta Bermeja Peralta Pálpite Hatiguanico Perdiz RP = Residente permanente/ Permanent resident

001 RPB = Residente permanente bimodal/ 026001 –––––x 002 Permanent resident with migration 002 RV = Residente de verano/ 027 –––––x Summer resident 003 028003 –––x–– TR = Transeúnte/Transient

029 ––– –x 004 Abundancia/Abundance 03004 – – – – –x 005 C = Común/Common 03105 – – – – – x 006 BC = Bastante común/Fairly common 032 –––––x 007 PC = Poco común/Uncommon 033006 –x–––– 008 R = Raro/Rare 034007 – – –––x MR = Muy raro/Very rare 035 –––––x 009 036008 –––––x Hábitat/Habitat 010 037 – – – – – x AA = Áreas abiertas/Open areas 011 038009 –––––x Ab = Arbustos/Shrublands 012 039 – – –––x Ar = Arboledas/Woodlands 013 040010 – – – – –x B = Bosque/Forest 014 041011 –––––x BC = Bosque de ciénaga/Swamp forest 015 042012 –––––x Ci = Ciénaga/Marsh 016 043013 – ––––x Cs = Áreas costeras/Coastal areas 017 044014 – ––––x D = Desconocido/Unknown 018 045015 –––––x H = Herbazales de ciénaga/ 019 046016 – ––––x Marsh grassland 020 047017 –––––x L = Lagunas/Lagoons 021 048018 – – – ––x Mn = Manglares/Mangrove forest 022 019 Mr = Marismas/Salt marshes 023 049020 –––xx– Pm = Palmares/Palm groves 024 050 – – – – – x PA = Plantaciones de arroz/ 025 Rice plantations 051021 –––––x 026 Pl = Playas/Beaches 052022 –––––x 027 R = Ríos/Rivers 053023 x––x–– 028 S = Sabana/Savanna 054 –––––x 029 055024 –––––x Observaciones durante el inventario/ 030 056 x – x––– Observations during inventory

057025 x = Observado/Observed 031 x x – x–– x* = Observado en transito/ Observed in transit

CUBA: ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE/NOVEMBER 2005 131 Apéndice /Appendix 7

Aves/Birds

AVES / BIRDS

Residencia/ c Nombre científico/ Residence Abundancia/ Hábitats/ Observaciones durante el inventario/ Other species Scientific name Nombre común Common name status Abundance Habitats Observations during inventory known from Zapata

Falconidae

058 Caracara cheriway Caraira Crested Caracara RP PC S – – – – – x

059 Falco sparverius Cernícalo American Kestrel RPB C AA x x x x – –

060 Falco columbarius Halconcito de Palomas Merlin RI C B, L – – – x – –

061 Falco peregrinus Halcón de Patos Peregrine Falcon RI PC Mr, B – – – – – x

062 virginianus Codorniz Northern Bobwhite RP PC S – – – – – x Rallidae

063 Laterallus jamaicensis Gallinuelita Prieta Black Rail RPB R Ci – – – – – x

064 longirostris Gallinuela de Manglar Clapper Rail RPB C Mn, Mr – – – – – x

065 Rallus elegans Gallinuela de Agua Dulce King Rail RPB C Ci – x – x – –

066 Rallus limicola Gallinuela de Virginia Virginia Rail A MR Ci – – – – – x

067 Porzana carolina Gallinuela Chica Sora RI C Ci – – – – – x

068 Porzana flaviventer Gallinuelita Yellow-breasted Crake RP PC Ci –

069 Cyanolimnas cerverai Gallinuela de Zapata Rail EN R Ci – – – – – x Santo Tomás

070 Pardirallus maculatus Gallinuela Escribano Spotted Rail RP C Ci –

071 Porphyrio martinica Gallareta Azul Purple Gallinule RPB C Ci – x – – – –

072 Gallinula chloropus Gallareta de Pico Rojo Common Moorhen RPB C Ci – x – x – –

073 Fulica americana Gallareta de Pico Blanco American Coot RPB C Ci – – – – – x Aramidae

074 Aramus guarauna Guareao RP CCi – x x x – – Gruidae

075 Grus canadensis Grulla Sandhill Crane RP PC S, Ci – – – – – x Charadriidae

076 Pluvialis squatarola Pluvial Cabezón Black-bellied Plover RI C Mr, Cs – – – – – x

077 Pluvialis dominica Pluvial Dorado American Golden-Plover A MR Mr – – – – – x

078 Charadrius alexandrinus Frailecillo Blanco Snowy Plover A MRMr –––––x

079 Charadrius wilsonia Títere Playero Wilson’s Plover RV C Mr – – – – – x

080 Charadrius semipalmatus Frailecillo Semipalmeado Semipalmated Plover RI C Mr – – – – – x

081 Charadrius vociferus Títere Sabanero Killdeer RPB C Mr, Cs, S – x x x x – Haematopodidae

082 Haematopus palliatus Ostrero American Oystercatcher A MR Cs – – – – – x Recurvirostridae

083 Himantopus mexicanus Cachiporra Black-necked Stilt RPB C Mr, Ci – – – – – x

084 Recurvirostra americana Avoceta American Avocet A MR Cs – – – – – x

132 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME/REPORT NO. 7 Apéndice /Appendix 7

Aves/Birds

LEYENDA/LEGEND

Otras especies Residencia/Residence status conocidas de Zapata/ A = Accidental/Accidental Observaciones durante el inventario/ Other species EN = Endémico de Cuba/ Observations during inventory known from Zapata Endemic to Cuba RI = Residente invernal/Winter resident Río Punta Bermeja Peralta Pálpite Hatiguanico Perdiz RP = Residente permanente/ Permanent resident

001 RPB = Residente permanente bimodal/ 058 –––––x 002 Permanent resident with migration 059 xxxx–– RV = Residente de verano/ 060 –––x–– Summer resident 003 061 –––––x TR = Transeúnte/Transient

004 Abundancia/Abundance 062 – – – – –x 005 C = Común/Common 006 BC = Bastante común/Fairly common 063 –––––x 007 PC = Poco común/Uncommon 064 –––––x 008 R = Raro/Rare 065 – x –x–– MR = Muy raro/Very rare 066 –––––x 009 067 –––––x Hábitat/Habitat 010 068 – – – – – x AA = Áreas abiertas/Open areas 011 069 –––––x Ab = Arbustos/Shrublands 012 Ar = Arboledas/Woodlands 013 070 – x x x – – B = Bosque/Forest 014 071 –x–––– BC = Bosque de ciénaga/Swamp forest 015 072 – x–x–– Ci = Ciénaga/Marsh 016 073 – ––––x Cs = Áreas costeras/Coastal areas 017 D = Desconocido/Unknown 018 074 – x x x –– H = Herbazales de ciénaga/ 019 Marsh grassland 020 075 –––––x L = Lagunas/Lagoons 021 Mn = Manglares/Mangrove forest 022 076 – ––––x Mr = Marismas/Salt marshes 023 077 –––––x Pm = Palmares/Palm groves 024 078 – – – ––x PA = Plantaciones de arroz/ 025 079 – – – – –x Rice plantations 026 080 –––––x Pl = Playas/Beaches 027 081 – x x x x – R = Ríos/Rivers 028 S = Sabana/Savanna 029 082 –––––x Observaciones durante el inventario/ 030 Observations during inventory 083 –––––x x = Observado/Observed 031 084 –––––x x* = Observado en transito/ Observed in transit

CUBA: ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE/NOVEMBER 2005 133 Apéndice /Appendix 7

Aves/Birds

AVES / BIRDS

Residencia/ c Nombre científico/ Residence Abundancia/ Hábitats/ Observaciones durante el inventario/ Other species Scientific name Nombre común Common name status Abundance Habitats Observations during inventory known from Zapata

Jacanidae

085 Jacana spinosa Gallito de Río Northern Jacana RP C Ci, R – x – x – – Scolopacidae

086 Tringa melanoleuca Zarapico Greater Yellowlegs RI C Mr – – – – – x Patiamarillo Grande

087 Tringa flavipes Zarapico Lesser Yellowlegs RI C Mr – – – – – x Patiamarillo Chico

088 Tringa solitaria Zarapico Solitario Solitary Sandpiper RI C R, L – – – – – x

089 Catoptrophorus semipalmatus Zarapico Real Willet RPB C Mr – – – – – x

090 Actitis macularius Zarapico Manchado Spotted Sandpiper RI C Mn, Cs – – – x – –

091 Bartramia longicauda Ganga Upland Sandpiper A MR D – – – – – x

092 Numenius phaeopus Zarapico Pico Whimbrel TR R Mr – – – – – x Cimitarra Chico

093 Limosa haemastica Avoceta Pechirroja Hudsonian Godwit A MR D – – – – – x

094 Arenaria interpres Revuelvepiedras Ruddy Turnstone RI C Cs, Mr – – – – – x

095 Calidris canutus Zarapico Rojo Red Knot TR R Mr, L – – – – – x

096 Calidris alba Zarapico Blanco Sanderling RI C Pl, Mr –

097 Calidris pusilla Zarapico Semipalmeado Semipalmated Sandpiper RI C Pl, Mr – – – – – x

098 Calidris mauri Zarapico Chico Western Sandpiper TR R L, Mr – – – – – x

099 Calidris minutilla Zarapiquito Least Sandpiper RI C L, Mr – – – – – x

100 Calidris melanotos Zarapico Moteado Pectoral Sandpiper TR R L – – – x – –

101 Calidris alpina Zarapico Gris Dunlin RI C L, Mr – – – – – x

102 Calidris ferruginea Zarapico Curlew Sandpiper A MR L – – – – – x

103 Calidris himantopus Zarapico Patilargo Stilt Sandpiper TR C L – – – – – x

104 Limnodromus griseus Zarapico Becasina Short-billed Dowitcher RI C L, Mr – – – – – x

105 Limnodromus scolopaceus Zarapico Becasina Long-billed Dowitcher RI R L, Mr – – – – – x Pico Largo

106 Gallinago delicata Becasina Wilson’s Snipe RI C Ci, L, Mr – – – – – x Laridae

107 Larus atricilla Galleguito Laughing Gull RP C Cs – – x – – –

108 Larus pipixcan Galleguito de Franklin Franklin’s Gull A MR Cs –

109 Larus delawarensis Gallego Real Ring-billed Gull RI R Cs – – – – – x

110 Sterna nilotica Gaviota de Pico Corto Gull-billed Tern RI R Cs, Mr – – – – – x

111 Sterna caspia Gaviota Real Grande Caspian Tern RI C Cs, Mr – – – – – x

112 Sterna maxima Gaviota Real Royal Tern RPB C Cs, Mr – – – – – x

113 Sterna forsteri Gaviota de Forster Forster’s Tern A MR L – – – – – x

114 Sterna antillarum Gaviotica Least Tern RV C Cs – – – – – x

134 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME/REPORT NO. 7 Apéndice /Appendix 7

Aves/Birds

LEYENDA/LEGEND

Otras especies Residencia/Residence status conocidas de Zapata/ A = Accidental/Accidental Observaciones durante el inventario/ Other species EN = Endémico de Cuba/ Observations during inventory known from Zapata Endemic to Cuba RI = Residente invernal/Winter resident Río Punta Bermeja Peralta Pálpite Hatiguanico Perdiz RP = Residente permanente/ Permanent resident

001 RPB = Residente permanente bimodal/ 085001 –x–x–– 002 Permanent resident with migration 002 RV = Residente de verano/ 086 –––––x Summer resident 003 003 TR = Transeúnte/Transient 087 –––––x 004 Abundancia/Abundance 004 088005 – – – ––x C = Común/Common 005 089006 –––––x BC = Bastante común/Fairly common

000790 –––x–– PC = Poco común/Uncommon 006 009108 –––––x R = Raro/Rare 007 092 – ––––x MR = Muy raro/Very rare 009 008 Hábitat/Habitat 093010 –––––x AA = Áreas abiertas/Open areas 001194 –––––x 009 Ab = Arbustos/Shrublands 095012 – – –––x Ar = Arboledas/Woodlands 096013 – – – – – x 010 B = Bosque/Forest 097014 –––––x 011 BC = Bosque de ciénaga/Swamp forest 098015 –––––x 012 Ci = Ciénaga/Marsh 099016 –––––x 013 Cs = Áreas costeras/Coastal areas 100017 –––x–– 014 D = Desconocido/Unknown 101018 –––––x 015 H = Herbazales de ciénaga/ 102019 –––––x 016 Marsh grassland 103020 –––––x 017 L = Lagunas/Lagoons 104021 – – – ––x 018 Mn = Manglares/Mangrove forest 105022 –––––x 019 Mr = Marismas/Salt marshes 023 Pm = Palmares/Palm groves 106020 – – – ––x 024 PA = Plantaciones de arroz/ 025 Rice plantations 107021 ––x––– 026 Pl = Playas/Beaches 108022 – – – – – x 027 R = Ríos/Rivers 109023 –––––x 028 S = Sabana/Savanna 110 –––––x 029 111024 –––––x Observaciones durante el inventario/ 030 112 –––––x Observations during inventory

025 x = Observado/Observed 113031 –––––x 114 – – –––x x* = Observado en transito/ Observed in transit

CUBA: ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE/NOVEMBER 2005 135 Apéndice /Appendix 7

Aves/Birds

AVES / BIRDS

Residencia/ c Nombre científico/ Residence Abundancia/ Hábitats/ Observaciones durante el inventario/ Other species Scientific name Nombre común Common name status Abundance Habitats Observations during inventory known from Zapata

115 Sterna sandvicensis Gaviota de Sandwich Sandwich Tern RV C Cs, Mr – – – – x –

116 Sterna anaethetus Gaviota Monja Bridled Tern RV R Cs – – – – – x

117 Sterna fuscata Gaviota Monja Prieto Sooty Tern RV R Cs – – – – – x

118 Rynchops niger Gaviota Pico Tijera Black Skimmer TR R Cs, Mr – – – – – x Columbidae

119 Patagioenas squamosa Torcaza Cuellimorada Scaly-naped Pigeon RP C B x – – – – –

120 Patagioenas leucocephala Torcaza Cabeciblanca White-crowned Pigeon RP C B x x x x – –

121 Patagioenas inornata Torcaza Boba Plain Pigeon RP R AA –

122 Zenaida asiatica Paloma Aliblanca White-winged Dove RP C AA – – – x – –

123 Zenaida aurita Guanaro Zenaida Dove RP C B, AA x x x x x –

124 Zenaida macroura Paloma Rabiche Mourning Dove RPB C AA, Ar x x – x – –

125 Columbina passerina Tojosa Common Ground-Dove RP C AA x x x x x –

126 Geotrygon chrysia Barbiquejo Key West Quail-Dove RP C B x – x – – –

127 Geotrygon caniceps Camao Gray-fronted Quail-Dove EN C BC x

128 Geotrygon montana Boyero Ruddy Quail-Dove RP C B, BC – x x – – –

129 Starnoenas cyanocephala Paloma Perdiz Blue-headed Quail-Dove EN C B x – – – x – Psittacidae

130 Aratinga euops Catey Cuban Parakeet EN PC B, AA – – x – – –

131 Amazona leucocephala Cotorra Cuban Parrot RP C B, AA x – – x – – Cuculidae

132 Coccyzus erythropthalmus Primavera de Pico Negro Black-billed Cuckoo A MR Mn, B – – – – – x

133 Coccyzus americanus Primavera Yellow-billed Cuckoo RV C B – – – – x –

134 Coccyzus minor Arrierito Mangrove Cuckoo RP PC Mn – – – – – x

135 Saurothera merlini Arriero Great Lizard-Cuckoo RP C B x x x x x –

136 Crotophaga ani Judío Smooth-billed Ani RP C B, S x x x x x – Tytonidae

137 Tyto alba Lechuza Barn Owl RP C AA, B – – x x – – Strigidae

138 Gymnoglaux lawrencii Sijú Cotunto Bare-legged Owl EN C B x – x – – –

139 Glaucidium siju Sijú Platanero Cuban Pygmy-Owl EN C B x x x x x –

140 Asio stygius Siguapa Stygian Owl RP PC B – – x x – –

141 Asio flammeus Cárabo Short-eared Owl RP R AA – – – – – x

142 Athene cunicularia Sijú de Sabana Burrowing Owl RI R AA – – – – – x Nyctibiidae

143 Nyctibius jamaicensis Potú Northern Potoo RP R B – – – – – x

136 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME/REPORT NO. 7 Apéndice /Appendix 7

Aves/Birds

LEYENDA/LEGEND

Otras especies Residencia/Residence status conocidas de Zapata/ A = Accidental/Accidental Observaciones durante el inventario/ Other species EN = Endémico de Cuba/ Observations during inventory known from Zapata Endemic to Cuba RI = Residente invernal/Winter resident Río Punta Bermeja Peralta Pálpite Hatiguanico Perdiz RP = Residente permanente/ Permanent resident 115 ––––x– 001 RPB = Residente permanente bimodal/ 116 –––––x 002 Permanent resident with migration 117 –––––x RV = Residente de verano/ 118 –––––x Summer resident 003 TR = Transeúnte/Transient

119 x––––– 004 Abundancia/Abundance 120 x x x x –– 005 C = Común/Common 121 – – – – – x 006 BC = Bastante común/Fairly common 122 –––x–– 007 PC = Poco común/Uncommon 123 xxxxx– 008 R = Raro/Rare 124 x x –x–– MR = Muy raro/Very rare 125 xxxxx– 009 126 x–x––– Hábitat/Habitat 010 127 x x x – – – AA = Áreas abiertas/Open areas 011 128 –xx––– Ab = Arbustos/Shrublands 012 129 x – ––x– Ar = Arboledas/Woodlands 013 B = Bosque/Forest 014 130 ––x––– BC = Bosque de ciénaga/Swamp forest 015 131 x––x–– Ci = Ciénaga/Marsh 016 Cs = Áreas costeras/Coastal areas 017 132 – ––––x D = Desconocido/Unknown 018 133 ––––x– H = Herbazales de ciénaga/ 019 134 – ––––x Marsh grassland 020 135 xxxxx– L = Lagunas/Lagoons 021 136 x x x xx– Mn = Manglares/Mangrove forest 022 Mr = Marismas/Salt marshes 023 137 ––xx–– Pm = Palmares/Palm groves 024 PA = Plantaciones de arroz/ 025 Rice plantations 138 x–x––– 026 Pl = Playas/Beaches 139 xxxxx– 027 R = Ríos/Rivers 140 ––xx–– 028 S = Sabana/Savanna 141 –––––x 029 142 –––––x Observaciones durante el inventario/ 030 Observations during inventory x = Observado/Observed 143031 – – – ––x x* = Observado en transito/ Observed in transit

CUBA: ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE/NOVEMBER 2005 137 Apéndice /Appendix 7

Aves/Birds

AVES / BIRDS

Residencia/ c Nombre científico/ Residence Abundancia/ Hábitats/ Observaciones durante el inventario/ Other species Scientific name Nombre común Common name status Abundance Habitats Observations during inventory known from Zapata

Caprimulgidae

144 Chordeiles minor Querequeté Americano Common Nighthawk TR C AA x – x – – –

145 Chordeiles gundlachii Querequeté Antillean Nighthawk RV C AA x x x x – –

146 Caprimulgus cubanensis Guabairo Greater Antillean Nightjar RP C B x x – x – –

147 Caprimulgus carolinensis Guabairo Americano Chuck-will’s-widow RI PC B x x – – – – Apodidae

148 Chaetura pelagica Vencejo de Chimenea Chimney TR RCs –––––x

149 Streptoprocne zonaris Vencejo de Collar White-collared Swift A MR D

150 phoenicobia Vencejito de Palma Antillean Palm-Swift RP C Pm x – x x – – Trochilidae

151 Chlorostilbon ricordii Zunzún Cuban Emerald RP C B, AA x x x x x –

152 Mellisuga helenae Zunzuncito Bee Hummingbird EN C B, AA – – x – x – Trogonidae

153 Priotelus temnurus Tocoloro Cuban Trogon EN C B Todidae

154 Todus multicolor Cartacuba Cuban Tody EN C B x x x x x – Alcedinidae

155 Ceryle alcyon Martín Pescador Belted Kingfisher RI C Mr, Ci, L, R x – – x x – Picidae

156 superciliaris Carpintero Jabado West Indian Woodpecker RP C B x x x x x –

157 Sphyrapicus varius Carpintero de Paso Yellow-bellied Sapsucker RI C B – – – – – x

158 Xiphidiopicus percussus Carpintero Verde Cuban Green Woodpecker EN C B x x x x x –

159 Colaptes auratus Carpintero Escapulario Northern Flicker RP C B x x x x – –

160 Colaptes fernandinae Carpintero Churroso Fernandina’s Flicker EN C B, Pm x x – x – – Tyrannidae

161 Contopus virens Bobito de Bosque Eastern Wood-Pewee TR R B, AA x – – x – –

162 Contopus caribaeus Bobito Chico Crescent-eyed Pewee RP C B, AA x x x x x –

163 Myiarchus crinitus Bobito de Cresta Great Crested Flycatcher A MR B

164 Myiarchus sagrae Bobito Grande La Sagra’s Flycatcher RP C B, AA x x x x x –

165 Tyrannus melancholicus Pitirre Tropical Tropical Kingbird A MR D – – – – – x

166 Tyrannus tyrannus Pitirre Americano Eastern Kingbird TR C B, AA x – x x – –

167 Tyrannus dominicensis Pitirre Abejero Gray Kingbird RV C Ar – – – x x –

168 Tyrannus caudifasciatus Pitirre Guatíbere Loggerhead Kingbird RP C B, Ar x x x x x – Vireonida

169 Vireo griseus Vireo de Ojo Blanco White-eyed Vireo RI PC B, Ar – – – – – x

170 Vireo gundlachii Juan Chiví Cuban Vireo EN C B, Ar x x x x x –

138 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME/REPORT NO. 7 Apéndice /Appendix 7

Aves/Birds

LEYENDA/LEGEND

Otras especies Residencia/Residence status conocidas de Zapata/ A = Accidental/Accidental Observaciones durante el inventario/ Other species EN = Endémico de Cuba/ Observations during inventory known from Zapata Endemic to Cuba RI = Residente invernal/Winter resident Río Punta Bermeja Peralta Pálpite Hatiguanico Perdiz RP = Residente permanente/ Permanent resident

001 RPB = Residente permanente bimodal/ 144 x–x––– 002 Permanent resident with migration 145 xxxx–– RV = Residente de verano/ 146 xx–x–– Summer resident 003 147 xx–––– TR = Transeúnte/Transient

004 Abundancia/Abundance 148 – – – – –x 005 C = Común/Common 149 – – – – – x 006 BC = Bastante común/Fairly common 150 x–xx–– 007 PC = Poco común/Uncommon 008 R = Raro/Rare 151 x x xxx– MR = Muy raro/Very rare 152 ––x–x– 009 Hábitat/Habitat 010 153 x x x x x – AA = Áreas abiertas/Open areas 011 Ab = Arbustos/Shrublands 012 154 x x xxx– Ar = Arboledas/Woodlands 013 B = Bosque/Forest 014 155 x––xx– BC = Bosque de ciénaga/Swamp forest 015 Ci = Ciénaga/Marsh 016 156 x xxxx– Cs = Áreas costeras/Coastal areas 017 157 – ––––x D = Desconocido/Unknown 018 158 xxxxx– H = Herbazales de ciénaga/ 019 159 x xxx–– Marsh grassland 020 160 xx–x–– L = Lagunas/Lagoons 021 Mn = Manglares/Mangrove forest 022 161 x – – x –– Mr = Marismas/Salt marshes 023 162 xxxxx– Pm = Palmares/Palm groves 024 163 – – – – – x PA = Plantaciones de arroz/ 025 Rice plantations 164 xxxxx– 026 Pl = Playas/Beaches 165 –––––x 027 R = Ríos/Rivers 166 x–xx–– 028 S = Sabana/Savanna 167 –––xx– 029 168 xxxxx– Observaciones durante el inventario/ 030 Observations during inventory x = Observado/Observed 169031 – – – ––x 170 xxxxx– x* = Observado en transito/ Observed in transit

CUBA: ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE/NOVEMBER 2005 139 Apéndice /Appendix 7

Aves/Birds

AVES / BIRDS

Residencia/ c Nombre científico/ Residence Abundancia/ Hábitats/ Observaciones durante el inventario/ Other species Scientific name Nombre común Common name status Abundance Habitats Observations during inventory known from Zapata

171 Vireo flavifrons Verdón de Pecho Amarillo Yellow-throated Vireo RI R B, Ar – – x – x –

172 Vireo olivaceus Vireo de Ojo Rojo Red-eyed Vireo TR C B, Ar x x x x x –

173 Vireo altiloquus Bien-te-veo Black-whiskered Vireo RV C B, Ar x x x x x – Corvidae

174 Corvus nasicus Cao Montero Cuban Crow RP C B, Ar – – x – – – Hirundinidae

175 Progne subis Golondrina Azul Purple Martin TR CAA –––––x Americana

176 Progne cryptoleuca Golondrina Azul Cubana Cuban Martin RV C AA – – x x – –

177 Tachycineta bicolor Golondrina de Árboles Tree Swallow RI C Ci – – – – – x

178 Stelgidopteryx serripennis Golondrina Parda Northern Rough-winged TR CAA –––––x Swallow

179 Riparia riparia Golondrina de Collar Bank Swallow TR RAA –––––x

180 Petrochelidon fulva Golondrina de Cuevas Cave Swallow RV C AA –––xx–

181 Hirundo rustica Golondrina Cola Barn Swallow TR C AA – x x x x – de Tijera Troglodytidae

182 Ferminia cerverai Ferminia Zapata Wren EN C H – – – x – –

183 Cistothorus palustris Troglodita de Ciénaga Marsh Wren A MR H – – – – – x Regulidae

184 Regulus calendula Reyezuelo Ruby-crowned Kinglet A MR Ar – – – – – x Sylviidae

185 Polioptila caerulea Rabuita Blue-gray Gnatcatcher RI C B, Ar x x x x x – Turdidae

186 Sialia sialis Azulejo Pechirrojo Eastern Bluebird A MR AA – – – – – x

187 Catharus fuscescens Tordo Colorado Veery TR R B – – – x – –

188 Catharus minimus Tordo de Mejillas Grises Gray-cheeked Thrush TR R B – – – – – x

189 Catharus ustulatus Tordo de Espalda Olivada Swainson’s Thrush TR RB –––––x

190 Hylocichla mustelina Tordo Pecoso Wood Thrush TR R B – – – – – x

191 Turdus plumbeus Zorzal Real Red-legged Thrush RP C B, Ar x x x x x – Mimidae

192 Dumetella carolinensis Zorzal Gato Gray Catbird RI C B, Ar – – – – – x

193 Mimus polyglottos Sinsonte Northern Mockingbird RP C B, Ar x x x x x –

194 Toxostoma rufum Sinsonte Colorado Brown Thrasher A MR B, Ar – – – – – x Bombycillidae

195 Bombycilla cedrorum Picotero del Cedro Cedar Waxwing TR R B, Ar – – – – – x

140 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME/REPORT NO. 7 Apéndice /Appendix 7

Aves/Birds

LEYENDA/LEGEND

Otras especies Residencia/Residence status conocidas de Zapata/ A = Accidental/Accidental Observaciones durante el inventario/ Other species EN = Endémico de Cuba/ Observations during inventory known from Zapata Endemic to Cuba RI = Residente invernal/Winter resident Río Punta Bermeja Peralta Pálpite Hatiguanico Perdiz RP = Residente permanente/ Permanent resident 171 ––x–x– 001 RPB = Residente permanente bimodal/ 172 xxxxx– 002 Permanent resident with migration 173 xxxxx– RV = Residente de verano/ Summer resident 003 174 ––x––– TR = Transeúnte/Transient

004 Abundancia/Abundance 175 – – – – –x 005 C = Común/Common 006 BC = Bastante común/Fairly common 176 ––xx–– 007 PC = Poco común/Uncommon 177 – – – – –x 008 R = Raro/Rare 178 – – – – – x MR = Muy raro/Very rare

179009 – – – ––x Hábitat/Habitat 180010 – – – x x – AA = Áreas abiertas/Open areas 181011 –xxxx– Ab = Arbustos/Shrublands 012 Ar = Arboledas/Woodlands 013 B = Bosque/Forest 182014 –––x–– BC = Bosque de ciénaga/Swamp forest 183015 –––––x Ci = Ciénaga/Marsh 016 Cs = Áreas costeras/Coastal areas 184017 –––––x D = Desconocido/Unknown 018 H = Herbazales de ciénaga/ 185019 xxxxx– Marsh grassland 020 L = Lagunas/Lagoons 186021 – – – ––x Mn = Manglares/Mangrove forest 187022 –––x–– Mr = Marismas/Salt marshes 188023 –––––x Pm = Palmares/Palm groves 189024 – – – – – x PA = Plantaciones de arroz/ 190025 –––––x Rice plantations 191026 xxxxx– Pl = Playas/Beaches 027 R = Ríos/Rivers 192028 –––––x S = Sabana/Savanna 193029 xxxxx– Observaciones durante el inventario/ 194030 – – –––x Observations during inventory x = Observado/Observed 195031 –––––x x* = Observado en transito/ Observed in transit

CUBA: ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE/NOVEMBER 2005 141 Apéndice /Appendix 7

Aves/Birds

AVES / BIRDS

Residencia/ c Nombre científico/ Residence Abundancia/ Hábitats/ Observaciones durante el inventario/ Other species Scientific name Nombre común Common name status Abundance Habitats Observations during inventory known from Zapata

Parulidae

196 Vermivora bachmanii Bijirita de Bachman Bachman’s Warbler RI Extinct? B – – – – – x

197 Vermivora pinus Bijirita de Alas Azules Blue-winged Warbler RI R B, Ar – – – – – x

198 Vermivora chrysoptera Bijirita Alidorada Golden-winged Warbler RI R B – – – – – x

199 Vermivora peregrina Bijirita Peregrina Tennessee Warbler TR R B, Ar – – – – – x

200 Vermivora ruficapilla Bijirita de Nashville Nashville Warbler A MR B, Ar – – – – – x

201 Parula americana Bijirita Chica Northern Parula RI C B, Ar x x x x x –

202 Dendroica petechia Canario de Manglar Yellow Warbler RP C Mn –

203 Dendroica pensylvanica Bijirita de Costados Chestnut-sided Warbler TR R B – – – – – x Castaños

204 Dendroica magnolia Bijirita Magnolia Magnolia Warbler RI C B, Ar –

205 Dendroica tigrina Bijirita Atigrada Cape May Warbler RI C B, Ar – – – – – x

206 Dendroica caerulescens Bijirita Azul de Black-throated Blue Warbler RI C B, Ar – – – – x – Garganta Negra

207 Dendroica coronata Bijirita Coronada Yellow-rumped Warbler RI R B, Ar – – – – – x

208 Dendroica virens Bijirita de Black-throated Green Warbler RI C B, Ar – – – – – x Garganta Negra

209 Dendroica dominica Bijirita de Yellow-throated Warbler RI C B, Ar – – x x – – Garganta Amarilla

210 Dendroica pinus Bijirita de Pinos Pine Warbler RI R B, Ar – – – – – x

211 Dendroica discolor Mariposa Galana Prairie Warbler RI C B, Ar x x x x x –

212 Dendroica palmarum Bijirita Común Palm Warbler RI C B, Ar – – – – – x

213 Dendroica castanea Bijirita Castaña Bay-breasted Warbler TR R B – – – x – –

214 Dendroica striata Bijirita de Cabeza Negra Blackpoll Warbler TR R B – – – – – x

215 Mniotilta varia Bijirita Trepadora Black-and-white Warbler RI C B, Ar x x x x x –

216 Setophaga ruticilla Candelita American Redstart RI C B, Ar x – x x – –

217 Protonotaria citrea Bijirita Protonotaria Prothonotary Warbler TR R B, Ar, Mn – – – – – x

218 Helmitheros vermivorum Bijirita Gusanera Worm-eating Warbler RI C B – – x x – –

219 Limnothlypis swainsonii Bijirita de Swainson Swainson’s Warbler RICB ––––x–

220 Seiurus aurocapillus Señorita de Monte Ovenbird RI C B x x x x x –

221 Seiurus noveboracensis Señorita de Manglar Northern Waterthrush RI C Mn, BC – x x x – –

222 Seiurus motacilla Señorita de Río Louisiana Waterthrush RI C B, R, BC x x x x – –

223 Oporornis philadelphia Bijirita de Cabeza Gris Mourning Warbler A MR Ci – – – – – x

224 Geothlypis trichas Caretica Common Yellowthroat RI C B, Ar – – – – – x

225 Teretistris fernandinae Chillina Yellow-headed Warbler EN C B, Ar x x x x x –

226 Wilsonia citrina Monjita Hooded Warbler RI R B, Ar x – x – x –

227 Wilsonia pusilla Bijirita de Wilson Wilson’s Warbler TR R B – – – – – x

142 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME/REPORT NO. 7 Apéndice /Appendix 7

Aves/Birds

LEYENDA/LEGEND

Otras especies Residencia/Residence status conocidas de Zapata/ A = Accidental/Accidental Observaciones durante el inventario/ Other species EN = Endémico de Cuba/ Observations during inventory known from Zapata Endemic to Cuba RI = Residente invernal/Winter resident Río Punta Bermeja Peralta Pálpite Hatiguanico Perdiz RP = Residente permanente/ Permanent resident

001 RPB = Residente permanente bimodal/ 196 –––––x 002 Permanent resident with migration 197 –––––x RV = Residente de verano/ 198 –––––x Summer resident 003 199 –––––x TR = Transeúnte/Transient

200 –––––x 004 Abundancia/Abundance 201 x x x x x– 005 C = Común/Common 202 – – – x – – 006 BC = Bastante común/Fairly common 203 –––––x 007 PC = Poco común/Uncommon 008 R = Raro/Rare 204 – – x – – – MR = Muy raro/Very rare 205 –––––x 009 206 ––––x– Hábitat/Habitat 010 AA = Áreas abiertas/Open areas 207011 –––––x Ab = Arbustos/Shrublands 208012 –––––x Ar = Arboledas/Woodlands 013 B = Bosque/Forest 209014 ––xx–– BC = Bosque de ciénaga/Swamp forest 015 210 – – – – –x Ci = Ciénaga/Marsh 016 211 x xxxx– Cs = Áreas costeras/Coastal areas 017 212 – – – – – x D = Desconocido/Unknown 018 213 –––x–– H = Herbazales de ciénaga/ 019 Marsh grassland 214 –––––x 020 L = Lagunas/Lagoons 215 xxxxx– 021 Mn = Manglares/Mangrove forest 216 x –xx–– 022 Mr = Marismas/Salt marshes 217 –––––x 023 Pm = Palmares/Palm groves 218 – – x x–– 024 PA = Plantaciones de arroz/ 219 – – – – x– 025 Rice plantations 220 xxxxx– 026 Pl = Playas/Beaches 221 – x x x – – 027 R = Ríos/Rivers 222 xxxx–– 028 S = Sabana/Savanna 223 –––––x 029 224 –––––x Observaciones durante el inventario/ 030 225 xxxxx– Observations during inventory x = Observado/Observed 226031 x–x–x–

227 – – –––x x* = Observado en transito/ Observed in transit

CUBA: ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE/NOVEMBER 2005 143 Apéndice /Appendix 7

Aves/Birds

AVES / BIRDS

Residencia/ c Nombre científico/ Residence Abundancia/ Hábitats/ Observaciones durante el inventario/ Other species Scientific name Nombre común Common name status Abundance Habitats Observations during inventory known from Zapata

228 Icteria virens Bijirita Grande Yellow-breasted Chat TR R B – – – – – x Coerebidae

229 Coereba flaveola Reinita Bananaquit A MR D – – – – – x Thraupidae

230 Cyanerpes cyaneus Aparecido de San Diego Red-legged Honeycreeper RP C B x – x – – –

231 Spindalis zena Cabrero Western Stripe-headed Tanager RP C B, Ar x x x x – –

232 Piranga rubra Cardenal Summer Tanager TR R B, Ar – – x – x –

233 Piranga olivacea Cardenal Alinegro Scarlet Tanager TR R B, Ar – – – – – x Emberizidae

234 Melopyrrha nigra Negrito Cuban Bullfinch RP C B, Ar x x x x x –

235 Tiaris canorus Tomeguín del Pinar Cuban Grassquit EN PC S x – – – – –

236 Tiaris olivaceus Tomeguín de la Tierra Yellow-faced Grassquit RP C Ar, AA x x x x x –

237 Torreornis inexpectata Cabrerito de la Ciénaga Zapata Sparrow EN C H – – – x – –

238 Spizella pallida Gorrión de Clay-colored Sparrow TR R AA – Cabeza Carmelita

239 Passerculus sandwichensis Gorrión de Sabana Savannah Sparrow RI R S, Cs – – – – – x

240 Ammodramus savannarum Chamberguito Grasshopper Sparrow RI R S, Cs –

241 Melospiza lincolnii Gorrión de Lincoln Lincoln’s Sparrow RI R S, Cs – – – – – x Cardinalidae

242 Pheucticus ludovicianus Degollado Rose-breasted Grosbeak TR R B – – – – – x

243 Passerina cyanea Azulejo Indigo Bunting RI PC B, Ar – – – – – x

244 Passerina ciris Mariposa Painted Bunting RI R Ar –––––x

245 Passerina caerulea Azulejón Blue Grosbeak TR R Ab – – – – – x Icteridae

246 Dolichonyx oryzivorus Chambergo Bobolink TR R AA, Ab – – – – – x

247 Agelaius assimilis Mayito de Ciénaga Red-shouldered Blackbird EN C Ci – x – x – –

248 Agelaius humeralis Mayito Tawny-shouldered Blackbird RP C B, Ar x – x x x –

249 Sturnella magna Sabanero Eastern Meadowlark RP C S – – x* – – –

250 Dives atroviolaceus Totí Cuban Blackbird EN C B, Ar x x x x x –

251 Quiscalus niger Chichinguaco Greater Antillean Grackle RP C B, Ar – x x x – –

252 Molothrus bonariensis Pájaro Vaquero Shiny Cowbird RP C B, Ar – – x* – – –

253 Icterus dominicensis Solibio Greater Antillean Oriole RP C B, Ar x – x x x –

254 Icterus galbula Turpial Baltimore Oriole TR R B, Ar – – – – – x Fringillidae

255 Carduelis tristis Gorrión Amarillo American Goldfinch A MR Ar – – – – – x Passeridae

256 Passer domesticus Gorrión Doméstico House Sparrow RP C AA – – x* – – –

144 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME/REPORT NO. 7 Apéndice /Appendix 7

Aves/Birds

LEYENDA/LEGEND

Otras especies Residencia/Residence status conocidas de Zapata/ A = Accidental/Accidental Observaciones durante el inventario/ Other species EN = Endémico de Cuba/ Observations during inventory known from Zapata Endemic to Cuba RI = Residente invernal/Winter resident Río Punta Bermeja Peralta Pálpite Hatiguanico Perdiz RP = Residente permanente/ Permanent resident 228 –––––x 001 RPB = Residente permanente bimodal/

002 Permanent resident with migration 229 –––––x RV = Residente de verano/ Summer resident 003 230 x–x––– TR = Transeúnte/Transient

231 xxxx–– 004 Abundancia/Abundance 232 – – x – x– 005 C = Común/Common 233 – – – – – x 006 BC = Bastante común/Fairly common 007 PC = Poco común/Uncommon 234 xxxxx– 008 R = Raro/Rare 235 x – –––– MR = Muy raro/Very rare 236 xxxxx– 009 237 –––x–– Hábitat/Habitat 010 238 – – – – – x AA = Áreas abiertas/Open areas 011 Ab = Arbustos/Shrublands 012 239 –––––x Ar = Arboledas/Woodlands 013 240 – – – – – x B = Bosque/Forest 014 241 –––––x BC = Bosque de ciénaga/Swamp forest 015 Ci = Ciénaga/Marsh 016 242 – ––––x Cs = Áreas costeras/Coastal areas 017 243 – ––––x D = Desconocido/Unknown 018 244 – – – – –x H = Herbazales de ciénaga/ 019 245 –––––x Marsh grassland 020 L = Lagunas/Lagoons 021 246 –––––x Mn = Manglares/Mangrove forest 022 247 – x–x–– Mr = Marismas/Salt marshes 023 248 x–xxx– Pm = Palmares/Palm groves 024 249 – – x* ––– PA = Plantaciones de arroz/ 025 250 x x x x x– Rice plantations 026 251 –xxx–– Pl = Playas/Beaches 027 252 – – x* – – – R = Ríos/Rivers 028 253 x–xxx– S = Sabana/Savanna 029 254 –––––x Observaciones durante el inventario/ 030 Observations during inventory 255 –––––x x = Observado/Observed 031 x* = Observado en transito/ 256 – – x* – – – Observed in transit

CUBA: ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE/NOVEMBER 2005 145 Apéndice /Appendix 7

Aves/Birds

AVES / BIRDS

Residencia/ c Nombre científico/ Residence Abundancia/ Hábitats/ Observaciones durante el inventario/ Other species Scientific name Nombre común Common name status Abundance Habitats Observations during inventory known from Zapata

Ploceidae

257 Ploceus cucullatus Madame Saga Village Weaver A MR Ar – – – – – x Estrildidae

258 Lonchura malacca Monja Tricolor Chestnut Mannikin RP C PA – – – – – x Especies en total/Total species 6

146 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME/REPORT NO. 7 Apéndice /Appendix 7

Aves/Birds

LEYENDA/LEGEND

Otras especies Residencia/Residence status conocidas de Zapata/ A = Accidental/Accidental Observaciones durante el inventario/ Other species EN = Endémico de Cuba/ Observations during inventory known from Zapata Endemic to Cuba RI = Residente invernal/Winter resident Río Punta Bermeja Peralta Pálpite Hatiguanico Perdiz RP = Residente permanente/ Permanent resident

001 RPB = Residente permanente bimodal/ 257 –––––x 002 Permanent resident with migration RV = Residente de verano/ 258 –––––x Summer resident 003 61 58 68 87 46 141 TR = Transeúnte/Transient

004 Abundancia/Abundance 005 C = Común/Common 006 BC = Bastante común/Fairly common 007 PC = Poco común/Uncommon 008 R = Raro/Rare MR = Muy raro/Very rare

009 Hábitat/Habitat 010 AA = Áreas abiertas/Open areas 011 Ab = Arbustos/Shrublands 012 Ar = Arboledas/Woodlands 013 B = Bosque/Forest 014 BC = Bosque de ciénaga/Swamp forest 015 Ci = Ciénaga/Marsh 016 Cs = Áreas costeras/Coastal areas 017 D = Desconocido/Unknown 018 H = Herbazales de ciénaga/ 019 Marsh grassland 020 L = Lagunas/Lagoons 021 Mn = Manglares/Mangrove forest 022 Mr = Marismas/Salt marshes 023 Pm = Palmares/Palm groves 024 PA = Plantaciones de arroz/ 025 Rice plantations 026 Pl = Playas/Beaches 027 R = Ríos/Rivers 028 S = Sabana/Savanna 029 Observaciones durante el inventario/ 030 Observations during inventory x = Observado/Observed 031 x* = Observado en transito/ Observed in transit

CUBA: ZAPATA NOVIEMBRE/NOVEMBER 2005 147 Apéndice /Appendix 8

Regulaciones/Laws Leyenda principal/ Principal legend

REGULACIONES / LAWS

Regulaciones e instituciones en pro de las áreas protegidas de la península de Zapata

Año Regulación Función

1984 Acuerdo 235 de 1984 del Comité Ejecutivo del Aprueba el Refugio de Fauna Santo Tomás, el cual queda incluido Poder 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 de Uso Múltiple, constituyendo el mismo el amparo legal para todo el territorio del sitio propuesto

1997 Acuerdo del 17 de febrero de 1997 del Consejo Aprueba el Sistema Provincial de Áreas Protegidas, que de la Administración Provincial incluye las áreas del Parque Nacional, las otras áreas núcleo complemetarias, y el Elemento Natural Destacado Sistema Espeleolacustre de Zapata

1999 Acuerdo 3462/99 del Comité Ejecutivo del Aprueba la adhesión de Cuba a la Convención Ramsar y a la Consejo de Ministros Ciénaga de Zapata como primer sitio a nominar por Cuba

Laws and institutions on behalf of the protected areas of the Zapata Peninsula

Year Law Purpose

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 Zapata Swamp National Park

1996 Decree 197/96 of the Turquino Manatee Plan Declares the entire Zapata Swamp a Multiple-use Protected Area and constitutes the legal protection for the entire area of the proposed site

1997 Accord of 17 February 1997 of the Provincial Approves the Provincial System of Protected Areas, which Administrative 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 and of the Council of Ministers Zapata Swamp’s nomination as Cuba’s first Ramsar site

Instituciones/Institutions

Centro Nacional de Áreas Protegidas/ Calle 18A No. 4114 esq. 43 y 47 National Center for Protected Areas Playa, La Habana, Cuba (537) 240798 (tel/fax) [email protected]

Unidad de Áreas Protegidas de la Carretera Playa Larga Km 30 Empresa Municipal Agropecuaria/Protected Areas Unit of Ciénaga de Zapata the Municipal Agricultural Agency Provincia de Matanzas, Cuba (5359) 7249 (tel/fax/e-mail)

Órgano CITMA, Ciénaga de Zapata/ Carretera Playa Larga Km 25 CITMA, Ciénaga de Zapata Ciénaga de Zapata Provincia de Matanzas, Cuba (53 01 45 9) 5539 (tel/fax/e-mail)

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150 RAPID BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES INFORME/REPORT NO. 7