Cuba boasts one of the most unique and well-preserved ecosystems in the Caribbean. Roughly 50% of its plant species and 42% of its animal species are endemic—meaning they cannot be found anywhere else on the planet.
The Cuban Trogon (Priotelus temnurus): Known locally as the Tocororo, is the national bird of Cuba because its vibrant feathers match the colors of the Cuban flag.
Unique Reptiles & Amphibians: The island is home to the Cuban Crocodile, which primarily lives in the Zapata Swamp.
The Bee Hummingbird (Mellisuga helenae): Found exclusively in Cuba, is the world’s smallest living bird.
Cuba also boasts pristine Marine & Coastal Ecosystems
- Jardines de la Reina (Queen’s Gardens): Often cited as one of the most pristine and richest reef systems in the Caribbean. It houses over 900 species of fish, 50 types of coral, and hundreds of sponges.
- Massive Mangrove Forests: Cuba features the largest mangrove ecosystems in the Caribbean, covering over 5,647 square kilometers, which are critical for protecting the coastlines and supporting juvenile marine life.
Cuba harbors rare tropical flora, including the Cuban Oak (Quercus sagraena) and the highly threatened Microcycas, a unique gymnosperm exclusive to the region.
Quercus sagraeana, the Cuban oak, is a medium-sized evergreen tree native to western Cuba in the Cuban pine forests ecoregion. It is the only oak native to the Caribbean.
Below images from iNaturalist.
Quercus sagraena
Microcycas
By Leyal Aksu