From caves to lush wetlands, the tiny island of Cuba houses diverse environments and is home to thousands of animals and birds you won’t find anywhere else. The wildlife in Cuba boasts more than 17,000 species, more than any other place in the Caribbean. Sadly, many of Cuba’s wildlife species are also endangered. For instance, of the more than 350 bird species, 20 are endemic, including the smallest hummingbird in the world — the Bee Hummingbird. Here is everything you need to know about Cuba’s magnificent wildlife.
Cuba’s Birds
More than 350 bird species find their home in the Cuban archipelago. The country has more than 60% of the Caribbean’s total bird species; out of these, about 70% are migratory species. The Cuban Trogon is the island’s national bird, as its vibrant colours match the colours of Cuba’s national flag. These colourful birds are found all across Cuba, in some cays and the Isle of Youth.
The Cuban Tody, also known by its local name Cartacuba, is another bird endemic to Cuba and the adjacent islands. This bird species is known for its distinct blue ear patch, red throat, and pink flanks. However, the bird is hard to spot and favours shaded spots near rivers and streams. The Cuban Tody is very well adapted to Cuba’s woodlands and pine forests, so bird-watchers flock to Cuba’s national parks in hopes of spotting the bird. Flamingos are also common across Cuba. There are more than 70,000 Caribbean flamingos and 50,000 chicks in Cuba, with large colonies of flamingos in the Rio Maximo Wildlife Reserve. Other notable birds include the Cuban Kite, Cuban Blackhawk, Gundlach’s Hawk and the Cuban Parakeet.
Wildlife in Cuba: Reptiles
Cuba is home to more than 136 reptiles. Most of these reptiles are lizard species, and the Cuban Rock Iguana is the most common. The iguanas are brown or dark grey and can reach up to 1.6m in length. Due to their friendly attitude and longevity, they are considered good pets by many in Cuba. They are common throughout mainland Cuba’s southern coastal areas and the surrounding islets.
The Cuban Boa can grow over 15 feet long and is the largest snake on the island. In Cuba, it’s the largest land predator and thus plays a vital role in its ecosystems. An interesting fact is that depending on its location, the Boa’s appearance can differ. In Eastern Cuba, these Boas are paler in colour, whereas on the western side, the Boa sports black, brown, or bolder colouring.
The Cuban Crocodile was once very common in Cuba but now is exclusive to the Zapata Swamp region. The Cuban Crocodiles can live up to 75 years and don’t reproduce often. If you ever see them swimming in the Zapata Swamp, make sure to keep a good distance, as the animals can be dangerous to humans.
Marine Life Of Cuba
The wildlife in Cuba also includes more than 900 different fish species. The archipelago has one of the liveliest coral reefs in the entire world, and in it, you’ll find diverse marine life unlike any other in the Caribbean. This makes the island a great spot for snorkelling.
The Lucifuga fish is one unique fish species you can see here. They love the water of Cuba’s sea caves and have been recorded to adapt entirely to their new dark habitat. Cuba’s 4 different varieties of Lucifuga have lost most of their pigment and have no eyes.
Cuba is also known for its red crabs. The migration of the crabs causing chaos in the Bay of Pigs has caught global headlines numerous times. If you want to see this migration, April is the month to visit the Bay of Pigs.
The Cuban Gar is another fascinating animal you can observe here. These are classified as ‘living fossils’ and are some of the most primitive specimens still alive today. You can see them in Western Cuba’s lakes and rivers and the Isla de la Juventud. Cuba is home to hundreds of other marine animals, including the Blue Marlin, Tuna, Peacock Wrasse, Barracuda, Sawfish, Bandit, Barracuda Sea bass, and shad. Moreover, there are more than 20 species of shark, and the bull shark is the most common.
Mammals Of Cuba
Cuba has unique mammals, which can be found nowhere else, even though they aren’t as numerous as in other insular regions. The Cuban Hutia is endemic to Cuba and is the island’s largest mammal. They are found all across Cuba, and unlike the island’s other endemic species, their numbers are increasing so much that Cuban farmers regard them as pests. Something interesting about these rodents is that they tend to live in pairs.
The Cuban Solenodon is another ‘living fossil,’ which has survived for millions of years without much change. These mammals are toxic, and they use venom to kill their prey. An interesting fact about the Cuban Solenodon is that they were almost at the brink of extinction when they fell prey to cats, dogs, and mongooses introduced by the Europeans.
Endangered Species Of Cuba
Despite its diverse wildlife, Cuba has many endangered species. Various factors such as loss of habitat, hunting, and invasive species contribute to these statistics. The Cuban Parakeet is endemic to Cuba, and once it was commonly found across the country, but today these birds are restricted to fewer and fewer areas. Another stunning bird, the Cuban Kite, is also endemic to Cuba and is considered critically endangered. It is believed that only 50-249 of this species still exist today.
The Monte Iberia Dwarf Elueth measures just about 0.4 inches and is the world’s third-smallest frog. They are endemic to Cuba but are classified as ‘critically endangered. Nowadays, they are limited to a small area in easternmost Cuba.
Other endangered species of Cuba include the previously mentioned Cuban Crocodile, Bee Hummingbird, and Cuban Solenodon. Sadly, majestic animals such as the Antillean Manatee and the mesmerising Hawksbill turtle are also under threat of extinction.
Cuba might be a tiny island, but it brims with wildlife unseen anywhere else in the world. Due to its diverse environments, Cuba is home to thousands of animals, birds, and plant species. The exotic and colourful wildlife makes this already fascinating island worth the visit. If you’re in Cuba next time, make sure you snap plenty of pictures of these exotic animals and birds.
For more information, please feel free to Contact Us any time, one of our team of dedicated Cuba specialists will be happy to create a tailor-made holiday just for you so that you can discover more about this fascinating country.