Cuban
Pine Forests are Cuba’s only indigenous formation dominated by the Caribbean Pine.
Cuban Pine Forests belong to Tropical
and Subtropical Coniferous Forest biome. They are located in Western and
Eastern Cuba as well as Isla de Juventud for a total of 2,500 square miles (D'Ambrosio).
These forests are home to various endemic plant, bird, and insect species.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Cuban Pine Forests
Source: Global Species: Google map
https://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=http://globalspecies.org/kmlserver/getkml/nt0304
Past
Due
to natural causes and human impact, Cuban Pine Forests have gone through many
changes. The forests were unaltered, having little deforestation, and more of a
closed canopy (D'Ambrosio). Past forests have had more plant diversity and
higher numbers of endemic species (Carabia). It was rich with several animal
species, including the now endangered bird species, Ivory-billed woodpecker and
Cuban kite, as well as archaic fauna like almiqui (Solenodon cubanus) or hutia (Capromys
spp.) (D'Ambrosio). More areas were covered in “thick dense woods,” having an
abundance of pine trees through Cuba wherever there was poorer soil (Waibel).
There's no time like the present
Located
in Western and Eastern Cuban and Isla de la Juventud, Cuban Pine Forests cover
an area of 2,500 square miles. They grow in acid soils, have little water
retention, and poor nutrient soil. Although the forests have endemic plant and
animal species, each forest region features its own endemic species. For
example, the western Cuban Pine Forests plant species, near Pinar Del Rio and
Isla de la Juventud, mostly resemble areas like Florida and Yucatan, Mexico.
The western forest areas are more abundant, compared to the eastern Cuban
forests, and receive less than 59 inches of rain and temperature averages to 77
degrees Fahrenheit. The most common plant species include the Caribbean Pine Tree
and Tropical Pine Tree and features quartzitic soil. The eastern Cuban Pine Forests areas include
the Sierra Maestra and closely resemble Hispaniola. These forests are at a
higher elevation, have lower temperatures, and receive more precipitation.
Besides the Caribbean Pine, other pine species found include the Pino de la
Maestra and the Cuban Pine (D'Ambrosio).
The
island is rich in various plant, bird, and insect species. The forests are well
known for its diverse birds, such as: the olive-capped warbler, Cuban kite,
ivory-billed woodpecker, Cuban trogon, rose-throated parrot, and Cuban tody. It
has several endangered species like the Western Cuban Parrots, Cuban Pine Toad,
Cuban kite, and Ivory-billed woodpecker (IUCN).
Many believe the Ivory-billed woodpecker can be found in the eastern
Cuban Pine Forests, (D'Ambrosio), although it may be extinct (World Wildlife
Fund).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)