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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).