Cuba
Biodiversity Intelligence Dashboard
Threatened
20
CR + EN + VU
Critically Endangered
0
CR
Endemic Threatened
0
Found only here
Declining
0%
0 species
Distribution of 20 threatened species
Threatened % by group
No threat data available
0 endemic threatened species found only here
Endemic data will be available after full ingestion
No species data for this country
Outlook: Deteriorating
Cuba's biodiversity significance stems from its position as the largest Caribbean island, hosting exceptional levels of endemism across its diverse ecosystems. The island's tropical forests, extensive wetlands, and surrounding coral reefs support numerous species found nowhere else on Earth. Cuba's Zapata Swamp represents the Caribbean's largest wetland complex, while the Sierra Maestra and Sierra del Rosario mountain ranges harbor unique montane forests. According to IUCN Red List 2025 data, all 20 assessed species are threatened, with plants comprising the majority of documented threats. Cuba faces specific biodiversity pressures including habitat fragmentation from agricultural expansion, particularly sugarcane cultivation in lowland areas. Coastal development threatens critical nesting sites for marine species, while invasive species introductions have disrupted native ecosystems. The island's isolation has created vulnerability to climate-related impacts, including increased hurricane intensity affecting forest regeneration and coral reef systems. Cuba has established an extensive protected area network covering approximately 22% of national territory, including UNESCO Biosphere Reserves at Cuchillas del Toa and Sierra del Rosario. The country's National System of Protected Areas encompasses critical habitats from mangrove forests to cloud forests. Recent marine protected area expansions have strengthened coral reef conservation efforts, while community-based conservation programs engage local populations in biodiversity protection initiatives.
Key Biomes & Ecosystems
Conservation Achievements
Cuba has achieved notable conservation success through its comprehensive protected area system, which includes six UNESCO Biosphere Reserves and numerous national parks covering diverse ecosystems from the Zapata Peninsula wetlands to the Alexander von Humboldt National Park. The country has demonstrated strong commitment to marine conservation through recent expansions of marine protected areas and coral reef restoration programs. Cuba's scientific institutions have maintained robust biodiversity research programs despite economic constraints, contributing valuable data on endemic species and ecosystem dynamics. Community-based conservation initiatives have successfully engaged local populations in protecting critical habitats, while reforestation programs have restored degraded forest areas in several regions.
Source: IUCN Red List 2025-2, GBIF, national survey data