Jeep Seafari "Birdwatching, Nature and History"

Jeep Seafari "Birdwatching, Nature and History"

The Ciénaga de Zapata is not only the richest place in bird species in Cuba (258 out of 368 reported for the archipelago), but it is also the area of the Caribbean with the highest number of endemic bird species. Of the 30 species of birds endemic to Cuba, 23 inhabit this area; 3 of these, the St. Thomas hen (Cyanolimnas cerverai), the Cienega goat (Torreornis inexpectata inexpectata) and the Ferminia (Ferminia cerverai), are only found in this part of the country. Four species of endemic land beetles, one species of endemic tree ant and a high population of dragonflies have been found. There are 37 species of inland water fish, of which 11 are endemic and 8 are native to the Caribbean. 114 species of marine fish have been recorded, distributed in 9 orders and 33 families, with a new report for Cuban waters, Canthigaster jamestyleri. The area has been a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1999, a Ramsar site since 2000 and an Important Bird Area (IBA).

Mammals are represented in Zapata by 15 species, of which only one is locally endemic: the critically endangered dwarf hutia (Mesocapromys nanus). Some of them present a certain degree of threat, such as the manatee (Trichechus manatus) which is evaluated as vulnerable (VU). Two other mammal species present are the wild hutia (Mysateles prehensilis) and the conga hutia (Capromys pilorides). The region has the largest and healthiest populations of one of the most notorious endemic fishes in Cuba: the manjuarí (Atractosteus tristoechus), a key species in the ecological relationships of the Cuban wetlands where it is present, considered a living fossil, threatened with extinction.

The coastal area between Guasasa and Playa Larga was the scene of the fighting that took place in 1961 during the mercenary invasion of Playa Girón, which adds historical value to the area.

In this tour you will be able to contemplate the numerous species of both migratory and endemic birds that come to this wonderful Cuban site, the flora and fauna that make the Ciénaga de Zapata a Biosphere Reserve and most importantly the people who are dedicated to the research and care of this wonderful wetland. You will enjoy a delicious lunch and visit to the museum of Playa Giron, a memorial dedicated to the battle fought by the people of Cuba against mercenary troops, supported by American naval air forces that invaded the country.

Program:

• Pick up at the hotel.
• Visit to the Hondones Trail.
• Lunch at (Cueva de los peces/Punta Perdiz or Caleta Buena).
• Visit to the museum in Playa Girón.
• Return to the hotel.