Publications
Pinguicula panfetiae (Lentibulariaceae), a new Caribbean butterwort from eastern Cuba
Researchers have identified Pinguicula panfetiae, a new species of carnivorous butterwort endemic to eastern Cuba, specifically within the Alejandro de Humboldt National Park. This discovery, previously misidentified as Pinguicula albida or P. jaraguana, is distinguished by its smaller rosettes with obovate leaves, non-involute leaf margins, and unique floral traits, including flowers up to 1–1.3 cm in size and distinct seed morphology (0.6–0.7 mm long, 0.18–0.22 mm wide). The species thrives on serpentine-derived ferritic soils in semi-arid montane shrublands, a habitat characterized by full sun exposure. Using morphological analysis and statistical comparisons with related species, the study confirms its novelty and assesses its conservation status as Critically Endangered (CR) under IUCN criteria, marking the 15th Pinguicula species recorded in Cuba.
Scytodes fusca Walckenaer 1837
Researchers documented the presence of Scytodes fusca, a spider species, across multiple Caribbean islands and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Alejandro de Humboldt National Park. The study recorded specimens from Cuba, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Saint Martin, Saba, Saint Eustatius, Dominica, Martinique, Saint Lucia, Barbados, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, expanding its known distribution. Collections were made in diverse habitats, such as national parks, forests, and caves, using field surveys conducted by the CarBio team between 2011 and 2013. The findings contribute to the understanding of this species' ecological range and potential role in Caribbean biodiversity.
Landslide processes as a natural disturbance in ecosystems in the Alejandro de Humboldt National Park, Cuba
Research identifies landslide processes as significant natural disturbances within the Alejandro de Humboldt National Park, Cuba. The study, using Sentinel satellite imagery and field data, inventoried 206 landslides, revealing that these events are most concentrated in areas with abrupt relief, sedimentary rocks, and brown soils—regions also characterized by low-altitude rainforests and high vertebrate species diversity. This suggests a complex interplay between geological conditions, soil types, and biodiversity, highlighting the importance of understanding natural disturbances in ecosystem dynamics within UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Primer registro de nidificación del Gavilancito Cubano (Accipiter striatus fringilloides) y nuevos datos sobre su biología reproductiva y distribución
Researchers document the first confirmed nesting record of the Cuban Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus fringilloides), an endemic subspecies of Cuba, providing detailed observations of its reproductive biology and distribution. The study, conducted in the peripheral area of Alejandro de Humboldt National Park, Baracoa, Guantánamo, followed a pair from February to July 2021, capturing key stages such as pair formation, mating, nest construction, egg-laying, hatching, and parental care. Notably, this is also the first record of nesting in a non-mountainous region for any Caribbean form of the species, marking the lowest-altitude nesting confirmed to date. The study corroborated identification through historical records, specimens, and estimated the current occupied area at 21,473.7 km², with 24.5% under protected status. This research validates long-debated nesting claims for the Cuban subspecies and expands understanding of its ecological range.
The eastern mountains
Alejandro de Humboldt National Park stands out for its exceptional biodiversity and high conservation status. This study highlights the park's significant role as a Terrestrial Protected Area of Managed Resources, encompassing six zones classified by IUCN, with a notable percentage of endemic flora and fauna. The research emphasizes the park's natural values while also addressing the socioeconomic and demographic attributes of its local communities, providing insights into the sustainable development of the region.
Suitability of the global forest cover change map to assess climatic megadisturbance impacts on remote tropical forests
A significant portion of Alejandro de Humboldt National Park, Cuba, experienced megadisturbance impacts between 2001 and 2017, with Hurricane Matthew causing the most severe effects in 2016. The study found that approximately 11,110 hectares (~16% of the park's area) were affected by these extreme events, particularly impacting lowland rainforests and submountainous sclerophyllous rainforests on serpentinite, which together cover 43% of the park. The research used the Global Forest Cover Change (GFCC) product to validate and quantify these impacts, revealing that about 85% of the disturbed area was linked to megadisturbance events. Additionally, prolonged droughts exacerbated the effects, with around 1276 hectares still impacted in 2017. The findings highlight the need for prioritizing conservation monitoring and restoration strategies in the easternmost portions of these forests, contributing to methodological guidelines for assessing climate change impacts in remote tropical protected areas.
Pteridófitas de sectores adyacentes al monumento Natural Alejandro de Humboldt, parque nacional el Guácharo, Venezuela
A comprehensive survey of pteridophytes in four mountainous sectors adjacent to the Alejandro de Humboldt Natural Monument, Venezuela, reveals 66 species belonging to 13 families and 32 genera. Notably, 29 species represent new records for Monagas state, including two South America-restricted ferns: Niphidium mortonianum and Tectaria amphiblestra. The study highlights low floristic similarity among sectors but significant diversity within dominant families such as Polypodiaceae (18 spp.), Pteridaceae (12 spp.), Dryopteridaceae (8 spp.), and Aspleniaceae (7 spp.). Terrestrial and corticicolous ferns predominate, accounting for 40.91% and 39.39% of the species, respectively, while rupicolous ferns are less common (12.12%). These findings underscore the rich biodiversity and unique ecological conditions—characterized by shade and high humidity—that support this diverse group of plants in the region's mountainous terrain.
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