Wildlife

Cuba's wildlife is unique and endemic — the island's long isolation has produced species found nowhere else.

Wildlife Stars

• Cuban Crocodile (Crocodylus rhombifer): Endemic and critically endangered. Lives only in the Ciénaga de Zapata and on the Isla de la Juventud. Smaller, more aggressive, and more colorful than its American relative. Breeding station in the Ciénaga de Zapata can be visited.
• Bee Hummingbird (Zunzuncito): The smallest bird in the world — only 5 cm long and weighing 1.8 g! Endemic to Cuba. Most likely to be seen in Viñales or the Ciénaga de Zapata. The hum of its wings sounds like an insect.
• Cuban Trogon (Tocororo): Cuba's national bird, whose red-white-blue plumage reflects the colors of the Cuban flag. Relatively common in the mountain forests.
• Flamingos: Large colonies on the northern Cayos (Cayo Coco, Cayo Romano) and in the Ciénaga de Zapata. Up to 70,000 animals.
• Sea Turtles: Green sea turtle and hawksbill turtle nest on Cuba's beaches (May–September), especially on Cayo Largo and the Jardines de la Reina.
• Polymita Snail: The most colorful land snail in the world — only in the Baracoa region. Each snail has a unique pattern in bright colors. Strictly protected, collecting is prohibited!