REFUGIO DE FAUNA CAYOS DE ANA MARÍA

Description. A wildlife reserve on islands off the south coast of central Cuba, managed as an ecological corridor between the mainland and the islands of the Cayería de las 12 Leguas. Extent 19100 ha (980 ha terrestrial, 18120 ha marine). Established in 1995. Administered by the Empresa Nacional para la Protección de la Flora y la Fauna, Cuba.

Biodiversity. Numbers of species recorded in the management plan: Animalia, 80 (11 species endemic to Cuba); Bacteria, 0; Chromista, 0; Fungi, 0; Plantae, 45 (5 endemic to Cuba); Protozoa, 0. Numbers of endangered species: Animalia, 9; Bacteria, not known; Chromista, not known; Fungi, not known; Plantae, not known; Protozoa, not known. Lists of animals and plants of the national park are included in the management plan.

Problems. An administrative structure which does not correspond to the needs and objectives of the area. No means of communication, combined with too limited autonomy to make local decisions. Insufficient staff dedicated to conservation, protection and sustainable use of the regioin. Marine animals affected by over-fishing. No signposting to indicate the physical limits of the reserve. Absence of regulations for use of the area by private fishermen. Insufficient hard currency funding.

Project work. A 128 page management plan was produced with support from the Darwin Initiative project Biodiversity Conservation in Cuba.