REFUGIO DE FAUNA LAS PICÚAS-CAYOS DEL CRISTO

Description. A wildlife refuge on the north coast of west-central Cuba and located in the Sabana-Gamagüey group of islands which are designated as a special area for sustainable development. The refuge is managed to guarantee protection of its biodiversity and, at the same time, sustainable use of natural products both locally and at a national level. Extent 55970 ha (15720 ha terrestrial, 40250 ha marine). Established in 1971. 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, 108; Bacteria, 0; Chromista, 0; Fungi, 0; Plantae, 72 (2 endemic to Cuba); Protozoa, 0. Numbers of endangered species: Animalia, at least 2; Bacteria, not known; Chromista, not known; Fungi, not known; Plantae, 1; Protozoa, not known. Lists of animals and plants of the national park are included in the management plan.

Problems. Insufficient transport, particularly boats, necessary for carrying out reserve work. Insufficient recognition of the value of marine biodiversity within the protected area by users. Very incomplete inventories of organisms, particularly of invertebrates. Lack of equipment for developing a programme of environmental education, and lack of training of personnel for this work. Insufficient infrastructure to support research and protection work. Rubbish left from construction works and other human impacts. Insufficient information for rational management of species and their communities. Lack of fuel. Contamination of oils from shipping. Excessive and uncontrolled trawling. Harmful introduced exotic species. Illegal felling, hunting and fishing. Occasional hurricane damage.

Project work. A 78 page management plan was produced with support from the Darwin Initiative project Biodiversity Conservation in Cuba.