In winter 2011, WCS Conservation Scientist Dr. Steve Zack traveled to Cuba to represent the WCS Latin America and Caribbean Program鈥檚 conservation projects on that vibrant island nation. Zack, an Arctic scientist who focuses mainly on migratory birds, took the trip in part to memorialize his friend and colleague Dr. John Thorbjarnarson, a WCS conservationist and 聽who died tragically of malaria in 2010. He also hoped to continue Thorbjarnarson鈥檚 legacy by forging new partnerships to protect the island鈥檚 tropical wildlife at a pivotal time in Cuban history.

鈥淐uba is a very inspiring place with really motivated people who care deeply about their natural resources,鈥� Zack said. 鈥淭hose opportunities to conserve their heritage will change dramatically if and when Cuba鈥檚 doors to the rest of the world open up.鈥�

As an ornithologist and a first-time visitor to the Caribbean region, Zack was amazed by the diversity of both native birds and international migrants wintering on the island. Of Cuba's 369 species of birds, some are found nowhere else, such as the enigmatic bee hummingbird鈥攖he world's smallest bird鈥攁nd the Fernandina flicker, one of the rarest woodpeckers. But approximately 70 percent of Cuba's birds are migratory, passing through or wintering up to 7 months of the year on the island. These include raptors, warblers, and many other species of concern to Cuba, North America, and Latin America at large.

鈥淚t was really impressive to see the sheer numbers of American migratory birds wintering in Cuba鈥攐r as Cubans would say, Cuban birds about to go visit the United States,鈥� he said.

You can find out more about the trip by watching this audio slideshow.

WCS is grateful to the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and the Christopher Reynolds Foundation for supporting critical conservation work in Cuba.