Palm and pine savanna, Island of Pines, Cuba © Ron Myers

Representatives of the Ramonal Flora and Fauna Reserve and the Santa Clara Flora and Fauna Reserve in Cuba have participated and successfully completed various workshops sponsored by the Latin American and Caribbean Fire Learning Network. 

Cuba has four species of pine trees, three of which are endemic. Two are lowland pines that form savannas that are important for parrot nesting and the Cuban Sandhill Crane. The other two pines are mountainous. It has been said that one of these species is favored for nesting by a remnant population of ivory-billed woodpecker. Each of these four species of pines requires a specific fire regime.

The Ramonal Flora and Fauna Reserve covers 227,332 acres (92,000 ha), including a sabal palm savanna that needs restoration with fire.  

Cuba has various forests and palm savannas that are dependent on fire and are dominated by various species of palms, the majority of which are endemic. The spiny forest of the Santa Clara Flora and Fauna Reserve includes 65,941 acres (26,686 ha) where  “abeto” trees have a very important role.