There are almost
7000 species of plants in Cuba, more than half of which are
endemic. Amongst such varied plants and flowers are orchids,
which maintain an honoured place. With more than 300 species
featuring by colors and perfect shapes the orchids form one
of the most outstanding floral patrimonies of the island. The
National flower is the mariposa or butterfly jasmine, a small
white petal orchid. The Royal palm is the National tree, cork
palm (regarded as a living fossil) and cactuses can be found
at the Cuban landscapes.
Some groups of animals like molluscs
and amphibians are more than 90% endemic and thus unique to
Cuba. In reptiles, more than 80% are unique to the island. Some
of the island's species are famous around the world, like the
Polymita, a land snail from the eastern provinces, with such
color animation that each one is unique. From the family of
quetzal, the tocororo is the National bird; its white, blue
and red feathers reproduce the colors of the Cuban flag. The
hutia, bats and almique represent land mammals. The zunzuncito
or fly-bird, Microtytus scorpion, Cuban tiny frog and the sijucito
are among the smallest animal species in the world. Some species
risking extinction are: the Ivory-billet woodpecker, almique,
Cuban crocodile, Conga hutia and manatee. The island's coral
reefs are the best preserved in the Caribbean area.
All these treasures are scattered
in different ecosystems, of which 75% are plains, 18% are mountains
and 4% are swamps. Bio-diversity can be seen also in the different
landscapes; from semi-desert, dry woods to humid tropical forests.
There are 8 665.8 sq. km of national preservation areas. Cuba
has neither dangerous animals nor plants.