Nature

LANIER SWAMP

The Lanier Swamp National Park is the second largest wetland in the Cuban archipelago. Located at the southern tip of the Isla de la juventud , covers an area of 126,000 ha. And a length of 37 kilometers between the coves of San Juan to the east and west Siguanea. This place has been declared a Ramsar site on the conservation and wise use of these ecosystems. Wetlands treaty adopted on 2 February 1971.

The Swamp has evidence of an important archaeological site of Aboriginal settlement.

It is divided into two parts: West and East. They are separated from the north by a bridge limestone, known by the name of Cayo Piedra. The area where fresh water is located in lagoons and swamps, where sawgrass yana grow and the rest is occupied by a typical wetland vegetation, consisting of bushes, flooded savannas, including diverse habitats such as coral reef lagoons, seagrass beds, mangroves near the coast.

It has a swampy area, where projecting areas emerged. It has a high number of endemic plants and is an important nesting site for various species of turtles, amphibians, crustaceans, American crocodiles, fish, aquatic and terrestrial birds.

Other important species are: crane, catey, partridge and the parrot, the Cuban crocodile has been reintroduced for conservation on a larger scale, such as deer introduced in the seventeenth century, which have adapted very well.

It is of great value because it has been preserved in its natural state, that is why is very attractive for the visitors and offers educational and recreational opportunities. Besides it is an important reservoir of fresh water.