Natural History Wanderings

Guantanamo was recently in the news for something besides its prison. ScienceDaily reported on a study of moths and butterflies at Guantanamo by the University of Florida. 192 moth and 41 butterfly species, including the invasive lime swallowtail were found during the survey which took place over seven days this past January. Like other military lands Guantanamo has become an unintended wildlife refuge. Military bases often end up preserving land from being developed and trampled saving wildlife habitat.  We have a similar situation in California at Fort Hunter-Liggett.

Guantanamo is a desert-type environment due to a being in a rain shadow from nearby mountains. It has a complex geologic history due to volcanic activity, erosion, and shifting sea levels. This has resulted in fewer species but more endemics.

Read more at: Guantanamo Bay Lepidoptera Study Sets Baseline for Future Research