Zapata Swamp

The lowlands include valleys, such as the Central Valley, and swamps, such as the Zapata Swamp.  Cuba has more than 200 rivers and small streams and arroyos that become dry during the summer. The longest river is the Cauto, which empties into the Gulf of Guacanayabo after flowing about 370 km from the Sierra Maestra. The Zapata Swamp is a prominent geographical feature in Cuba. The Zapata Swamps are a region on the Zapata Peninsula in Cuba. They are known for being the habitat of the Cuban crocodile (Crocodylus Rhombifer). The Cuban crocodile has the smallest geographic range of all living crocodiles and is considered one of the most endangered crocodile species in the world. Within the Zapata Swamp are over 900 autochthonous plant species, 175 species of birds, thirty-one species of reptiles, and 1,000 species of invertebrates. The Zapata Swamp has a tropical climate with a distinct wet and dry season, characterized by hot temperatures year-round, with the warmest months from May to October averaging around 30°C and the cooler months from November to April averaging around 20°C; high humidity is also a common feature of the swamp's climate. The Zapata Swamp is important for Cuba because it serves as a vast, well-preserved wetland ecosystem, providing crucial habitat for a diverse range of native species and various plant life, making it a vital biodiversity hotspot and a key area for conservation efforts within the country.