Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve
Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve
Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve
The Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve is situated between the Cuban provinces of Pinar del Rio and Havana, in the eastern part of the Guaniguanico Mountains, where both the northern and southern coasts can be seen. The reserve covers an area of 26 686 hectares, with a complex geological structure, with a great variety of rocks, which give rise to different and specific soils that partly determine the endemism of the flora in the area. A small orchid, Bletia purpurea, is the emblem of the reserve. Serpentine rocks are found in parts of the area, and here grasslands and thorny xeromorphic scrub and thickets replace the forest. The Sierra del Rosario still has unspoilt special features, recovering natural systems and ecological landmarks, but its natural forest cover has been cleared, although semi-deciduous forests can still be found. The tropical dry and deciduous forests are habitat to many endemic species, especially reptiles like the Cuban Boa. The biosphere reserve is home to more than 5,500 people, mainly engaged in crafts, agriculture, livestock breeding and reforestation. One of the most interesting aspects of the reserve is perhaps its relationship with coffee. Here was the first major plantation in the New World, and even today there are still a few places where small independent farms would operate. Buenavista has a significant coffee drying area, where 19th century techniques and machinery are still preserved remarkably well.
Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve
Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve
Views of Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve in Cuba (2009)
Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve
Views of Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve in Cuba (2009)
Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve
Waterfalls of Soroa at Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve in Cuba (2009)
Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve
Yellow-headed Warbler (Teretistris fernandinae) at Soroa in Sierra del Rosario in Cuba (2010)
Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve
Black-whiskered Vireo (Vireo altiloquus) at Soroa in Sierra del Rosario in July (2010)
Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve
Black-whiskered Vireo (Vireo altiloquus) at Soroa in Sierra del Rosario in July (2010)
Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve
Herradura Anole (Anolis bremeri) at Sierra del Rosario NP in Cuba (2009)
Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve
Cuban Stream Anole (Anolis vermiculatus) at Soroa in Sierra del Rosario in Cuba (2010)
Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve
Cuban white-fanned Anole (Anolis homolechis) at Sierra del Rosario NP in Cuba (2009)
Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve
Cuban white-fanned Anole (Anolis homolechis) at Sierra del Rosario NP in Cuba (2009)
Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve
Cuban white-fanned Anole (Anolis homolechis) at Sierra del Rosario NP in Cuba (2009)
Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve
Cuban white-fanned Anole (Anolis homolechis) at Sierra del Rosario NP in Cuba (2009)
Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve
Herradura Anole (Anolis bremeri) at Sierra del Rosario NP in Cuba (2009)
Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve
Western Giant Anole (Anolis luteogularis) at Soroa in Sierra del Rosario NP in Cuba (2010)
Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve
Western Giant Anole (Anolis luteogularis) at Soroa in Sierra del Rosario NP in Cuba (2010)
Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve
Western Giant Anole (Anolis luteogularis) at Soroa in Sierra del Rosario NP in Cuba (2010)
Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve
Cuban Pied Snake (Antillophis andreai) at Sierra del Rosario NP in Cuba (2009)
Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve
Greater Antillean Grackle (Quiscalus niger) at the Orchid Farm of Soroa at Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve
Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve
Northern Parula (Parula americana) at Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve in Cuba (2011)
Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve
Palm Warbler (Setophaga palmarum) at Sierra del Rosario NP in Cuba (2009)
Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve
Red-legged Thrush (Turdus plumbeus) at the Orchid Farm of Soroa at Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve
Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve
Cuban Trogon (Priotelus temnurus) at Soroa in Sierra del Rosario (2010)