Cyanolimnas cerverai
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
The Zapata Rail faces severe threats from habitat destruction within its extremely limited range in Cuba's Zapata Swamp. Invasive species, particularly feral pigs and exotic plants, degrade the pristine wetland conditions this flightless rail requires. Climate change poses an existential threat through sea-level rise and altered precipitation patterns that could eliminate the species' entire habitat. Human disturbance from tourism and research activities in this small, fragmented population adds additional pressure to an already precarious situation.
Habitat
The Zapata Rail is endemic to the Zapata Swamp in Cuba, inhabiting dense sawgrass marshes and wet prairies with scattered shrubs. This flightless species requires pristine freshwater wetlands with specific water levels and native vegetation structure for foraging and nesting.
Conservation measures underway
Other threatened species in RALLIDAE
Threatened in Cuba
Frequently asked questions
Why is Cyanolimnas cerverai classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does Cyanolimnas cerverai live?
What are the main threats to Cyanolimnas cerverai?
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