Ecological integrity of the Protected Area of Managed Resources Mil Cumbres, Cuba: a case study

Abstract

Ecological integrity is a measure of the long-term viability and resilience of ecosystems; its evaluation makes it possible to measure the effectiveness and the management in the protected areas. The estimation of the ecological integrity of the Protected Area of Managed Resources Mil Cumbres was carried out, based on the study of five conservation targets: Pine forests of Pinus caribaea in Sierra de Cajálbana, semi-deciduous forest of the mogote base and the assemblage of terrestrial molluscs in the Pan de Guajaibón and gallery forest and Anolis vermiculatus population in San Marcos. The methodology proposed in the “Manual para evaluar la integridad ecológica en áreas protegidas de ecosistemas de montaña en Cuba” was applied. Of the 27 measured indicators, 63% were found within an acceptable range. The most affected were the diameter class of Pinus trees and most of the terrestrial molluscs assemblage indicators in the dry season. Four of the conservation targets have an acceptable conservation status except the Pan de Guajaibón terrestrial molluscs assemblage. In general, the ecological integrity of the protected area is acceptable. The main threats found were selective logging and the presence of invasive species of flora and fauna. Regular monitoring of these indicators will provide useful information to guide management decisions in order to reduce threats and achieve long-term preservation of biodiversity in this protected area.