GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba -- Chances are that you have encountered some of the Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba’s wildlife as you traveled around the base today. The base is host to a very diverse and active natural environment.
“To give you an idea of what we have here, we may have the only natural existing individual of tree cactus in the world.” said Mike McCord the Base Environmental Director.
As the Environmental Director, McCord is responsible for ensuring the protection of GTMO’s natural environment.
On any day the base residents can encounter one of the most well-known forms of wildlife...the Cuban Rock Iguana.
The Cuban Rock Iguana is listed as “vulnerable” to extinction, according to McCord.
“In a census done 10 years ago, it was estimated that 5% of the total iguana population was concentrated on GTMO,”said McCord.
Later this month the Environmental Department will be conducting another iguana survey and will report updated figures on the Iguana population at GTMO.
Base residents are the key component in persevering wildlife at GTMO.
“The biggest concern with human animal interaction is that usually the natural wildlife ends up suffering,” said McCord.”The iguana populations are in decline due to predation by feral animals and development (loss of habitat).”
Feral cats and vehicle strikes aboard the base, add to the reduction of natural wildlife, according to McCord.
“In the last two weeks I have been notified by Security of five iguanas killed on GTMO roads.”said McCord.
Another concern is residents the feeding the wild animals, which is a violation of base instruction.
“The feeding of wild animals changes their behavior and they become conditioned to receiving handouts,” said McCord, “When they don’t get fed they become aggressive towards humans and we get called to remove the unruly animals.”
Residents also have encountered issues when they attempt to tame the wildlife that is living around the naval station.
“We have problems when people take actions into their own hands trying to make pets of the wildlife, “said McCord, “This too is strictly prohibited by Base instruction. What people don’t understand is that when you leave, and we all have to leave, these animals can’t be taken back with us. When you set them free after holding them in captivity for a period of time their chances of surviving are greatly reduced.”
GTMO has a very unique environment in terms of the extensive wildlife that resides around the base. There are very few animals at GTMO that pose the threat of being dangerous to the base residents.
“All animals will take a defensive posture if provoked, said McCord. “So if we leave the wildlife alone they will not be dangerous.”
Below is a list of animals that reside at GTMO that could cause physical injuries if provoked: Iguanas, Hutia, feral cats, sharks, barracuda, morays, some snakes, crabs, and stingrays can cause physical injuries such as bites and clawing.
Some spiders, scorpions, lionfish, stonefish, some jellyfish, and some corals are poisonous.
“Many of the plants in GTMO have toxic effects if consumed,” said McCord. “The best thing when it comes to plants is to make sure you know what you (and your children) are putting in their mouths.”
Base residents should report anyone abusing GTMO’s wildlife to the Security Department.
“The problematic animals are the ones that typically have been fed or taken in by someone and now do not fear us,” said McCord,” The best thing to do is to enjoy them and take pictures, but leave them alone.”
| Date Taken: | 07.16.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 07.16.2010 12:12 |
| Story ID: | 52940 |
| Location: | NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, CU |
| Web Views: | 1,198 |
| Downloads: | 215 |
This work, GTMO’s Wildlife, what you should know, by Bill Mesta, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
