Search for the Ivory-billed Woodpecker in eastern Cuba 1993

Martjan Lammertink

This project surveyed the last forests in Cuba from where this critically endangered species was last seen in March 1987. During the entire expedition not a single Ivory-billed woodpecker was observed. The project discovered a new species of frog in the genus Eleutherodactylus, to be named after the Ivory-billed Woodpecker; identified the two most intact mountain forest areas in Cuba, and worked towards the conservation of these areas. The project placed Protected Area signs at all entrances to Ojito de Agua (site of the last sighting of IB Woodpecker), mediated for their guide to become reserve warden, and passed on their management recommendations to the director. The importance of the second site, Pico de la Bayamesa in the Sierra Maestra, was brought to the attention of the Institute for Forest Research, who are seeking nature reserve status. J.M. Lammertink is involved in the preparation of projects on the endangered and endemic Cuban Flicker and on the closest relative of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker, the Imperial Woodpecker of Mexico.