The non-marine molluscs of Cuba are a part of the molluscan wildlife of Cuba. Numerous species of non-marine molluscs are found in the wild in Cuba, which is in fact one of the richest places for the malacological fauna in the world, especially in land snails, hosting a high degree of endemism. Cuba has some highly charismatic species of land snails, such as those of the genus Polymita and Liguus.
A total of 42 species of freshwater molluscs occur in Cuba. Introduced species such as Tarebia granifera and Melanoides tuberculata are spread throughout the country and might be a threat for endemics and other native snails.
History
There are many works regarding taxonomic and systematic studies in marine and land molluscs with a fewer number on ecology and distribution. Freshwater molluscs, however, are scarcer and have received less attention.
Freshwater molluscs overview
A total of 10 (23.8%) out of 42 described freshwater snails and mussels are endemic in Cuba. The percentage of endemism shown in Cuban freshwater molluscs (23.8%) is characteristic of the fauna of islands. Only one endemic species exhibits a wide distribution range throughout the country while the others have small populations in a few or only one locality. Of the 42 freshwater molluscs of Cuba, 24 species occur within the limits of protected areas. Of these, Tarebia granifera and Physa acuta seem to be the most common snails while the endemics of the genus Hemisinus, Nephronaias, and Viviparus are quite rare in the protected areas, and have scarce populations in Cuba. Of the 253 protected areas in Cuba, only 35 have populations of freshwater molluscs (endemic and non-endemic species). A remarkable point is that 54% of protected areas host introduced species.
Five species of introduced freshwater molluscs occur in Cuba. The main species are the thiarids Tarebia granifera and Melanoides tuberculata (family Thiaridae). Other species are Pomacea diffusa and Marisa cornuarietis (family Ampullariidae), and Corbicula fluminea (family Corbiculidae).
The most of the freshwater mollusc endemic species in Cuba might be endangered or vulnerable. Shrinkage in distribution range of populations, introduction of exotic species, and habitat loss due to human activity are probably the main drivers of population declines. The continuous growth of the Cuban population has forced many populations of endemic molluscs to withdraw from many localities. This has been the result of, first, the construction of buildings near these species populations, which generate an associated pollution of the freshwater environment, and, second, a direct transformation to the ecosystems where the molluscs occur due to water consumption. The Cauto River, the largest river in Cuba, is an example of this transformation with the rerouting of some segments to build dams in order to provide water for the nearby cities. Many recreational infrastructures for tourism have been built in Cuba in the vicinity of areas where endemic freshwater molluscs are found. This is a common problem in places like Viñales, Soroa, Zapata Swamp, and Baracoa, which are among the most important tourist destinations in Cuba.
Freshwater gastropods
Ampullariidae
Pomacea diffusa Blume, 1957 – introduced, only scarce populations in the western region Pomacea poeyana (Pilsbry, 1927) – endemic, well distributed in Cuba Marisa cornuarietis (Linnaeus, 1758) – introduced, only scarce populations in the western region
Viviparidae
Viviparus bermondianus (d'Orbigny, 1842) – endemic in the Zapata Peninsula, it has not been currently found and has perhaps disappeared
Pachychilidae
Pachychilus nigratus (Poey, 1858) – endemic to Villa Clara
Pachychilus violaceus (Preston, 1911) – endemic to the area from Santiago de Cuba to Baracoa
Thiaridae
Hemisinus brevis (d'Orbigny, 1841) – endemic to Pinar del Río, scarce distribution Hemisinus cubanianus (d'Orbigny, 1841) – endemic to Pinar del Río, scarce distribution Melanoides tuberculata (O. F. Müller, 1774) – introduced and widespread Tarebia granifera (Lamarck, 1822) – introduced and widespread. Also with Physella acuta it is the most common freshwater snail in Cuba
Hydrobiidae
Nanivitrea alcaldei (Jaume & Abbot, 1947) – endemic to Cárdenas, Cuba with one population, this small snail of less than 3 mm have not been currently found and have perhaps disappeared Nanivitrea helicoides (Gundlach, 1865) – endemic to Trinidad, Cuba with one population, this small snail of less than 3 mm have not been currently found and have perhaps disappeared