Endemic Birds of Cuba
Susan Kraft with specimens at Carnegie Museum of Natural History
We will be highlighting a series of endemic birds from Cuba in correspondence to a new exhibit appearing at Phipps Conservatory, Tropical Forest Cuba set to open Saturday, February, 10. Carvings were created by Susan Kraft (above), for the exhibit, using specimens from Carnegie Museum of Natural History as reference.
An endemic bird can be defined as one that only occurs in a given area, in this case, Cuba and the small islands surrounding this large island. Endemics only live in a specific area unless they are in captivity or became invasive in some way.
Cuban Trogon reference specimen
The first highlighted piece is an exquisite carving of a Cuban Trogon. The reference specimen used to create this carving was a specimen in the Carnegie Museum collection collected on March 1941 by W.H. Corning. Artists, sculptors, and carvers benefit by having real specimens to use as reference.
Tropical Forest Cuba is an exhibit opening February 10 at Phipps Conservatory. The exhibit showcases the vibrant ecology and culture of one of the most bio-diverse nations on Earth. Cuba houses more endemic animal and plant species than any other Caribbean island, boasting some of the most fascinating and unique bird species.
Oooo!
