Live male adult of Heteronebo bermudezi, photographed in situ at Punta Pepe, Isla de Pinos.

Cuba has one of the highest levels of scorpion species diversity and endemism in the world. The endemic scorpion genus Tityopsis occurs exclusively on the western region of the island. Only two species are officially recognized in the genus, but a preliminary taxonomic assessment based on morphological characters recently revealed that the genus comprises a complex of at least eight cryptic species! All eight fulfill the IUCN criteria for classification as Endangered (3) or Critically Endangered (5). However, molecular analyses are still required to elucidate phylogenetic relationships among the different Tityopsis populations and to delimitate species boundaries. All populations were found restricted to primary forests in karstic environments, and one species was only found from a single cave south of Havana. Assessments of some important populations still require additional sampling. Moreover, the anthropogenic pressures and putative parthenogenetic reproduction in some taxa highlight the importance of more comprehensive studies for informing appropriate management.

With this project we seek to complete a database on the ecological requirements of the different Tityopsis populations across western Cuba. This will allow prediction of future distributions of Tityopsis spp. using species distribution modeling (ecological niche modeling). These data will also aid in the development of successful captive breeding programs for the recovery of the most threatened scorpion species. We also seek to collect tissue samples for genetic studies involving as many Tityopsis populations as possible. This will help in the delimitation of species boundaries and at the same time raises the possibility of discovering new cryptic lineages not identifiable using morphological characters alone. Molecular studies will allow us to investigate this enigmatic genus from a phylogeographic and historical biogeographic perspective, giving a better understanding on the colonization and speciation processes that took place in the region. This will help to understand the current distribution patterns within the genus and the ecological preferences of the different species. Additionally, the first awareness-raising activities were warmly received by local people, especially children, and the program’s effectiveness depends on its continuation. So, during this project we seek to continue the awareness-raising campaign in western Cuba to promote the knowledge and long-term conservation of Tityopsis and other endemic scorpions. As continuation of the 2014-2015 phase, this project is part of a program for the study and conservation of Cuban endemic scorpions and also by far the first approach to the conservation of this neglected group of keystone species in Cuba.