The biodiversity of Cuban eastern regions is under study by groups of US and Cuban scientists to assess and accelerate conservation, supply data on environmental deterioration and observe the pattern of flora and fauna. Ecology specialists from the Cuban Natural History Museum and the Eastern Ecosystem and Biodiversity Center are working from now until February 22 with scientists from Cornell University (NY) and the Chicago Field Museum in the protected mountainous nature areas of La Bayamesa and La Melva. The thirty experts, assisted by forest and park rangers, will calculate the bird, reptile, amphibian and insect populations of both regions, species considered very valuable, some of which are threatened with extinction.