A view over the fence surrounding Guantanamo Bay shows cactus growing on a rugged hillside in July 2008. In addition to rare animals, some plant and tree species, such as highly prized Cuban mahogany, benefit from limited human access at Guantanamo, ecologists say.

"You can see on a map how small that place is compared to the rest of Cuba," said the Toledo Zoo's Peter Tolson, "and you get an idea of what an important refuge it is."

• More Photos in the News
• Today's 15 Most Read Stories
• Free Email Newsletter: Photo of the Month