Mongabay · Climate & nature

Giraldo Alayón García, Cuban arachnologist, dies at 79

Giraldo Alayón García, a Cuban scientist who significantly contributed to the documentation and public awareness of the island's arachnids, passed away on September 24 at the age of 79.

For decades, Alayón García dedicated his career to studying Cuba's spiders and scorpions. He worked for nearly 40 years at the National Museum of Natural History of Cuba, where he helped build a substantial arachnid collection for the Caribbean and curated specimens for researchers.

In 1994, he published a key reference list of Cuba's spiders. Throughout his career, he described approximately 95 species and genera, many of which are endemic to Cuba.

Alayón García also contributed to arachnological research abroad, directing a project in Yucatán, Mexico, and leading an expedition to Navassa Island where new species were discovered. A scorpion species was named in his honor.

Beyond his scientific work, he aimed to educate the public. He discussed wildlife on Radio Ariguanabo, appeared on television, taught courses, and lectured publicly. He also served as president of the Cuban Society of Zoology.

In his later years, he focused on his hometown, San Antonio de los Baños, leading environmental initiatives such as river cleanup and campaigning against illegal wild bird trade.

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