Protected Species Order 2015

August 2015

GOVERNMENT OF BERMUDA

MINISTRY OF HEALTH, SENIORS AND ENVIRONMENT Department of Conservation Services Protected Species Order 2015 – Protected Species Act 2003 2015

Bermuda and the surrounding reef platform, 1998

Protected Species Order 2015 – Protected Species Act 2003

Table of Contents

1.0. Introduction ...... 1

Purpose of legislation ...... 2

Goal ...... 2 Objectives ...... 2 How species are nominated ...... 2 Levels of protection for protected species ...... 3

Powers of legislation ...... 3

Process for listing and delisting ...... 4 For further information ...... 4 Definitions ...... 5 2.0. Level 1 ...... 6

3.0. Level 2 ...... 16 4.0 Level 3 ...... 50 5.0 Delist ...... 56

Protected Species Order 2015 – Protected Species Act 2003 August 2015

1.0. Introduction

The Protected Species Act 2003 (the Act) provides the Government with the ability to conserve, protect and lead the Members of the Public are invited to make recovery of Bermuda’s most threatened plants and animals, representations to the Minister as to the including the Cahow (Bermuda’s National Bird), the Bermuda nominations and classifications of species of Skink (one of the world’s oldest and rarest rock lizards), sea turtles and the Governor Laffan’s Fern (a plant that is extinct in the protected species set out in the the wild). These species serve, as much as anything else, to Schedule. promote the truly unique identity of Bermuda. Representations should be sent to: Unfortunately, many of our native and endemic species are under threat due to a combination of habitat loss, competition Director of Conservation Services from invasive species, predation, climate change and pollution. Department of Conservation Services #17 North Shore Road It is the Department of Conservation Services’ role to oversee the recovery of our imperiled plants and animals through the Hamilton Parish, FL 04 development and implementation of recovery plans and to raise or awareness of their importance through educational programs by electronic mail to [email protected] run by the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo. This document has been developed to summarise the no later than 30 days after the date on which management decisions proposed by the Protected Species the Notice was gazetted. Order 2015 and allow public consultation of these recommendations.

1 Protected Species Order 2015 – Protected Species Act 2003 August 2015

through actions that enable conservation of a protected Legislation species, e.g. monitoring, assessment, research, restoration, maintenance and management. Bermuda has a number of pieces of legislation that protect its 3. To encourage human assistance in the preservation and unique ecology, including the Fisheries Act 1972 and the recovery of protected species where possible. Protection of Birds Act 1975; however the main piece of legislation is the Protected Species Act 2003 and the 4. To protect critical habitats. subsequent Protected Species Orders listing individual threatened species. How species are nominated Purpose of legislation The Act allows for any threatened species to be nominated so as to safeguard and maintain them and protect Bermuda’s The Protected Species Act 2003 provides delegated special and fragile natural resources. Species nominations are responsibility to the Director of Conservation Services to based upon consideration of status (e.g. endemic or native), conserve, protect and recover plants and animals that are abundance, global and local distribution, identified natural and identified as threatened in Bermuda. manmade threats (potential or existing) e.g. destruction of habitat, over-exploitation, disease, predatory behavior of other Goal species, and use of chemicals. The goal of the Act is to promote recovery of threatened Each species is classified as Critically Endangered (CR), species to the point where they no longer need human support Endangered (EN) or Vulnerable (VU) in accordance with the and can be removed from the list of protected species. criteria set out in the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Objectives

1. To protect threatened species.

2. To recover threatened species to the point that they are self sustaining and no longer need protection. This can be done

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Levels of protection for protected species Powers of legislation The level of protection is not only based on how threatened the 1. To protect any species so as to safeguard and maintain species is but also by the optimal strategy for its recovery. threatened species and protect Bermuda’s special and fragile natural resources. Level 1 a) A high level of expertise is required for each stage of 2. To classify a species and determine the appropriate level of recovery. protection. b) Optimal strategy for recovery of the species involves licensed researchers only. 3. To create critical habitat. c) No community involvement is permitted in the 4. To create Recovery Plans for threatened species. conservation of the species. 5. To license interaction with protected species for scientific Level 2 research, exhibition, aquaculture, horticulture, a) A medium level of expertise is required for each stage of reintroduction into the wild and/or rehabilitation of injured recovery. specimens. b) Optimal strategy for recovery of the species involves licensed research and individuals holding permits to 6. To permit relocation, restoration, and/or destruction under undertake a defined action e.g. relocation. exceptional circumstances. If destruction is permitted then c) Community involvement in the conservation of the species the proponent has a duty to undertake mitigation action to is restricted to individuals holding permits. minimise the negative impact to the species or critical habitat. Destruction is the last course of action, where Level 3 a) A low level of expertise is required for each stage of human health or a structure is at risk, or in the case of recovery or; critical habitat, to address an area affected by disease that b) Optimal strategy for recovery of the species involves the will impact the overall health of a protected species. general community. 7. To authorize officers to seize, enter, stop, or detain anyone c) General community involvement is permitted in the conservation of the species. when they have reasonable grounds for suspecting an offense has been committed against the Act.

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8. Penalties for offenses

 Level 1 – up to $25,000  Level 2 – up to $15,000  Level 3 – up to $5,000 See Section 9 of the Protected Species Act 2003 for description of offenses.

Process for listing and delisting Under Section 12 of the Act species shall be listed, modified or delisted by an Order approved by Cabinet, followed by gazetting of a Protected Species Notice of Intention and a 30 The native Yellowwood tree being propagated at a Nursery, 2014 day public consultation period during which proposals can be viewed on line or physically at the Department’s headquarters. After the consultation period the Order is made and laid before Parliament.

For further information Contact the:

Department of Conservation Services #17 Northshore Road, Flatts, FLO4 Bermuda T. (441) 293-2727 W. www.conservation.bm

Injured Longtail being cared for at the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo, 2015

4 Protected Species Order 2015 – Protected Species Act 2003 August 2015

According to IUCN (1996), the formally stated goals of the Definitions Red List are (1) to provide scientifically based information on the status of species and subspecies at a global level, (2) to draw attention to the magnitude and importance of threatened Other local legislation biodiversity, (3) to influence national and international policy Protection of Birds Act 1975. All birds, with the exception of and decision-making, and (4) to provide information to guide 6 pest birds, are protected under the Act. actions to conserve biological diversity.

Fisheries Act 1972 & The Fisheries Protected Order 1978 Note: The Bermuda (Bda) red list and the IUCN red list may protects a number of marine species. not match due to local conditions.

It should be noted that a number of species are protected by Convention on Migratory Species of Wild Animals, CMS both the Protected Species Act 2003 and the Fisheries Act 1979. Contracting Parties that host endangered migratory 1972. species are required to prevent, reduce or control factors that are endangering or likely to further endanger the species e.g. Endangered Plants and Animals Act 2006. A number of Turtles, whales, sharks, and dolphins. Bermuda was included in species are protected from import and export due to their UK ratification in 1985. globally threatened status. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Bermuda was included in International Legislation and Treaties UK ratification in 1976. This provides for the regulation of international trade in whole plants and animal, dead or alive, International Union for the Conservation of Nature Red their parts and derivatives. List of Threatened Species (IUCN). The IUCN Red List of  Whales Threatened Species (also known as the IUCN Red List or Red  Turtles Data List), founded in 1964, is the world's most comprehensive  Diamondback Terrapin inventory of the global conservation status of biological  Queen Conch species.  Whale Shark  European Eels The IUCN Red List is set upon precise criteria to evaluate the  Corals extinction risk of thousands of species and subspecies.

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2.0. Level 1

A. Proposed to add:

1. Kemp Ridley turtle (Lepidochelys kempii) (N)(CR) 2. Bermuda land snail (Poecilozonites bermudensis) (E)(CR A2)

B. Scientific name corrections:

1. Bermuda skink (Plestiodon longirostris) (E)(CR B2b,c,d,e) 2. Queen conch (Lobatus gigas) (N)(EN)

Bermuda Protected Species Level 1 GOVERNMENT OF BERMUDA Kemp’s‐Ridley Turtle Department of Conservation Services Lepidochelys kempii Ecology Why protect this species Identification The Kemp’s Ridley is the most endangered of the planet’s sea turtles. Numbers have precipitously declined after 1947, when The Kemp’s Ridley is among the smallest of the sea turtles, with over 40,000 nesting females were estimated at a single location adults reaching two feet in carapace (shell) length and weighing in Mexico (the largest nesting area known to exist). Between up to 100 pounds. Adults have an olive‐gray oval carapace that 1978 and 1991 only 200 female Kemp's Ridley turtles were is almost as wide as it is long. The Kemp’s Ridley also has a observed nesting annually, but conservation efforts undertaken triangular‐shaped head with a somewhat hooked beak. since then have caused the number of reported nesting females to slowly increase to 3,600 by 2003 (NOAA data). © Kim Bassos‐Hull Habitat The decline of this species is attributed primarily to human

The major habitat for adult and sub‐adult Kemp's Ridley turtles activities, which include the direct harvest of adults and eggs for Proposed is nearshore and inshore waters that contain muddy or sandy food and incidental capture in commercial fishing operations – bottoms where prey can be found. most notably shrimp trawling ‐ but also in gill nets, longlines, Add as Level 1 protected species traps and pots, and dredges in the Gulf of Mexico and North

Atlantic. Range Current Status Hatchlings and small juveniles inhabit the open ocean within the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean where they are Native known to associate with floating Sargassum seaweed, utilizing the algae as an area of refuge, rest, and feeding. BPSA: Pending CITES: Appendix 1 Only two Kemp’s Ridley turtles have been reported from Bermuda since the early 1980s, but they serve as proof that this Bda Red List: CR A1a,b,d CMS: Yes species occasionally strays into Bermuda’s territorial waters. Fisheries Order: Yes Diet

This species is a shallow water bottom feeder with a diet Author: consisting primarily of crabs, clams, mussels, and shrimp. Dr Mark Outerbridge Wildlife Ecologist Reproduction & Life Cycle All sea turtles have a complex life cycle that involves many Department of Conservation Services different habitats across multiple regions over numerous decades. Bermuda serves as a developmental habitat where juvenile turtles feed and grow in the complete absence of adults. Revised: July 2015 8

Bermuda Protected Species Kemp’s Ridley Turtle GOVERNMENT OF BERMUDA Lepidochelys kempii Department of Conservation Services What is being done to conserve it? Information sources

Protected Species Act Listing: Level 1 (Proposed) To learn more please visit: www.conservation.bm

IUCN Red List: CR A1a,b,d Additional reading about Bermuda’s sea turtles should include: Recovery Plan: proposed Meylan, P.A., A.B. Meylan, J.A. Gray. 2011. The ecology and migrations of sea turtles 8. Tests of the developmental habitat Research: This species will be monitored via the Sea Turtle Stranding Network in addition to any at‐sea sightings. hypothesis. Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History. No.357 (a copy of which can be found at http:// Habitat protection: ongoing marine pollution control. digitallibrary.amnh.org/dspace/bitstream/handle/2246/6126/ Recovery of injured animals: Members of the public can call or b357.pdf) deliver injured wildlife (protected species) to the Bermuda © Michael Patrick O’Neil Aquarium, Museum and Zoo, #17 North Shore Road, Flatt’s

Village, Bermuda. Tel (441) 293‐2727

Protective legislation

Fisheries (Protected Species) Order 1978 Protected Species Act 2003 (Proposed)

What you can do?

Learn: Understand how destruction of habitat leads to loss of endangered and threatened species and Bermuda’s plant and animal diversity. Tell others what you have learned.

Join a conservation group: such as the Bermuda Zoological Society, or the Bermuda Audubon Society. For Further Information Department of Conservation Services Report: Members of the public are encouraged to report sea #17 North Shore Road, Flatt’s, FL04, turtle strandings to the Department of Conservation Services Bermuda (441) 293 2727. and to deliver injured turtles to the Bermuda Aquarium Museum and Zoo (293‐2727). www.conservation.bm

Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is based on the knowledge and understanding at the time of writing.

Bermuda Protected Species GOVERNMENT OF BERMUDA Bermuda Land Snail Level 1 Department of Conservation Services Poecilozonites bermudensis Ecology Habitat Historically associated with leaf litter and under herbaceous Poecilozonites is a highly distinctive genus of zonitid snail that materials, but now only found in a damp concrete alley and has spent more than 1,000,000 years surviving radical changes courtyard approx. 200 square feet in area. in land area and ecology on Bermuda. At least twelve different species are known from the fossil record which represent a Reproduction & Life Cycle single lineage that exhibited pulses in size and shape that correlate with fluctuating sea levels throughout the Pleistocene Poecilozonites is capable of reproducing both sexually and era. asexually. Observations of snails in captivity have revealed that © Mark Outerbridge this species burrows into soil to deposit numerous (over a Only two species remained living on Bermuda by the middle of dozen) white circular eggs. The incubation period lasts for th approximately one month, and the life span is thought to be the 20 century; Poecilozonites circumfirmatus and P. Proposed bermudensis but both rapidly declined island‐wide after the between one and two years. introduction of several species of predatory snails during the Add as level 1 protected species 1950s and 1960s. By the early 1990s P. bermudensis was Why protect this species believed to be extinct; however in September 2014 a relict population was discovered.  Competition/predation from invasive species (especially carnivorous snails). Current Status Identification  Development and habitat fragmentation Endemic Poecilozonites bermudensis has a domed shell with a low spire BPSA: Pending CITES: No and a relatively high aperture (opening). A hole (the umbilicus) is clearly visible on the underside of the shell. When young, Bda Red List:CR (A2,B2a) CMS: No snails typically have a characteristic zigzag (flame) pattern but this fades with age. Individuals often form a chestnut brown Author: solidd ban along the edge of the outer whorls as they mature. Maximum shell diameter is 22.5 mm. Dr. Mark Outerbridge Biodiversity Officer Range Department of Conservation Services Unique to Bermuda. Considered to be very common in the mid 20th century, this species is now restricted to one small area within the City of Hamilton.

Revised: July 2015

Bermuda Protected Species Bermuda Land Snail GOVERNMENT OF BERMUDA Poecilozonites bermudensis Department of Conservation Services

What is being done to conserve it? What you can do?

Protected Species Act Listing: Level 1 (proposed) Learn: understand how destruction of habitat leads to loss of endangered and threatened species and Bermuda’s plant and IUCN Red List: Not assessed animal diversity. Tell others what you have learned. Research: research has focused on a population census to describe abundance, environmental conditions that affect Join a conservation group: such as the Bermuda Zoological survival, field surveys for new populations, and assessment of Society, or the Bermuda Audubon Society. potential habitats for future introduction. Studies examining dietary requirements and reproductive biology are ongoing. Report: if you think that you have seen this snail in the wild please report it to the Department of Conservation Services at Artificial propagation www.conservation.bm/contact‐us/ or 299‐2329 ext. 2141

 On‐island breeding program at the Department of Conservation Services. Information sources

 Off– Island conservation—”Lifeboat Program” partnering To learn more please visit: www.conservation.bm with London Zoo, U.K. Hearty, P.J. and S.L. Olsen. 2010. Geochronology,  Anticipated future reintroductions in suitable locations in biostratigraphy, and changing shell morphology in the land snail the wild. subgenus Poecilozonites during the Quaternary of Bermuda. Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology 293:9–29.

Bieler, R. and J. Slapcinsky, 2000. A case study for the development of an island fauna: recent terrestrial mollusks of Protective legislation Bermuda. Nemouria 44:1 ‐100.

Protected Species Act 2003 (Proposed) Gould, S.J. 1968. Ontology and the explanation of form: and allometric analysis. Journal of Paleontology 42(5):81‐98. Gould, S.J. 1991. Unenchanted evening. Natural History 9/91:4‐ © Mark Outerbridge 14.

Gould, S.J. 1993. Eight little piggies. W.W. Norton & Co. For Further Information Department of Conservation Services

#17 North Shore Road, Flatt’s, FL04, Bermuda (441) 293 2727. www.conservation.bm

Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is based on the knowledge and understanding at the time of writing. 11

Bermuda Protected Species GOVERNMENT OF BERMUDA Bermuda Skink Level 1 Department of Conservation Services Plestiodon (formerly Eumeces) longirostris

to live for 15 to 20 years. In the early summer female skinks lay Ecology between three and six eggs in a moist burrow or under rocks. Fossil evidence indicates that skinks were living on Bermuda The female will stay and guard her eggs, which hatch after a 400,000 years ago; however, paleontological and geological month‐long incubation period. evidence suggest they may have been present here for 1‐2 Skinks feed on insects, arthropods, carrion, fish scraps left by million years. seabirds and the fruit of the prickly pear. They are thought to have an association with longtails and cahows and are observed

in the nest cavities of these birds. Identification © Carolyn Copeland Skink predators include kiskadees, cats, adult anolis lizards, Adult males and females have shiny brown, grey or black body night herons, rats and possibly toads. Proposed scales, a pale belly and a salmon coloured throat patch. They can grow up to 25 cm long. Juveniles have copper coloured Modify to reflect new scientific name scales with cream coloured longitudinal stripes down their sides, Why protect this species a pale belly, and a salmon coloured throat. Hatchlings have a  Competition and predation from invasive species Current Status brilliant blue tail which fades as they mature.  Destruction and fragmentation of habitat Endemic  Lethal litter (e.g. glass bottles which trap and kill skinks that BPSA: Level 1 CITES: No Range & Habitat enter them) Bda Red List: CR B1 + 2bcde Restricted to Bermuda. Historically described as very common

and often seen around old walls and stone heaps in cedar CMS: No groves, skinks are now only found living on the rocky shorelines

of the coast in small populations scattered across the islands. Author: While the total population of skinks in unknown, most live on the Castle Harbour Islands and in Spittal Pond. Dr. Mark Outerbridge Wildlife Ecologist Department of Conservation Services Reproduction & Life Cycle

Revised: July 2015 Bermuda’s skinks live on the ground rather than in trees, are active year‐round and have a very small home range. These animals reach full maturity in two to four years and are thought

Bermuda Protected Species Bermuda Skink GOVERNMENT OF BERMUDA Plestiodon (formerly Eumeces) longirostris Department of Conservation Services

What is being done to conserve it? Report: If you think that you have seen this Skink in the wild please report it to the Department of Conservation Services at Protected Species Act Listing: Level 1 www.conservation.bm/contact‐us/ or 299‐2329 ext. 2141

IUCN Red List: CR B1 + 2bcde, 2.3 Do not litter: Pick up glass bottles when you find them, especially in parks and nature reserves. Recovery Plan: A recovery plan has been developed. Edgar, P., L. Kitson, and A.F. Glasspool.2010. Recovery Plan for the Monitor your cats hunting activity and consider keeping it Bermuda Skink. Department of Conservation Services, indoors to prevent it from killing local wildlife. Government of Bermuda. © D. Pettit Research: Research has focused on multiple population Recovery of injured animals: Members of the public can call or censuses to describe abundance, field surveys to discover new deliver injured wildlife (protected species) to the Bermuda populations, and assessment of environment to understand habitat requirements. Studies examining diet, reproductive Aquarium, Museum and Zoo, #17 North Shore Road, Flatts. biology and genetic diversity between populations throughout (441) 293‐2727 Bermuda are ongoing.

Habitat restoration: Removal of non‐native vegetation and re‐ establishment of skink friendly rocky coastal habitat is currently Information sources occurring on Castle Island. To learn more please visit: www.conservation.bm Artificial propagation: Off– Island conservation—”Lifeboat Bacon, J.P., J.A. Gray, and L. Kitson. 2006. Status and Program” partnering with Chester Zoo, U.K. Conservation of the reptiles and amphibians of the Bermuda islands. Applied Herpetology 3:323‐344, © G. Garcia Protective legislation Olsen, S.L., P.J. Hearty, and G.K. Pregill. 2006. Geological constraints on evolution and survival of endemic reptiles on Protected Species Act 2003 Bermuda. Journal of Herpetology 40:394‐398.

What you can do? For Further Information Department of Conservation Services

Learn: Understand how destruction of habitat leads to loss of #17 North Shore Road, Flatt’s, FL04, endangered and threatened species and Bermuda’s plant and Bermuda (441) 293 2727. animal diversity. Tell others what you have learned. www.conservation.bm

Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is Join a conservation group: Such as the Bermuda based on the knowledge and understanding at the time of writing. Zoological Society, or the Bermuda Audubon Society.

Bermuda Protected Species GOVERNMENT OF BERMUDA Queen Conch Level 1 Department of Conservation Services Lobatus (formerly Strombus) gigas

Adult conch are seen on the surface of the seabed, often with Ecology diverse attached fauna on their shells, whereas juveniles usually

are found partly buried with seagrass and macroalgae attached Identification to their shells. Juveniles with shells less than 80 mm are Lobatus gigas is the second largest of the five Caribbean species thought to bury in the sediments for most of the day, making of Lobatus and is the largest conch found in Bermuda. Adult them difficult to find; adults appear to bury as well, but leave queen conch can be told apart from the harbour or milk conch, obvious tracks to their burial sites (Manuel and Coates, pers. Lobatus costatus, the only other common species of Lobatus in obs.) Bermuda, by a large, flaring shell lip and pink to orange color © S.A. Manuel inside the lip. Adult Harbour conch are an aluminum gray color inside the lip. Juveniles of both species are creamy or pink Diet inside the lip, which is not flared. Juvenile queen conch usually Conch feed on a variety of green algae and on detritus and have long, pointed nodes or spines on the whorls of the shell diatoms growing on seagrass, sand and rocks.

whereas harbor conch have low, blunt nodes. Queen conch reach a maximum shell length of about 300 mm (Stoner, 2003). Reproduction and Life Cycle Adult mean shell length for Bermuda is about 250 mm, with a No specific life cycle studies have been done in Bermuda. maximum of 320 mm (Burnett‐Herkes et al., 1981; Berg et al., However, over their geographic range queen conch live 20‐30 1992a). In the greater Caribbean queen conch have been an years up to, possibly, 40 years (var. popular sources; http:// important commercial fishery. Commercial, sustenance and www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/species/invertebrates/ recreational fisheries have all contributed to population queenconch.htm). They become sexually mature at about 4 © A. Copeland declines throughout the range of the queen conch. years, with separate sexes. Individuals come together to form spawning aggregrations. In d1988 an 1989, spawning Proposed Range aggregations were found at five sites in Bermuda, in 2000, three Queen conch are restricted to the Gulf of Mexico, the of these sites were re‐assessed and were still active (Sarkis and

Modify to reflect new Scientific name Caribbean, and in the greater Atlantic to northern Brazil and Ward, 2009), and ongoing benthic surveys confirm that spawning occurs at the one site that is regularly visited (DCS) . Bermuda. Limited genetic data suggest the Bermuda population Current Status is strongly isolated from other populations (Mitton et al., 1989). Fertilization is internal so that spawning pairs are formed; in Bermuda mating or egg laying has been observed from May to Native Habitat September (Berg et al., 1992a). Egg masses are covered in sand and remain on the bottom. Hatched larvae are plankotrophic, In Bermuda, adult and juvenile queen conch are consistently remaining in the water column for 2 to 8 weeks, where they are BPSA: Level 1 CITES: Appendix II found at a few sites located along the northern and western rim subject to the whims of the currents. Juveniles seem to recruit reefs and reef flats, on patch reefs of the North Lagoon, and to denser seagrass in shallower water than is typical of adult Bda Red List: EN CMS: No nearer shore at the east and west ends of Bermuda (Berg, et al. habitat. 1992b; Sarkis and Ward, 2009; Manuel and Coates, pers. obs.). Fisheries Order: Yes Adults are usually found on sandy bottoms with sparse seagrass, whereas juveniles are found in areas with more grass, Why protect this species Authors: all at depths of less than 20 m (Berg et al., 1992; Manuel and  Low densities—ongoing despite fishing ban since 1978; Drs K. A. Coates and S. A. Manuel, Coates, pers. obs.). Home ranges of adult queen conch can be numbers are in decline throughout the species’ range. 2 Department of Conservation Services more than 2 hectares (20,000 m ) (Bissada‐Gooding and  High visibility—some adult aggregations occur in locations Oxenford, 2010). Habitat destruction and degradation are both heavily used for recreation and the snails are very Revised: July 2015 factors in the determination of population sizes. vulnerable to disturbance. 14

Bermuda Protected Species Queen Conch GOVERNMENT OF BERMUDA Lobatus (formerly Strombus) gigas Department of Conservation Services What is being done to conserve it? What you can do Globally, trade in Lobatus gigas has been regulated by CITES Learn: Learn more about the species. Understand how since 1992 when L. gigas (as Strombus gigas) was listed under destruction of habitat leads to loss of biological diversity. Tell Appendix II. others what you have learned.

Protected Species Act Listing: Level 1, 2007 Join a conservation group

IUCN Red List: Not assessed Do not collect or disturb molluscs

Recovery Plan: A recovery plan has been developed. Sarkis S. Do not litter or pollute in marine habitats and J. Ward, 2009. Recovery Plan for the Queen Conch, Strombus gigas, in Bermuda. Department of Conservation Do not anchor on seagrass Services, Government of Bermuda. Viewable for download www.conservation.bm Information sources Public awareness: Undertake a public awareness campaign. To learn more please visit: www.conservation.bm Research: Focus on: environmental conditions affecting reproduction and survival; genetic structure of Bermudian All the references cited are available from the Department of populations; recruitment frequency and success; juvenile Conservation Services library at the Bermuda Natural History habitat; populations size and demographics. Museum.

Habitat protection: Reefs and seagrass beds are protected to Berg, C., Ward, J., Luckhurst, B., Nisbet, K., Couper, F. 1992a. some degree through protection of corals and individual Proceedings of Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute 42: 161– 171. seagrass species, however, need to heighten protection for the Berg, C. J. Jr., Couper F., Nisbet, K., Ward, J. 1992b. Proceedings of Gulf locations of known conch aggregrations and Caribbean Fisheries Institute 41: 433‐438. © S.A. Manuel Bissada‐Gooding, C. E., Oxenford, H. A. 2010. Proceedingsf of Gul and Artificial propagation: Potential Caribbean Fisheries Institute 62: 383‐389. Burnett‐Herkes, J., Ward, J., Lightbourn, L. 1981. Bermuda Fisheries and Agriculture unpublished report. 7 pp Protective legislation Mitton, J. B., Berg, C. J. Jr., Orr, K. S. 1989. Biological Bulletin 177: 356‐ 362. For Further Information

Sarkis, S., Ward, J. 2009 . Recovery plan for the Queen conch, Strombus Department of Conservation Services Protected Species Act 2003 gigas. Dept of Conservation Services, Government of Bermuda. 38 pp #17 North Shore Road, Flatts, FL04,

Stoner, A. W. 2003. Marine Ecology Progress Series 257: 275‐289. Bermuda T (441) 293 2727. Fisheries Act 1972. In Bermuda both the Queen Conch and Harbour Conch were protected by law in 1978 (Fisheries Act www.conservation.bm 1972: Fisheries Protected Species Order 1978). Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is based on the knowledge and understanding at the time of writing.

15 Protected Species Order 2015 – Protected Species Act 2003 August 2015

3. Tanacetipathes hirta (N)(VU) 3.0. Level 2 4. Tanacetipathes tanacetum (N)(VU) 5. Tanacetipathes thamnea (N)(VU) 6. Antipathes atlantica (N)(VU) A. Proposed to downgrade from Level 1 to 7. Antipathes furcata (N)(VU) 8. Stichopathes occidentalis (N)(VU) Level 2: 9. Stichopathes setacea (N)(VU) *Note: E – Endemic, N - Native 10. Stichopathes cf. spiessi (N)(VU) 11. Parantipathes tetrasticha (N)(VU)

Plants Hard Corals 12. Agaricia fragilis dana(N)(VU) 1. Governor Laffan’s Fern (Diplazium laffanianum) (E)(CRD) 13. Stephanocoenia intersepta(N)(VU) 2. Bermuda Cave Fern (Ctenitis sloanei) (N)(CRB1) 14. Diploria labyrinthiformis (N)(VU) 3. Bermuda Shield Fern (Thelypteris bermudiana) (E)(CRB2) 15. Pseudodiploria strigosa(N)(VU) 4. Long Spleenwort (Asplenium heterochroum) (N)(ENC2a) 16. Favia fragum(N)(VU) 5. Toothed Spleenwort (Asplenium dentatum) (N)(ENB1a,b) 17. Dichocoenia stokesi (N)(VU) 6. Ten-day Fern (Rumohra adiantiformis) (N)(CRD) 18. Meandrina meandrites (N)(VU) 19. Orbicella franksi (N)(VU) Invertebrates 20. Montastraea cavernosa(N)(VU) 21. Isophyllia sinuosa (N)(VU) 1. Land Hermit Crab (Coenobita clypeatus) (N)(VU) 22. Scolymia cubensis (N)(VU) 23. Oculina diffusa(N)(VU) 24. Oculina varicosa (N)(VU) B. Proposed to add: 25. Oculina valenciennesi (N)(VU) 26. Madracis auretenra(N)(VU) Invertebrates 27. Madracis decactis (N)(VU) 28. Porites porites (N)(VU) Fire Coral 29. Porites astreoides (N)(VU) 1. Millepora alcicornis (N)(VU) 30. Siderastrea radians (N)(VU) 31. Siderastrea siderea (N)(VU) Black Coral 32. Caryophyllia ambrosia ambrosia (N)(VU) 2. Cupressopathes gracilis (N)(VU)

16 Protected Species Order 2015 – Protected Species Act 2003 August 2015

33. Caryophyllia sarsiae Zibrowius(N)(VU) 63. Antillogorgia acerosa (N)(VU) 34. Coenocyathus goreaui (N)(VU) 64. Antillogorgia americana (N)(VU) 35. Deltocyathus calcar Pourtalès (N)(VU) 65. Pterogorgia citrina (N)(VU) 36. Deltocyathus eccentricus Cairns (N)(VU) 66. Eunicea calyculata (N)(VU) 37. Deltocyathus italicus (N)(VU) 67. Eunicea clavigera(N) (VU) 38. Deltocyathus moseleyi (N)(VU) 68. Eunicea fusca (N)(VU) 39. Desmophyllum dianthus (N)(VU) 69. Eunicea knighti (N)(VU) 40. Lophelia pertusa (N)(VU) 70. Eunicea tourneforti (N)(VU) 41. Oxysmilia rotundifolia (N)(VU) 71. Eunicea tourneforti forma atra (N)(VU) 42. Paracyathus pulchellus (N)(VU) 72. Muricea atlantica (N)(VU) 43. Phyllangia americana americana (N)(VU) 73. Muricea laxa (N)(VU) 44. Solenosmilia variabilis (N)(VU) 74. Muricea muricata (N)(VU) 45. Tethocyathus cylindraceus(N)(VU) 75. Muricea pinnata (N)(VU) 46. Enallopsammia rostrata (N)(VU) 76. Muricea cf. waltonsmithi (N)(VU) 47. Rhizopsammia bermudensis(N)(VU) 77. Plexaura flexuosa (N)(VU) 48. Javania cailleti (N)(VU) 78. Plexaura homomalla (N)(VU) 49. Polymyces wellsi (N)(VU) 79. Plexaurella dichotoma (N) (VU) 50. Fungiacyathus symmetricus (N)(VU) 80. Plexaurella grisea(N)(VU) 51. Guynia annulata(N)(VU) 81. Plexaurella nutans (N)(VU) 52. Madrepora carolina(N)(VU) 82. Pseudoplexaura flagellosa(N)(VU) 53. Madrepora oculata(N)(VU) 83. Pseudoplexaura porosa (N)(VU) 54. Madracis asperula (N)(VU) 84. Pseudoplexaura wagenaari (N)(VU) 55. Madracis myriaster (N)(VU) 85. Nidalia occidentalis (N)(VU) 56. Astrangia solitaria (N)(VU) 86. Gersemia rubiformis (N)(VU) 57. Colangia immersa (N)(VU) 87. Ellisella atlantica (N)(VU) 58. Stenocyathus vermiformis (N)(VU) 88. Ellisella barbadensis (N)(VU) 59. Deltocyathoides stimpsonii (N)(VU) 89. Ellisella grandis (N)(VU) 90. Nicella gracilis (N)(VU) Soft corals 91. Chrysogorgia fewkesii (N)(VU) 60. Briareum asbestinum (N)(VU) 92. Callogorgia sp. (N)(VU) 61. Gorgonia ventalina (N)(VU) 93. Callogorgia gracilis (N)(VU) 62. Leptogorgia cf. setacea (N)(VU) 94. Callogorgia verticillata (N)(VU) 95. Candidella imbricata (N)(VU)

17 Protected Species Order 2015 – Protected Species Act 2003 August 2015

96. Narella alvinae(N)(VU) 97. Narella versluysi (N)(VU) 98. Narella bellissima (N)(VU) 99. Thouarella sp. (N)(VU) 100. Thouarella (Euthouarella) grasshoffi (N)(VU) 101. Ceratoisis flexibilis (N)(VU) 102. Chelidonisis aurantiaca (N)(VU) 103. Lepidisis caryophyllia (N)(VU) 104. Lepidisis simplex (N)(VU) 105. Antilogorgia acerosa (N)(VU) 106. Thelogorgia vossi (N)(VU) 107. Bebryce parastellata (N)(VU) 108. Muriceides kükenthali (N)(VU) 109. Scleracis guadalupensis (N)(VU) 110. Scleracis petrosa (N)(VU) 111. Thesea citrina (N)(VU) 112. Placogorgia cf. intermedia (N)(VU) 113. Placogorgia tenuis(N)(VU) 114. Eunicea pinta (N)(VU) 115. Lytreia plana(N)(VU) 116. Muricea elongata(N)(VU) 117. Plexaurella nutans (N)(VU) 118. Sclerobelemnon theseus (N)(VU) 119. Telestula septentrionalis (N)(VU)

Echinoderms 120. Long-spined urchin (Diadema antillarum) (N)(VU) 121. West Indian sea egg (Tripneustes ventricosus) (N)(VU) 122. Four Sided sea cucumber (Isostichopus badionotus) (N) (VU)

Arthropod 123. Leaf Cutter bee (Megachile pruina bermudiensis) (N)(VU)

Bermuda Protected Species Level 2 GOVERNMENT OF BERMUDA Governor Laffan Fern Department of Conservation Services Diplazium laffanianum

1905, but in 1913 when he returned to a location known to Ecology have the fern it could not be found. At one time the fern had Identification been relatively common in the Walsingham area, and two plants were taken to a private greenhouse in Hamilton. Britton Named after Governor Sir Robert notes that he studied these plants in 1914, but was unable to successfully raise young ferns from their spores. Laffan, this species is a relatively large fern with bright green, firm textured Governor Laffan’s Fern is endemic to Bermuda. It is listed as fronds. Fronds arise from a short, scaly Critically Endangered under the Bermuda Protected Species Act, rootstock. Fronds are held on 4‐8 inch and is listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as ’Extinct in the Wild’. By 2003 only 5 individuals of this species (10‐20cm) long petioles which are remained in pots in a greenhouse. Without active conservation blackish at the base and green toward actions this species would surely have become extinct. the leaf blades. Fronds have a © Alison Copeland rounded triangular outline and are 8‐ Reproduction & Life Cycle Britton, 1918 12 inches long (20‐30 cm) and 4‐6 Proposed Ferns do not reproduce by flowers and fruits like other plants. inches wide (10‐15 cm). The pinnae that make up the frond are They produce dust‐like spores on the underside of a mature Regrade from Level 1 to Level 2 3.5–5 inches (7.5‐13 cm) long, and less than half as wide. They frond. The spores develop into a small, flat, often heart shaped, are arranged alternately along the rachis (central stem). prothallus. The prothallus has organs containing eggs and Current Status sperm on its surface. Ferns mostly occur in wet habitats, where eOne of th most characteristic features of this species is the water accumulates on the surface of the prothallus, allowing Endemic sori, the clusters of spore‐containing sacs on the underside of the sperm to move across the surface and reach the egg. Once the fronds. These sori are linear in Governor Laffan’s Fern, and BPSA: Level 1 CITES: No fertilisation has occurred the sporophyte begins to develop; this about 4 mm long. is the mature fern that we see with roots and fronds. Bda Red List: CR (D) CMS: No Why protect this species Author: Ms. Alison Copeland, Range This species is threatened due to: Biodiversity Officer Endemic to Bermuda.  Destruction of habitat Department of Conservation Services Habitat  Development and habitat fragmentation  Competition from invasive species Revised: July 2015 According to Britton’s 1918 book Flora of Bermuda, this fern  Collecting from the wild by hobbists was found in cave mouths and rock crevices between Harrington Sound and Paynter’s Vale up until 1905. Britton describes seeing this very rare fern in the wild in the autumn of

Bermuda Protected Species Governor Laffan Fern GOVERNMENT OF BERMUDA Diplazium laffanianum Department of Conservation Services What is being done to conserve it? Protective legislation

Protected Species Act Listing: Level 1, 2007 Protected Species Act 2003

IUCN Red List: EW, 3.1 What you can do Recovery Plan: Protect and manage habitat, increase size and

number of populations, conduct field surveys for potential Learn: Learn more about the species. Understand how habitat for introduction, conduct research, maintain existing. destruction of habitat leads to loss of endangered and Research to determine distribution and population genetics and threatened species and Bermuda’s plant and animal diversity. habitat requirements are ongoing. Tell others what you have learned. Viewable for download www.conservation.bm Join a conservation group: such as the Bermuda Zoological Public awareness: campaign has been launched. Source Society, or the Bermuda Audubon Society. Research: Research has focused on environmental conditions that affect germination and survival. Genetic studies and long Grow and plant: Grow native plants in your lawn and wooded term storage of spores. areas. Obtain from local nurseries. Do not dig up native plants from natural areas. Avoid the use of invasive non‐native plants. Habitat protection: Undertake invasive species removal at select sites pollution control and restoration of indigenous forest habitat. Artificial propagation: Information sources

 Life Boat Program—Ex situ To learn more please visit: www.conservation.bm © Robin Marirea propagation of Governor Laffan’s Fern has been ongoing since 2003.

 Young ferns were returned to

Bermuda in 2009, 2012 and 2014 and are currently housed at the Dept. of Environmental Protection For Further Information and Dept. of Conservation Services. Department of Conservation Services #17 North Shore Road, Flatts, FL04,  Protocols for propagating this species have been Bermuda T (441) 293 2727. successfully developed and methods for keeping it in pot www.conservation.bm culture are being explored

Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is  Reintroductions into the wild based on the knowledge and understanding at the time of writing.

Bermuda Protected Species Level 2 GOVERNMENT OF BERMUDA Bermuda Cave Fern Department of Conservation Services Ctenitis sloanei Ecology Range Ctenitis sloanei is native to Bermuda where it is known as the Identification Bermuda Cave Fern, and also Florida, the Caribbean, Mexico, The Bermuda Cave Fern has large, Central America and Northwestern South America. Outside bright green fronds up to 3 feet (90 Bermuda, this species is called Florida Tree Fern, Red Hair Comb cm) long and 3 feet wide. The Fern or Florida Lace Fern.

pinnae (leaflets which make up one frond) are divided 2 or 3 times. The Reproduction & Life Cycle stems of the fronds are covered by hairs. Ferns do not reproduce by flowers and fruits like other plants. They produce dust‐like spores on the underside of a mature This fern was at one time known as frond. The spores develop into a small, flat, often heart shaped, Dryopteris speluncae, and was prothallus. The prothallus has organs containing eggs and thought to be endemic to Bermuda. Britton, 1918 sperm on its surface. Ferns mostly occur in wet habitats, where Bermuda Cave Fern is now water accumulates on the surface of the prothallus, allowing recognised as a Bermudian population of Ctenitis sloanei (see the sperm to move across the surface and reach the egg. Once Fern Recovery Plan). fertilisation has occurred the sporophyte begins to develop; this © Alison Copeland is the mature fern that we see with roots and fronds. Proposed: Habitat

Regrade from Level 1 to Level 2 This large fern grows up from the soil, not of out of crevices in Why protect this species rocks like other cave ferns. It grows well in organic rich soils in Current Status lightly shaded locations where it is sheltered from wind and salt Today, this species has become very rare in Bermuda due to its complex life cycle, destruction of its habitat and competition spray. Native from invasive plants. As a native species, this fern is found The distribution of this fern in the early 1900’s was described by outside of Bermuda, but it is declining throughout its range, for BPSA: Level 1 CITES: No N.L Britton as occurring in “caves, holes and ledges between example it is listed as Endangered in Florida. Therefore it is Bda Red List: CR (B1) CMS: No Harrington Sound and Castle Harbour.” Today it is only known important that we safeguard our local population. to grow in a few locations within that area, as well as from a Author: Ms. Alison Copeland, restored sinkhole in Smiths parish. Biodiversity Officer Department of Conservation Services June 2015 Revised: 22

Bermuda Protected Species Bermuda Cave Fern GOVERNMENT OF BERMUDA Ctenitis sloanei Department of Conservation Services What is being done to conserve it? What you can do

and population genetics, habitat requirements and Grow and plant: Grow native plants in your lawn and wooded reproductive biology are ongoing. areas. Obtain from local nurseries. Do not dig up native plants from natural areas. Avoid the use of invasive non‐native plants. Viewable for download www.conservation.bm Source

Public awareness: Campaign is needed. Research: Research has focused on mapping current Information sources distribution, genetic bar coding and monitoring. To learn more please visit: www.conservation.bm Habitat protection: Undertake invasive species removal, pollution control and remediation. Artificial propagation:

 Local breeding programs  Reintroductions into the wild

Protective legislation © Drew Pettit

Protected Species Act 2003

For Further Information Department of Conservation Services #17 North Shore Road, Flatts, FL04, Bermuda T (441) 293 2727.

www.conservation.bm

Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is based on the knowledge and understanding at the time of writing.

Bermuda Protected Species Level 2 GOVERNMENT OF BERMUDA Bermuda Shield Fern Department of Conservation Services Thelypteris (formerly Goniopteris) bermudiana Ecology Range Endemic to Bermuda Identification Habitat This endemic fern was formerly known as Bermuda Shield Fern lives on damp rock faces and at the Dryopteris bermudiana, mouths of caves in mature woodland. It has become rare as Nephrodium bermudiana a result of habitat destruction and competition from invasive and Goniopteris plants. It is now found at the entrance to caves and in rock bermudiana. The fronds of crevices in the Walsingham tract, between Harrington Sound Bermuda Shield Fern reach and Castle Harbour, including Paynter’s Hill and the up to 2 feet (60 cm) long Walsingham and Idwal Hughes Nature Reserves. and 3 to 6 inches (7.5 to 15 cm) wide. The fronds are Reproduction & Life Cycle © Alison Copeland composed of pinnae Ferns do not reproduce by flowers and fruits like other (leaflets) arranged plants. They produce dust‐like spores on the underside of a Proposed: alternately along a central Britton, 1918 mature frond. The spores develop into a small, flat, often stem (rachis) which is Regrade from Level 1 to Level 2 heart shaped, prothallus. The prothallus has organs covered by fine hairs. The pinnae are 1.5 to 3 inches (3.8 to containing eggs and sperm on its surface. Ferns mostly occur Current Status 7.5 cm) long and up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide. The pinnae are in wet habitats, where water accumulates on the surface of simple with undivided, rounded lobes that are held very Endemic the prothallus, allowing the sperm to move across the close together. The bottom pair of lobes on the pinnae, surface and reach the egg. Once fertilisation has occurred BPSA: Level 1 CITES: No eclosest to th central stem of the frond, are often larger the sporophyte begins to develop; this is the mature fern than the other lobes of the pinnae; usually only on one side. that we see with roots and fronds. Bda Red List: CR (B2) CMS: No This is a distinguishing feature of this species. Veins are prominent on the pinnae. Why protect this species The fronds of Bermuda Shield Fern are dark green and Ms. Alison Copeland, This species is threatened by: Author: appear glossy above; lighter green and dull underneath.  Destruction of habitat Biodiversity Officer Often the tips of the pinnae in the upper parts of the frond  Development and habitat fragmentation appear to curve towards the apex of the frond. Department of Conservation Services  Competition from invasive species  Collecting from the wild by hobbyists Revised: July 2015 24

Bermuda Protected Species Bermuda Shield Fern GOVERNMENT OF BERMUDA Thelypteris (formerly Goniopteris) bermudiana Department of Conservation Services What is being done to conserve it? What you can do

Protected Species Act Listing: Level 1, 2007 Learn: Learn more about the species. Understand how destruction of habitat leads to loss of endangered and IUCN Red List: EN B1ab,C2a, 3.1 threatened species and Bermuda’s plant and animal diversity. Recovery Plan: Protect and manage habitat, increase size and Tell others what you have learned. number of populations, conduct field surveys for new Join a conservation group: such as the Bermuda Zoological populations or potential habitat for introduction, conduct Society, or the Bermuda Audubon Society. research, maintain existing. Research to determine and map distribution and population genetics habitat requirements are Control invasive plant species: Invasive plants should be ongoing. managed in areas known to have the Bermuda Shield Fern so that they do not become overwhelmed by other vegetation. Viewable for download www.conservation.bm Grow and plant: Grow native plants in your lawn and wooded Public awareness: campaign has also been launched. areas. Obtain from local nurseries. Do not dig up native plants Research: Research has focused on environmental conditions from natural areas. Avoide th use of invasive non‐native plants. that affect germination and survival. Monitoring, genetic Protection: As a protected species, any specimen found in a studies to better explain population structure and differences proposed development area should be relocated to a nature between populations. reserve by the responsible Government department. Habitat protection: undertake invasive species removal at Observation: If you see a specimen email select sites, pollution control and remediation. [email protected] Monitoring: Actions currently underway include recording the location when a specimen is discovered and monitoring the Information sources health of known specimens in nature reserves. © Alison Copeland To learn more please visit: www.conservation.bm Artificial propagation: To date no propagation of this species has been attempted. For further proposed actions see the For Further Information Protected Species Recovery Plan for Ferns. Department of Conservation Services #17 North Shore Road, Flatts, FL04, Bermuda T (441) 293 2727. Protective legislation www.conservation.bm

Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is Protected Species Act 2003 based on the knowledge and understanding at the time of writing.

Bermuda Protected Species Level 2 GOVERNMENT OF BERMUDA Long Spleenwort Department of Conservation Services Asplenium heterochroum Ecology Range Native to Bermuda, Florida, Georgia, Cuba, Puerto Rico and Identification Belize.

Also known as the Bicoloured Spleenwort, this species is native to Bermuda, as well as the Caribbean, Reproduction & Life Cycle Southern United States, Mexico and Ferns do not reproduce by flowers and fruits like other plants. Central America. They produce dust‐like spores on the underside of a mature The leaves of Long Spleenwort can frond. The spores develop into a small, flat, often heart shaped, grow up to 16 inches (41cm) long. The prothallus. The prothallus has organs containing eggs and leaf blades grow in a spreading fashion sperm on its surface. Ferns mostly occur in wet habitats, where out from a short rootstock. water accumulates on the surface of the prothallus, allowing © Alison Copeland the sperm to move across the surface and reach the egg. Once Each leaf blade is about an inch (2.5 Britton, 1918 fertilisation has occurred the sporophyte begins to develop; this Proposed: cm) wide with 20‐40 pairs of pinnae is the mature fern that we see with roots and fronds.

(leaflets on a fern). The bright green pinnae have toothed edges Regrade from Level 1 to Level 2 and grow opposite each other on a black central stem. These tough stems sometimes remain on the plant after the pinnae Current Status have dropped off. Why protect this species Habitat Long Spleenwort is listed as Endangered in Bermuda, because Native the local population is small and the number of mature plants is Long Spleenwort is a fern‐like plant that grows in damp, shaded BPSA: Level 1 CITES: No declining. The population is also fragmented and scattered, rocky habitats, such as around caves and in rocky woodland. It further reducing the likelihood of young plants being produced. Bda Red List: EN (C2a) CMS: No is also known to grow out of man‐made structures made of stone. Ms. Alison Copeland, Author: In his 1918 book Flora of Bermuda, N.L Britton described the Biodiversity Officer Long Spleenwort as common island‐wide on walls, cliffs and shaded rocks. Today it may still be distributed island‐wide, but

Department of Conservation Services is rarely seen and the population is fragmented. Specimens have been mapped at Walsingham and Abbot’s cliff Nature Revised: July 2015 Reserves.

Bermuda Protected Species Long Spleenwort GOVERNMENT OF BERMUDA Department of Conservation Services Asplenium heterochroum What is being done to conserve it? What you can do

Protected Species Act Listing: Level 1, 2007 Learn: Learn more about the species. Understand how destruction of habitat leads to loss of endangered and IUCN Red List: Not assessed threatened species and Bermuda’s plant and animal diversity. Recovery Plan: Protect and manage habitat, increase size and Tell others what you have learned. number of populations, conduct field surveys for new Join a conservation group: such as the Bermuda Zoological populations or potential habitat for introduction, conduct Society, or the Bermuda Audubon Society. research, maintain existing. Research to determine and map distribution, population genetics and habitat requirements are Control invasive plant species: Invasive plants should be ongoing. managed in areas known to have Spleenworts so that they do not become overwhelmed by other vegetation. Viewable for download www.conservation.bm Grow and plant: Grow native plants in your lawn and wooded Public awareness: campaign needed. areas. Obtain from local nurseries. Do not dig up native plants Research: Research has focused on mapping, genetic bar coding from natural areas. Avoid the use of invasive non‐native plants. and monitoring. Contact: As a protected species, any specimen found in a Habitat protection: Limit pesticide use, undertake invasive proposed development area should be relocated to a nature species removal, pollution control and remediation. reserve.

Monitoring: Actions currently underway include recording the location when a specimen is discovered and monitoring the Information sources health of known specimens in nature reserves. To learn more please visit: www.conservation.bm Artificial propagation: Government led propagation is currently underway. For further proposed actions see the Protected Species Recovery Plan for Ferns. © Alison Copeland

For Further Information Protective legislation Department of Conservation Services #17 North Shore Road, Flatts, FL04, Protected Species Act 2003 Bermuda T (441) 293 2727.

www.conservation.bm

Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is based on the knowledge and understanding at the time of writing. 27

Bermuda Protected Species Level 2 GOVERNMENT OF BERMUDA Toothed Spleenwort Department of Conservation Services Asplenium dentatum Ecology Range The Toothed Spleenwort is native to Bermuda, Florida, the Identification Caribbean, Mexico and Central America. The leaf blades of Toothed Reproduction & Life Cycle Spleenwort are up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) long with 6‐8 pairs of Ferns do not reproduce by flowers and fruits like other plants. pinnae (the leaflets of a fern). They produce dust‐like spores on the underside of a mature The pinnae are medium green, frond. The spores develop into a small, flat, often heart shaped, © Alison Copeland and are irregularly shaped with prothallus. The prothallus has organs containing eggs and slightly toothed margins. The sperm on its surface. Ferns mostly occur in wet habitats, where water accumulates on the surface of the prothallus, allowing central stem of the leaf blade (the rachis) is green with no the sperm to move across the surface and reach the egg. Once Proposed: scales or hairs. The spores of fertilisation has occurred the sporophyte begins to develop; this this Spleenwort are found in is the mature fern that we see with roots and fronds. Regrade from Level 1 to Level 2 Britton, 1918 rows on the underside of the pinnae on fertile leaf blades. Why protect this species

Current Status Toothed Spleenwort is listed as Endangered in Bermuda because it occupies a restricted habitat, much of its habitat has BPSA: Level 1 CITES: No Habitat been lost to development, the quality of the remaining habitat Bda Red List: EN (B1a,b) CMS: No is degrading due to invasive species, its population is In his 1918 book Flora of Bermuda, N.L Britton records the fragmented and a continued decline of the species is predicted distribution of this small fern as occurring on Abbot’s Cliff and without intervention. on shaded rocks around caves in the Walsingham area, and on Ferns, and fern‐like plants such as Spleenworts, have a complex Author: Ms. Alison Copeland, the islands in the Great Sound. Its current island‐wide life cycle which makes it difficult for them to recover from distribution is currently being mapped, but it can still be found Biodiversity Officer habitat disturbance and population fragmentation. in several locations in the nature reserves at Walsingham and Department of Conservation Services Abbott’s cliff Nature Reserves, growing alongside mosses and other protected ferns. Revised: June 2015

Bermuda Protected Species Toothed Spleenwort GOVERNMENT OF BERMUDA Asplenium dentatum Department of Conservation Services What is being done to conserve it? What you can do

Listing: Level 1, 2007 Learn : Learn more about the species. Understand how destruction of habitat leads to loss of endangered and IUCN Red List: Not assessed threatened species and Bermuda’s plant and animal diversity. Recovery Plan: Protect and manage habitat, increase size and Tell others what you have learned. number of populations, conduct field surveys for new populations or potential habitat for introduction, conduct Join a conservation group: such as the Bermuda Zoological research, maintain existing. Research to determine and map Society, or the Bermuda Audubon Society. distribution and habitat requirements are ongoing. Control invasive plant species: Invasive plants should be Viewable for download www.conservation.bm managed in areas known to have Spleenworts so that they do Public awareness: campaign needed. not become overwhelmed by other vegetation.

Research: Research has focused on mapping distribution and Grow and plant: Grow native plants in your lawn and wooded Monitoring. areas. Obtain from local nurseries. Do not dig up native plants Habitat protection : Undertake invasive species removal, from natural areas. Avoid the use of invasive non‐native plants. pollution control and remediation. Protection: As a protected species, any specimen found in a Monitoring: Actions currently underway include recording the proposed development area should be relocated to a nature location when a specimen is discovered and monitoring the reserve. health of known specimens in nature reserves. © Alison Copeland Observation: If you see a specimen on private property email Artificial propagation : To date attempts have been made to [email protected] propagate this species. For further proposed actions see the Protected Species Recovery Plan for Ferns.

Information sources Protective legislation To learn more please visit: www.conservation.bm For Further Information Protected Species Act 2003 Department of Conservation Services #17 North Shore Road, Flatts, FL04,

Bermuda T (441) 293 2727.

www.conservation.bm

Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is based on the knowledge and understanding at the time of writing.

Bermuda Protected Species Level 2 GOVERNMENT OF BERMUDA Ten Day Fern Department of Conservation Services Rumohra adiantiformis Ecology the impact of invasive plants. Historically, this fern was collected from the marsh and used in Identification flower arrangements at Devonshire Church.

Ten Day Fern has glossy, hairless, triangular shaped Reproduction & Life Cycle fronds. The dark green fronds are tough, so it is also known as Ferns do not reproduce by flowers and fruits like other plants. Leatherleaf Fern. The pinnae, They produce dust‐like spores on the underside of a mature the lobed leaflets that make up frond. The spores develop into a small, flat, often heart shaped, the frond, are broadly spaced prothallus. The prothallus has organs containing eggs and along the central stem of the sperm on its surface. Ferns mostly occur in wet habitats, where frond, known as the rachis. In water accumulates on the surface of the prothallus, allowing this species, the rachis is the sperm to move across the surface and reach the egg. Once grooved and has scales. The fertilisation has occurred the sporophyte begins to develop; this fronds are spaced along a scaly is the mature fern that we see with roots and fronds. © Alison Copeland Britton, 1918 rhizome that creeps along the Proposed: surface of the soil. Fronds are 1‐4 feet long (30‐120 cm). Why protect this species

Regrade from Level 1 to Level 2 Range This species is threatened by:  Never being a very common species Ten Day Fern is native to Bermuda, and has a very wide global Current Status  Destruction of habitat distribution. Its tough fronds are often used in flower  Development and habitat fragmentation arrangements as it is robust and can tolerate drying (it is said to Native  Competition/predation from invasive species last ten days when not in water). BPSA: Level 1 CITES: No  Disease Habitat Bda Red List: CR (D) CMS: No The Ten Day Fern grows well in full sun or shade in moist soil. It Author: Ms. Alison Copeland, is found in fresh water marshy areas and protected wet rock cuts. Biodiversity Officer Today it is found in Devonshire Marsh. In Devonshire Marsh it is

Department of Conservation Services known to grow from rotting tree stumps and out of the trunks of Bermuda Palmettos. Both of these micro‐habitats have been Revised: July 2015 reduced in the marsh through habitat changes such as fires and

Bermuda Protected Species Ten Day Fern GOVERNMENT OF BERMUDA Rumohra adiantiformis Department of Conservation Services What is being done to conserve it? What you can do

Protected species Act Listing: Level 1, 2007 Learn: Learn more about the species. Understand how destruction of habitat leads to loss of endangered and IUCN Red List: Not assessed threatened species and Bermuda’s plant and animal diversity. Recovery Plan: Protect and manage habitat, increase size and Tell others what you have learned. number of populations, conduct field surveys for new populations or potential habitat for introduction, conduct Join a conservation group: such as the Bermuda Zoological research, maintain existing. Research to determine distribution Society, or the Bermuda Audubon Society. and population genetics, dietary and habitat requirements and reproductive biology are ongoing. Grow and plant: Grow native plants in your lawn and wooded areas. Obtain from local nurseries. Do not dig up native plants Viewable for download www.conservation.bm from natural areas. Avoid the use of invasive non‐native plants. Public awareness: Campaign has been launched. Protection: As a protected species, any specimen found in a Research: Research has focused on environmental conditions proposed development area should be relocated to a nature that affect germination and survival. Monitoring and micro‐ reserve. propogationof spores at Omaha Zoo, USA. Habitat protection: Undertake invasive species removal, Observation: If you see a specimen email pollution control and remediation. [email protected]

Monitoring: A global positioning system (GPS) survey of the Ten Day Fern in Devonshire Marsh was initiated in December 2011. Information sources Monitoring of the ferns in situ and control of nearby invasive species is ongoing. To learn more please visit: www.conservation.bm Artificial proportion: Propagation of this species is underway. © Alison Copeland

For further actions see the Protected Species Recovery Plan for Ferns.

For Further Information Department of Conservation Services Protective legislation #17 North Shore Road, Flatts, FL04, T (441) 293 2727. Bermuda Protected Species Act 2003 www.conservation.bm

Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is based on the knowledge and understanding at the time of writing.

Bermuda Protected Species GOVERNMENT OF BERMUDA Land Hermit Crab Level 2 Department of Conservation Services Coenobita clypeatus Ecology Identification Reproduction & Life Cycle Historically in Bermuda, the main source of shells for land The land hermit crab is the only hermit crab species found in hermit crabs was the West Indian top snail. Unfortunately these the terrestrial environment of Bermuda. These crabs are easy large marine snails were a favorite food of the early settlers and to identify when found in the wild. They grow up to 10 cm (4 were extirpated from Bermuda. With large shells no longer inches) in body length, have two claws (one is larger than the available, the number of crabs that could survive were limited. other) and red‐purple legs which come out of the front of the These crabs survived by using fossil top snail shells for shelter. shell. Unlike snails, hermit crabs do not produce their own shell but instead use shells made by other animals, usually marine The West Indian top snail was reintroduced to Bermuda in 1982 snails. Their favored shell comes from the West Indian top snail and was given legal protection from harvesting. With top snails © Drew Pettit (Cittarium pica), but they will also use empty shells from becoming common on the South Shore once again, it is hoped nerites, periwinkles, tritons and even milk snails. A land hermit that the new supply of shells will ease the hermit crab housing crab will retreat completely into its shell when threatened, shortage and the population of these threatened crabs is Proposed closing the opening with its large claw. When a hermit crab expected to increase. grows too big for its shell, it will search for a larger one to Regrade from Level 1 to Level 2 Not only are they dependent on the sea as a source of shells for change into. new homes, but the land hermit crab is also dependent on the

sea for reproduction. Females goes down to the sea once a year Range just before the full moon to release her fertilized eggs which burst open when they are released into seawater. The young Current Status The land hermit crab is native to Bermuda. It is also found in crabs emerge, drifts with the plankton and eventually come Florida, the Caribbean and throughout tropical coastlines of ashore to live and grow. Native Central and South America. BPSA: Level 1 CITES: No Habitat Why protect this species Bda Red List: VU CMS: No Its habitats include upland coastal zones, salt marshes and mangrove communities. Bermuda’s total population of land hermit crabs has been Diet estimated to be less than 150 individuals, of which more than Author: half were found in Hungry Bay. Threats to this species include Land hermit crabs are both herbivorous and opportunistic habitat loss and fragmentation compounded by lack of Dr. Mark Outerbridge scavengers and form an important part of nature’s recycling awareness of habitat needs, collection for pets, use as bait for service. fishing, removal of suitable shells from habitats and predation Wildlife Ecologist by yellow‐crowned night herons.

Department of Conservation Services

Revised: July 2015 32

Bermuda Protected Species Land Hermit Crab GOVERNMENT OF BERMUDA Coenobita clypeatus Department of Conservation Services Report: Please report any land hermit crab sightings to the What is being done to conserve it? Department of Conservation Services at www.conservation.bm/ contact‐us/ or 299‐2329 ext. 2141 Protected Species Act Listing: Level 2, 2012 IUCN Red List: Not assessed Protect native wildlife: Do not collect land hermit crabs from the wild or purchase them for a pet. All hermit crabs in the pet Species Action Plan: Protect and manage key habitats, conduct trade industry are wild‐caught because this species cannot be presence/absence surveys to determine distribution, assess bred in captivity. You can also help by not collecting shells on potential habitats for species translocations. the coast. Instead, leave them to be used by land hermit crabs.

Viewable for download www.conservation.bm Public awareness: Promote ongoing awareness of the threats Information sources to, and the conservation of, land hermit crabs. To learn more please visit: www.conservation.bm Research: Research to determine island‐wide distribution, are needed. Drew Pettit Godsall, B. 2000. Survey of the population of the land hermit Habitat protection: Improve habitat quality. Some protection crab Coenobita clypeatus in Hungry Bay. Bermuda Biodiversity exists with the protection of Mangroves. Project report. Recovery of injured animals: Members of the public can call or © Alison Copeland deliver injured wildlife (protected species) to the Bermuda Walker, S.E. 1994. Biological Remanie: Gastropod fossils used by Aquarium, Museum and Zoo, #17 North Shore Road, Flatt’s the living terrestrial land hermit crab Coenobita clypeatus on Village. Tel (441) 293‐2727 Bermuda. Society for Sedimentary Geology 9:403‐412.

Protective legislation

Protected Species Act 2003

What you can do? For Further Information Learn: Understand how destruction of habitat leads to loss of Department of Conservation Services endangered and threatened species and Bermuda’s plant and #17 North Shore Road, Flatt’s, FL04, animal diversity. Tell others what you have learned. Bermuda (441) 293 2727.

Join a conservation group: Such as the Bermuda Zoological www.conservation.bm Society or the Bermuda Audubon Society. Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is based on the knowledge and understanding at the time of writing.

Bermuda Protected Species Level 2 GOVERNMENT OF BERMUDA Fire Coral Department of Conservation Services Millepora alcicornis Ecology Reproduction & Life Cycle Fire corals release eggs and sperm into the water in the Identification summer months to create larvae that settle back onto the reef. This cnidarian/hydrozoan is distinguished by its consistent After settling Fire corals grow asexually and form large yellow brown colour with pale whitish branch tips. This Fire colonies that can persist for decades. Growth and reproduction coral can rapidly and aggressively over‐grow other true corals of this coral has not been studied in Bermuda. and soft corals, taking on their shape. In calm protected inshore water the Fire corals can grown into large bush‐like colonies with many branches. In exposed conditions on the outer reefs Why protect this species or the boilers it appears as a crust with few branches. © Dr Philippe Rouja  Fire coral is susceptible to thermal stress in the summer It is a hydrozoan and distantly related to hard corals, thus this months that causes bleaching. Some bleached colonies may hydrocoral has the same trait of forming a calcium carbonate die while others suffer reduced growth and reproduction. skeleton that contributes to reef growth.  Living in shallow water leaves this Fire coral vulnerable to Habitat boat strikes, anchor damage and human treading. © Dr Philippe Rouja  Inshore colonies are frequently entangled with fishing line This Fire coral can be found in very shallow water in our inshore and damaged by attempts to retrieve the line. Proposed bays and across the patch reefs of the North lagoon. It is

Add as level 2 protected species common the outer rim reefs but declines in abundance on the deeper outer terrace reefs. It grows as large crusts on the sides Current Status of our boiler reefs. Native Range BPSA: Pending CITES: Appendix II This Fire coral species is common throughout the Caribbean and the Florida Keys. Bda Red List: VU CMS: No Feeding habits Author: Dr. Struan Smith Fire coral uses very small tentacles to capture plankton from Curator, Natural History Museum the water. It also relies on symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) living in its tissues to pass simple sugars, derived from Department of Conservation Services photosynthesis, to it for energy. The tentacles have stinging cells that have a potent reaction with our skin and one should Revised: July 2015 avoid touching fire coral.

Bermuda Protected Species Fire Coral GOVERNMENT OF BERMUDA Millepora alcicornis Department of Conservation Services What is being done to conserve it? Information sources

Protected Species Act Listing: Level 2 (Proposed) To learn more please visit: www.conservation.bm

IUCN Red List: Not assessed

Recovery Plan: Proposed Public awareness: Included in the broad outreach to communicate the status of protected species in Bermuda Research: This species is recorded in reef surveys. Habitat protection: Included in the broad protection of © Dr Philippe Rouja Bermuda’s reefs and also present in all Marine Protected Areas Artificial propagation. None required

Recovery of injured animals: None required, damaged corals should be left in place Protective legislation

Protected Species Act 2003 (proposed)

Fisheries Act 1972 (Remove)

What you can do? Coral Bleaching , © Dr. R. Struan Learn: Learn to recognize the species in the wild to avoid being stung and to reduce damage to the colonies. Understand how destruction of habitat leads to loss or reduction of species on Bermuda’s reefs .Tell others what you have learned. For Further Information Department of Conservation Services

Join a conservation group: such as the Bermuda Zoological #17 North Shore Road, Flatts, FL04, dSociety an Reef Watch. Bermuda T (441) 293 2727. Do not anchor on reefs. www.conservation.bm

When fishing from the shore try untangle your fishing line from Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is based on the knowledge and understanding at the time of the bottom carefully. Pulling hard will break the coral before it writing. breaks the line.

Bermuda Protected Species Black Corals or Antipatharia Level 2

Class: Anthozoa; Order: Antipatharia Ecology Habitat Black corals are very common on deep reefs (>50m) and on the Identification offshore banks. They also occur on the flank of the seamounts Black corals are an abundant group of animals living on to great depths (>1000m). Black corals are poorly studied Bermuda’s deep reefs and the offshore Challenger and below 60m and may decline with depth. 10 deep water species Plantagenet (Argus) banks. These are colonial animals that have been reported but are poorly studied. produce internal flexible skeletons made of protein. There are Range 10 species of black corals known from Bermuda’s deep reefs and seamount slopes. They range inr colou from black to Bermuda’s black coral species are common in the Caribbean. Bottle brush bush black coral brown. The colour comes from soft tissue surrounding the There is a possibility that some black corals in Bermuda may be Tandcetipathes hirta internal skeleton. Their shapes are varied: small fans, tall with new species. (c) Jill Heinerth few branches, limited branching in one plane, long spiraling Feeding habits whips and a bottle‐brush shape. Only a few specimens are in museum collections because they live in inaccessible habitats. Black corals use polyps with only six tentacles to capture plankton from the water. They are slow growing , very long Proposed lived (decades to millennia) and are poorly known because of Add as level 2 protected species Bermuda’s black corals the extreme depths they inhabit. There are reports of Cupressopathes gracilis symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) living in their tissues that could Current Status Tanacetipathes hirta pass simple sugars, derived from photosynthesis, to the coral Tanacetipathes tanacetum for energy. This has not been verified in Bermudian black Native Tanacetipathes thamnea Antipathes atlantica corals. BPSA: proposed CITES: Appendix II Antipathes furcata Stichopathes cf. spiessi Reproduction & Life Cycle Bda Red List: VU CMS: No Stichopathes occidentalis Reproduction and life cycles traits of black corals have not been Stichopathes setacea Gray sea fan black coral, Fisheries Order: Yes Parantipathes tetrasticha studied in Bermuda. Some species have an annual reproductive Antipathes atlantica cycle that produces free– swimming larvae. Author: Dr. Struan Smith Three black coral specimens (c) S.R. Smith remain unidentified and may be Why protect this species Curator, Natural History Museum new species. Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo Corals living on deeper reefs are damaged by anchors and Department of Conservation Services fishing gear, including lobster traps. A future potential threat is deep sea ocean mining. Revised: July 2015

Bermuda Protected Species Black Corals or Antipatharia Class: Anthozoa; Order: Antipatharia What is being done to conserve Information sources them? To learn more please visit: www.conservation.bm

Protected Species Act Listing: Level 2, 2015 (proposed) IUCN Red List: Not assessed Recovery Plan: To be developed Public awareness: Included in the broad outreach to communicate the status of protected species in Bermuda

Research: Technical divers have been able to retrieve specimens down to 140m Artificial propagation: None required

Recovery of injured animals: None required, damaged corals should be left in place Black corals off Kitchen shoals at 115m depth. (c) Jill Heinerth Protective legislation

Protected Species Act 2003 (proposed)

Fisheries Act 1972 (remove)

What you can do

Learn: Understand how destruction of black corals leads to loss of species on Bermuda’s deep reefs. Tell others what For Further Information you have learned. Department of Conservation Services #17 North Shore Road, Flatts, FL04, Join a conservation group: such as the Bermuda Zoological Bermuda T (441) 293 2727. Society and Reef Watch. www.conservation.bm

Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is based on the knowledge and understanding at the time of writing. 37

Bermuda Protected Species GOVERNMENT OF BERMUDA Hard or Stony Corals Level 2 Department of Conservation Services Class: Anthozoa; Order: Scleractinia

pigments in the plant cells that give the hard corals their Ecology colouration. Deep water hard corals lack zooxanthellae (termed Identification azooxanthellate) and are slow growing and do not build reefs.

The hard or stony corals are the most critical group of animals Agaricia fragilis dana Polymyces wellsi living on Bermuda’s reefs. These corals are colonial animals that Stephanocoenia intersepta Fungiacyathus symmetricus Diploria labyrinthiformis Guynia annulata produce hard calcium carbonate external skeletons. The Pseudodiploria strigosa Madrepora carolina growth, death and accumulation of coral skeletons is how Favia fragum Madrepora oculata Brain coral, Pseudodiploria strigosa Bermuda’s reefs were formed. There are 20 species of hard Dichocoenia stokesi Madracis asperula Meandrina meandrites Madracis myriaster corals found on Bermuda’s shallow reefs, including the brain Orbicella franksi Astrangia solitaria corals (Pseudodiploria) and stars corals (Monstastraea Montastraea cavernosa Colangia immersa orbicella). They range in colour from dark brown to yellow‐ Isophyllia sinuosa Stenocyathus vermiformis Scolymia cubensis Deltocyathoides stimpsonii green to pinkish‐white. Their shapes are varied: large Oculina diffusa hemispheres, small mounds, plates, crusts, and branching Oculina varicosa colonies. The shapes reflect prevailing environmental Oculina valenciennesi Madracis auretenra conditions. Madracis decactis Porites porites Finger corals, Madracis decactis and Madracis Habitat Porites astreoides auretenra . © Thad Murdoch Siderastrea radians Hard corals can be found in our inshore bays and harbours, on Siderastrea siderea Proposed patch reefs across the North Lagoon, becoming very abundant Caryophyllia ambrosia ambrosia on our rim reefs and outer terrace reefs. Hard corals decline in Caryophyllia sarsiae Coenocyathus goreaui Add as Level 2 protected species abundance below 30m but can be found at depths below Deltocyathus calcar 1000m. 28 deep water species have been reported. Deltocyathus eccentricus Current Status Deltocyathus italicus Range Deltocyathus moseleyi Native Desmophyllum dianthus All Bermuda’s shallow coral species are common throughout Lophelia pertusa BPSA: proposed CITES: Appendix II Oxysmilia rotundifolia the Caribbean and the Florida Keys. Hard corals at depths Paracyathus pulchellus below 30m are not well studied. Phyllangia americana americana Bda Red List: VU CMS: No Solenosmilia variabilis Tethocyathus cylindraceus Fisheries Order: Yes Feeding habits Enallopsammia rostrata Hard corals use soft polyps with small tentacles to capture Rhizopsammia bermudensis Author: Dr. Struan Smith plankton from the water. They also rely on symbiotic algae Javania cailleti Curator, Natural History Museum (zooxanthellae) living in their tissues to pass simple sugars, derived from photosynthesis, to them for energy. It is the Revised: July 2015 38

Bermuda Protected Species Hard or Stony corals GOVERNMENT OF BERMUDA Class: Anthozoa; Order: Scleractinia Department of Conservation Services

Reproduction & Life Cycle Areas Artificial propagation: none required Hard corals release eggs and sperm into the water in the summer months, usually 7‐10 days after the full moon, to create Recovery of injured animals: none required, damaged corals larvae that settle back onto the reef. Hard corals grow asexually should be left in place and form large colonies that can persist for centuries, individual star corals may exceed 1000 years of age. Growth and Protective legislation reproduction of many hard corals have been studied in Bermuda. Protected Species Act 2003 (proposed) Fisheries Act 1972 (remove) Why protect this species

 Corals living on shallow reefs are vulnerable to boat strikes Massive colony of the lesser star coral, Orbicella franksi and anchor damage. What you can do? © Chris Burville  Corals living on deeper reef are damaged by anchors and Learn: to recognize the species and reduce damage to the fishing gear, including lobster traps. corals. Understand how destruction of corals leads to loss of  Hard corals are susceptible to thermal stress in the summer species on Bermuda’s reefs. Tell others what you have learned. months that causes coral bleaching. Some bleached colonies may die while others will suffer reduced growth and Join a conservation group: such as the Bermuda Zoological Society and Reef Watch. reproduction.  A potential threat is deep ocean mining. Do not anchor on reefs

What is being done to conserve Information sources them? To learn more please visit: www.conservation.bm

Protected Species Act Listing: Level 2 (Proposed) Endemic cave coral, Rhizopsammia bermudensis IUCN Red List: Not assessed © Ian Murdoch Recovery Plan: no plan has been developed. For Further Information Public awareness: included in the broad outreach to Department of Conservation Services communicate the status of protected species in Bermuda #17 North Shore Road, Flatts, FL04, Research: Hard corals are recorded in reef surveys and the Bermuda T (441) 293 2727. completion of Coral Reef Economic Valuation study. www.conservation.bm

Habitat protection: included in the broad protection of Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is based Bermuda’s reefs and many are also present in Marine Protected on the knowledge and understanding at the time of writing. 39

Bermuda Protected Species GOVERNMENT OF BERMUDA Soft Corals or Octocorals Level 2 Department of Conservation Services Class: Anthozoa; Order: Alcyonacea Ecology Bermuda’s known soft corals Briareum asbestinum Candidella imbricata Identification Gorgonia ventalina Narella alvinae Leptogorgia cf. setacea Narella versluysi Soft corals are an abundant group of animals living on Antillogorgia acerosa Narella bellissima Bermuda’s reefs and inshore bays. These corals are colonial Antillogorgia americana Thouarella sp. animals that produce internal flexible skeletons made of Pterogorgia citrina Thouarella (Euthouarella)‐ Eunicea calyculata grasshoffi protein. There are 25 species of soft corals found on Bermuda’s Eunicea clavigera Ceratoisis flexibilis shallow reefs, including the sea fan, sea rods and sea feathers. Sea fan, Gorgonia ventalina Eunicea fusca Chelidonisis aurantiaca They ranger in colou from black to dark purple to brown and Eunicea knighti Lepidisis caryophyllia pale white. The colour comes from elements in the soft tissue Eunicea tourneforti Lepidisis simplex surrounding the internal skeleton. Their shapes are varied: large Eunicea tourneforti forma atra Antillogorgia acerosa fans, tall with few branches, bushy and branched in all Muricea atlantica Thelogorgia vossi Muricea laxa Bebryce parastellata directions, limited branching in one plane. There is one Muricea muricata Muriceides kükenthali encrusting species. Muricea pinnata Scleracis guadalupensis Muricea cf. waltonsmithi Scleracis petrosa Habitat Plexaura flexuosa Thesea citrina Plexaura homomalla Placogorgia cf. intermedia Soft corals are found in our inshore bays and harbours, on patch Plexaurella dichotoma Placogorgia tenuis reefs across the North Lagoon, and are abundant on our rim Plexaurella grisea Eunicea pinta Purple sea rod, Plexaura flexuosa reefs. Soft corals decline in abundance below 20m but are Plexaurella nutans Lytreia plana Proposed found at depths below 1000m. 35 deep water species have Pseudoplexaura flagellosa Muricea elongata been reported but are poorly studied. Pseudoplexaura porosa Plexaurella nutans Add as Level 2 protected species Pseudoplexaura wagenaari Sclerobelemnon theseus Range Nidalia occidentalis Telestula septentrionalis Current Status Gersemia rubiformis All Bermuda’s shallow soft coral species are common in the Ellisella atlantica Native Caribbean and the Florida Keys. Ellisella barbadensis Ellisella grandis BPSA: Level 2 CITES: No Feeding habits Nicella gracilis Chrysogorgia fewkesii Soft corals use polyps with eight tentacles to capture plankton Bda Red List: VU CMS: No Callogorgia sp. from the water. They also rely on symbiotic algae Callogorgia gracilis Fisheries Order: Yes (zooxanthellae) living in their tissues to pass simple sugars, Callogorgia verticillata derived from photosynthesis, to them for energy. Deep water

Author: Dr. Struan Smith soft corals lack zooxanthellae (termed azooxanthellate) and are slow growing and are poorly known. Revised: July 2015 40

Bermuda Protected Species Soft corals or Octocorals GOVERNMENT OF BERMUDA Class: Anthozoa; Order: Alcyonacea Department of Conservation Services Reproduction & Life Cycle Artificial propagation: none required Recovery of injured animals: None required, damaged corals Soft corals release eggs and sperm into the water in the summer should be left in place months, usually 5‐8 days after the full moon, to create larvae that settle back onto the reef. Soft corals grow asexually and form large colonies that can survive for decades. Reproduction has Protective legislation been studied in only two soft corals in Bermuda. Fisheries Act 1972 (Remove) Protected Species Act 2003 (Proposed)

Why protect this species What you can do?

 Soft corals living on shallow reefs are vulnerable to boat Learn: To recognize the species and reduce damage to the corals. strikes and anchor damage Understand how destruction of corals leads to loss of species on  Soft corals living on deeper reefs are damaged by anchors Bermuda’s reefs. Tell others what you have learned.

and fishing gear, including lobster traps. Join a conservation group: such as the Bermuda Zoological  Soft corals are susceptible to thermal stress in the summer Society and Reef Watch. months that causes minor coral bleaching. Do not anchor on reefs.  One disease is known to affect the sea fan.  Potential threat is deep ocean mining. Information sources What is being done to conserve To learn more please visit: www.conservation.bm Sea Feather, Antillogorgia americana

them?

Protected Species Act Listing: Level 2 (proposed)

IUCN Red List: Not assessed

Recovery Plan: Proposed For Further Information Public awareness: Included in the broad outreach to Department of Conservation Services communicate the status of protected species in Bermuda #17 North Shore Road, Flatts, FL04, Research: Soft corals are recorded in reef surveys. Bermuda T (441) 293 2727.

www.conservation.bm Habitat protection: included in the broad protection of

Bermuda’s reefs and many are also present in Marine Protected Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is Areas based on the knowledge and understanding at the time of 41

Bermuda Protected Species Level 2 GOVERNMENT OF BERMUDA Long‐Spined Sea Urchin Department of Conservation Services Diadema antillarum

decimated, D. antillarum are among the most important algal‐ Ecology clearing megafauna on the reef. Long‐spined urchins are quite cryptic, remaining in crevices and under ledges during daylight Identification hours.

As its common name, long‐spined sea urchin, indicates Bermudian populations of D. antillarum were reported as Diadema antillarum has distinctively long spines. These are impacted at the time of the Caribbean mass mortality of 1983‐ commonly 10‐12 cm long, but can be as long as 30‐40 cm. The 1984 (Lessios, 1988). round body, or test, of adult long‐spined urchins may be 3.5 to Reproduction and Life Cycle 6 cm in diameter. Both the spines and the test are usually very dark purple‐red colored, almost black, although juveniles with Only one intensive study has been made of the reproduction of light banded and adults with greyish white spines have been D. antillarum in Bermuda. Gonads are ripe from late spring to reported. © Cayman early winter but the main spawning periods seem to be in early

summer and late fall (Iliffe and Pearse, 1982). Spawning occurs Proposed Range near the time of the new moon.

There are eight living (extant) species in the genus Diadema, Reproductive activity is restricted to periods of ambient Add as Level 2 protected species which are distributed globally. Diadema antillarum is the only o seawater temperatures greater than 20 C, but other species known from the Caribbean region and Bermuda, but it environmental cues may also be important to seasonal has also been reported from, the Canary Islands, western Africa, reproductive patterns. Fertilization of gametes is external and the eastern Pacific and Australia. larvae are long‐term planktotrophs, so that maximizing

Current Status retention on the platform and access to planktonic food are Habitat both important to successful recruitment. Native There are few published, data‐based, reports on the distribution and abundance of D. antillarum in Bermuda. Those BPSA: proposed CITES: No few indicate densities are among the lowest in the known range Why protect this species of the species (Bauer, 1980); and “large”, inshore populations Bda Red List: VU CMS: No are rare (Iliffe and Pearse, 1982) with the urchins being most  Restricted distribution in Bermuda due to specific habitat abundant in Bermuda on fringing reefs of the South Shore. requirements; some of these habitats are heavily utilized Recent studies by the Department of Conservation Sevices by recreational divers. (DCS) support these historical observations of low densities and  Low population numbers in Bermuda; this is probably due Author: patchy distribution along the south and western reefs. In other to both disease and slow recovery and recreational locations, high densities are found in shallow intertidal activities such as feeding long‐spined urchins to various Drs K. A. Coates and S. A. Manuel locations, but Bermuda’s known populations are all subtidal, on fishes. reefs. Marine Ecology Section  Environmentally important member eof th reef‐grazing community. The densest populations of D. antillarum are generally found at Department of Conservation Services depths of 12m or less, but they are reported up to depths of  Data lacking on reproductive success. 400m. Long‐spined urchins primarily graze on algae growing on  Data lacking on genetic uniqueness of Bermudian Revised: July 2015 the reef and may remove juvenile/newly settled corals. In populations. Caribbean reef locations where grazing fishn have bee 42

Bermuda Protected Species Long‐Spined Sea Urchin GOVERNMENT OF BERMUDA Diadema antillarum Department of Conservation Services What is being done to conserve it? What you can do

Protected Species Act Listing: Level 2 (proposed) Join a conservation group: such as the Bermuda Zoological Society and Reef Watch. IUCN Red List: Not assessed Do not litter Recovery Plan: Needs to be developed. Public awareness : Posters and information on website. Do not pollute

Research: Little research and few surveys of Bermuda’s Do not interfere with reef creatures population; no specific tracking of population recovery since suspected decline of early 1980’s. Need to: monitor populations; conduct surveys of likely habitat to fully document existing populations; identify habitat requirements of juveniles Information sources and adults; undertake research to determine reproductive success , including genetic connections to Caribbean To learn more please visit: www.conservation.bm populations—comparative genetic studies initiated in 2009 . Source Habitat protection: Corals are already protected; coral reef All the references cited here are available from the Department preserves only protect attached organisms; collecting by of Conservation Services library at the Bermuda Natural History SCUBA divers forbidden but not collection by snorkelling. Need Museum. to further protect any known, occupied locations. Bauer, J. C. 1980. Bulletin of Marine Science 30: 505‐515. Artificial propagation – Not necessary at the current population levels. Iliffe, T. M. and Pearse, J. S. 1982. International Journal of Invertebrate Reproduction 5: 139‐148 Recovery of injured animals – N/a Lessios, H. A. 1988. Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics

19: 371‐393 Protective legislation

Protected Species Act 2003 (proposed) For Further Information Department of Conservation Services #17 North Shore Road, Flatts, FL04,

Bermuda T (441) 293 2727. www.conservation.bm

Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is based on the knowledge and understanding at the time of writing.

Bermuda Protected Species GOVERNMENT OF BERMUDA West Indian Sea Egg Level 2 Department of Conservation Services Tripneustes ventricosus

Ecology Reproduction & Life Cycle We know of no studies on growth and reproduction undertaken in Bermuda. Studies in the Caribbean indicate a life span of 2 to Identification 3 years (Pena et al., 2010). Sexual maturity is usually attained Tripneustes ventricosus has the largest body, or test, of any of within one year (Pena et al., 2009). A short life span combined the sea urchins found in Bermuda, up to 15 cm. The body is with annually variable reproduction canh lead to hig variation in banded white and dark brown, purple or even black; the spines densities from one year to the next. are white and about 2 cm long. Both “West Indian sea egg” and “white sea urchin” are common names for T. ventricosus. The During spawning periods the urchins tend to gather in groups. roe or ripe gonads of this species are prized as an exotic food Breeding season can last for several months, with peaks in item. spawning usually occurring during the summer months (about

S.A. Manuel, Bermuda April to August). Duration and timing of spawning can vary from Range one geographic location to another depending on various The WI sea egg is primarily a tropical species with some environmental cues, such as water temperature, and food Proposed subtropical extensions of its range. It occurs along the US Coast concentrations (Macia and Robinson, 2009). Fertilization and from Florida to South Carolina, throughout the Caribbean, early development occur in the water column so that early Add as Level 2 protected species south to the central Atlantic coast of Brazil and all around larvae are at the mercy of currents. Tiny pluteus larvae settle on Bermuda (Pena et al., 2010). the bottom about a month after fertilization. Some studies Current Status indicate higher recruit densities of larvae on the macroalga Habitat Padina sp. and on the seagrass Thalassia testudinum. Native The WI sea egg is found mostly in shallow water with wave and BPSA: Proposed CITES: No current action, among coral or rock rubble, in algal rock flats or Why protect this species in seagrass beds. Adults are fairly sedentary and juveniles tend Bda Red List: VU CMS: No to recruit to the same habitats in which adults occur; the  Population decline: Sea egg populations have declined presence of suitable hiding places enhances juvenile survival significantly in some locations in the Caribbean, despite (Pena et al., 2010). Department of Conservation Services has management and conservation efforts (Pena et al., 2010); data on distribution and densities of T. ventricosus on the anecdotal reports also suggest declines in Bermuda Author: Bermuda platform from six years of benthic surveys, but these (Thomas 2010) are not yet completely analysed. In general, sea eggs are found  Fishery pressures: Sea eggs represent a commercially Drs K. A. Coates and S. A. Manuel in few locations and are not very abundant in any location on important but small fishery on some Caribbean islands and the Bermuda platform. We are not aware of other population the maturee ro of Tripneustes sp. is considered a delicacy Marine Ecology Section assessments for Bermuda. as far afield as Japan  Easily accessed: Sea eggs live in nearshore, shallow water, Department of Conservation Services The sea egg is a grazer, feeding preferentially on seagrasses and habitats frequented by the public; although sea eggs have brown and green macroalgae. Studies of genetic differences the habitat of covering themselves with bits and pieces of Revised: July 2015 among populations suggest that gene flow is very restricted debris (sponge, seagrass) they are not difficult to find. (Pena et al., 2009). Therefore it is more than likely that sea eggs  Habitat destruction: The nearshore, shallow‐water habitats in Bermuda are isolated from those in other geographic of the sea eggs, both reefs and seagrass meadows, are locations. Survival of local populations depends on local heavily impacted by coastal developments and marine reproduction and recruitment. Several species of reef fish and activities; this impacts adult populations and juveniles. larger predatory gastropods prey on the WI sea egg. 44

Bermuda Protected Species West Indian Sea Egg GOVERNMENT OF BERMUDA Tripneustes ventricosus Department of Conservation Services What is being done to conserve it? What you can do

Protected Species Act Listing: Level 2 (proposed) Learn: about the effects of shoreline development and artificial structures extending from the shore IUCN Red List: Not assessed Do not litter Recovery Plan: To be developed. Protect: nearshore habitats Public awareness: Posters and information available on website. Join or form a conservation group

Research: Little or no research has been undertaken on Bermuda populations. Need to: monitor populations over S.A. Manuel, Bermuda several years; conduct comprehensive surveys of likely habitat Information sources to develop population size estimates; determine parameters limiting habitat; determine genetic variation and distinctness of To learn more please visit: www.conservation.bm Bermuda population; determine recruitment in several successive years. All the references included here are available from the Dept of Conservation Services library at the Natural History Museum Habitat protection: Limit new development of near shore and Zoo. rubble and seagrass habitats; limit dock development; limit moorings; limit shoreline hardening; limit ocean dumping. FIRA. 2011. FAO A Wider Caribbean Initiative, Developing a regional hatchery for native shellfish species: pooling resources Artificial propagation: Artificial increase of current population and expertise. sizes not recommended unless protection is not effective in population maintenance. If a fishery is considered, then Maciá, S. and Robinson, M. P. 2009. Caribbean Journal of artificial propagation would be needed (FIRA, 2011). Science 45: 64‐68.

Recovery of injured animals: N/A © S.A. Manuel, Bermuda Pena, M., Parker, C., Oxenford, H. A. and Johnson, A. 2009. Proceedings Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute 61: 471‐481.

Pena, M., Oxenford, H. A., Parker, C. and Johnson, A. 2010. FAO For Further Information

Protective legislation Fisheries and Aquaculture Circular No. 1056. Rome. Department of Conservation Services Protected Species Act 2003 (proposed) #17 North Shore Road, Flatts, FL04, Thomas, M. L. H. 2010. A Naturalist’s field guide to Bermuda. Bermuda T (441) 293 2727.

Bermuda Zoological Society, Bermuda. www.conservation.bm

Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is based on the knowledge and understanding at the time of writing.

Bermuda Protected Species Level 2 GOVERNMENT OF BERMUDA Four Sided Sea Cucumber Department of Conservation Services Isostichopus badionotus

I. badionotus is a deposit feeder, ingesting sediments and Ecology reducing sand and organic matter into finer particles. These processes increase nutrient availability for other marine Identification organisms and turn over the top layers of sediment allowing oxygen to penetrate. The I. badionotus population of the past Isostichopus badionotus or the four sided sea cucumber is also century in Harrington Sound was estimated0 to ingest 50 ‐1000 commonly called three‐rowed sea cucumber and, in Bermuda, tons of sand annually (Crozier, 1918). sea pudding. It is the largest sea cucumber found in Bermuda, often 20 to 30 cm long and 8 cm in diameter, and comes in Reproduction and Life Cycle browns and blacks in a variety of patterns. Individuals are frequently all black, but can be patchy black and golden brown Sexes are separate, fertilization is external, and early larvae are or mostly brown with black spots, like chocolate chips. The pelagic. There are no published studies on the reproduction of I. © S. A. Manuel, Bermuda body wall is thick and rigid with many pointed papillae that badionotus in Bermuda, but from studies of this species in other protrude from the lateral and upper walls of the body. The body geographic locations (Pires‐Nogueira et al., 2001, Brazil; Graaf has a distinct, flattened, ventral side with three rows of tube et al., 1999, Bonaire; Guzman et al., 2003, Panama) maximum Proposed feet. spawning activity occurs when the water is at its warmest. Other environmental cues may be important to reproduction. Add as Level 2 protected species Range

Current Status The four sided sea cucumber is found throughout the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico and along the southern US east Why protect this species Native coast, as well as off the north coast of Brazil and at Ascension Island. It is the most commercially exploited species of sea  The aquaculture service of the FAO (FIRA, 2011) considers I. BPSA: proposed CITES: No cucumber in the greater Caribbean. badionotus threatened in the Caribbean  Easy to exploit: it is sedentary and highly visible on shallow Bda Red List: VU CMS: No Habitat sandy bottoms.  Highly commercially valued species in the Caribbean Studies done in Bermuda in the late 1970s (Sloan and von (Guzman and Guervara, 2002); demand from the Asian Bodungen, 1980) found the highest density populations of I. bêche de mer market has led, very quickly, to this species Author: badionotus in sheltered, low energy locations less than 15 m being fished to critical levels in a number of Caribbean deep, on sandy bottoms, on patch reefs or associated with low countries; Venezuela and Panama have closed their I. Drs K. A. Coates and S. A. Manuel cover seagrass beds. The highest densities were about 8 badionotus fisheries as a result of overfishing. individuals per 10 square metres. Department of Conservation  Commercial fishing has been suggested for Bermuda. Marine Ecology Section Services (DCS) surveys from 2006 to 2008 found sea cucumbers  Environmentally important: I. badionotus plays a at depths from 1 to 22 m, very widespread in the north lagoon substantial role in nutrient cycling—especially important in Department of Conservation Services and inshore bays and harbours, infrequently with densities nutrient poor locations, such as Bermuda; no other species greater than 1 per 10 square metres (DCS, 2014, internal in Bermuda provides similar ecosystem services. Revised: July 2015 report).  Data deficient in Bermuda regarding: genetic diversity, reproductive patterns, reproductive success.

Bermuda Protected Species Four Sided Sea Cucumber GOVERNMENT OF BERMUDA Isostichopus badionotus Department of Conservation Services What is being done to conserve it? Information sources

Protected Species Act Listing: Level 2 (Proposed) To learn more please visit: www.conservation.bm

IUCN Red List: Not assessed All the references cited here are available from the Department Recovery Plan: management plan needs to be developed. of Conservation Services library at the Bermuda Natural History Museum. Public awareness: posters and information on website.

Research: little or no research has been undertaken on Crozier, W. J. 1918. Journal of Experimental Zoology. 26: 379‐389. Bermuda populations. Need to: monitor populations over time; identify juvenile habitat requirements; determine population FIRA. 2011. FAO A Wider Caribbean Initiative, Developing a regional geneticd diversity an distinctiveness; conduct comprehensive hatchery for native shellfish species: pooling resources and expertise. surveys of likely habitat to develop population size estimates; Graaf de M., Geertjes ,G. J., Videler, J. J. 1999. Bulletin of Marine determine parameters limiting habitat; determine recruitment Science 64: 189–194 . in several successive years. Guzman, H. M. and Guevara, C. A. 2002. Caribbean Journal of Science Habitat protection: protect known habitat from any collecting. 38: 230‐238. Artificial propagation: research is ongoing. Guzman, H. M, Guevara, C. A., Hernandez, I. C. 2003. Marine Biology Recovery of injured animals: n/a 142: 271–279.

Pires‐Nogueira, R. L., Freire, C. B., Rezende, C. R., Campos‐Creasey, L. S. 2001. In: Abstracts of the 9th international congress of invertebrate Protective legislation reproduction and development, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, © S. A. Manuel, Bermuda South Africa, 15–20 July 2001 .

Bermuda Protected Species Act 2003 (Proposed) Sloan, N.A. and von Bodungen, B. 1980. Marine Ecology—Progress Series 2: 257‐264.

What you can do For Further Information Do not litter Department of Conservation Services

Do not pollute: metals such as copper, nickel and lead may #17 North Shore Road, Flatts, FL04, accumulate in the sea cucumbers tissues. Bermuda T (441) 293 2727. www.conservation.bm Do not pick up and squeeze Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is based on the knowledge and understanding at the time of Join a conservation group writing.

Bermuda Protected Species Level 2 GOVERNMENT OF BERMUDA Leaf Cutter Bee Department of Conservation Services Megachile pruina bermudensis

whole year to pass through a complete life cycle, with an adult Ecology living only a couple of week. Therefore the young have to fend Identification for themselves. Newly emerged females begin constructing nests in Spring. In Megachile pruina bermudiensis is an endemic sub‐species of the Bermuda these nests are found in the cavities of the island’s Leaf Cutter Bee Megachile pruina. porous limestone. The female will prepare a burrow by Leaf Cutter bees are solitary bees from the family Megachilidae. overlapping segments of a cut leaf to create a lined cell. In each The Leaf Cutter bee is somewhat larger and its abdomen is ycell the will lay a single egg and supply it with pollen upon more white and black opposed to yellow and black of the which the larva will feed once it hatches. The larvae pupate will common European Honey Bee. Pollen is carried on the mature in the cell over winter and emerge in early May. underside of the abdomen, never on the hind legs. One sign of their presence is the circular holes cut in the leaves of certain When they were first observed in Bermuda they were noted to plants. make their circular incisions in rose leaves and nest in dry stone © Drew Pettit Range walls (Ogilve 1928). Currently in their isolated locations in the Castle Harbour Reserve they are utilizing Jamaica Dogwood Proposed Common to North America, Leaf Cutter Bees occur in North (Dodonaea viscosa), Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus Carolina, Georgia and Florida. Add as Level 2 protected species quinquefolia), Peach Prunus persica, Burr Bush (Triumfetta The Bermuda Leaf Cutter bee was first observed in 1913 on semitriloba) and Wax Myrtle (Myrica cerifera). Current Status Nonsuch Island. In 1928 it was observed on the main islands. Feeding habits However in a study undertaken in 1990 it was noted to be Endemic surviving only in and around Nonsuch, Island. Currently it is Important native pollinators of North America. One of the reasons they are efficient pollinators is their frequency of visits BPSA: proposed CITES: No known to only aggregate on two islands in the Castle Harbour Area. They forage on the Nonsuch and Cooper’s Island Nature to plants. This is because they are extremely inefficient at Bda Red List: VU CMS: No Reserves. collecting pollen; compared to all other bee families. Megachilids require on average nearly 10 times as many trips to Habitat flowers to gather sufficient resources to provision a single brood cell. In Bermuda bees forage on Sea Ox Eye flowers in Rocky coastal area of Bermuda’s South Shore in vicinity of the Author: Mr. Drew Pettit May‐June. Castle Island Harbour. Foraging on flowering coastal plants and Director nesting in cavities in the Bermuda sand stone. Why protect this species Department of Conservation Services Life Cycle Reasons for population decrease are unknown at this time and Unlike the European Honey Bee, the Leaf Cutter Bee does not Revised: July 2015 require research. Likely candidates include destruction of create a hive with a queen and workers, nor do they work habitat, competition/predation from invasive species and together for a common cause. Solitary bees typically take one pesticide use. 48

Bermuda Protected Species Leaf Cutter Bee GOVERNMENT OF BERMUDA Megachile pruina bermudensis Department of Conservation Services

Join a conservation group: such as the Bermuda Zoological What is being done to conserve it? Society, or the Bermuda Audubon Society.

Protected Species Act Listing— Level 2 (proposed) Observe: Report distinctive circular incisions in leaves of Peach IUCN Red List: Not assessed tree, Jamaican Dogwood, Virginia Creeper in May‐June. Email conservation.gov.bm. Recovery Plan: Little or no research has been undertaken on Bermuda populations. Need to: monitor populations over Plant: Plant native plants for forage and nesting material. several years; conduct comprehensive surveys of likely habitat to develop population size estimates; determine parameters limiting habitat; determine genetic variation and distinctness of Information sources Bermuda population, determine recruitment in several successive years. To learn more please visit: www.conservation.bm Viewable for download www.conservation.bm Hilburn et al.: Hymenoptera of Bermuda, 1990. Public awareness: To be launched. T.B.Mithcell. A Species of Megachile from Bermuda. Psyche Research: Research has focused on identification and 36:93‐94, 1929. understanding of life cycle. J. S. Moure, G. A. R. Melo & A. DalMolin, 2012. Megachilini Habitat protection: Limit pesticide use, undertake invasive Latreille, 1802. In Moure, J. S., Urban, D. & Melo, G. A. R. (Orgs). species removal, pollution control and remediation. Catalogue of Bees (Hymenoptera, Apoidea) in the Neotropical Region ‐ online version. Available at http:// Artificial habitat: Potential. Investigation is ongoing into use of www.moure.cria.org.br/catalogue. Accessed Aug/11/2015 artificial bee boxes.

Local breeding programs: Potential

Protected Species Act 2003 (proposed) For Further Information Department of Conservation Services #17 North Shore Road, Flatts, FL04, What you can do Bermuda T (441) 293 2727. www.conservation.bm Learn: Learn more about the species. Understand how

destruction of habitat leads to loss of endangered and Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is threatened species and Bermuda’s plant and animal diversity. based on the knowledge and understanding at the time of Tell others what you have learned. writing. Typical Leaf Cutter Bee circular incisions on Virginia Creeper 49 Protected Species Order 2015 – Protected Species Act 2003 August 2015

4.0. Level 3

A. Proposed to downgrade from Level 2 to Level 3:

1. Yellow Wood Tree (Zanthoxylum flavum) (N)(CR)

B. Proposed to modify:

1. Bermuda Cedar (Juniperus bermudiana) (Pre blight)(E) (CR)

Bermuda Protected Species Level 3 GOVERNMENT OF BERMUDA Yellow Wood Department of Conservation Services Zanthoxylum flavum

at the Government Plant Nursery. These were distributed to the Ecology public. Unfortunately a later survey found only 3 surviving from Identification these experiments.

A smooth barked evergreen native Reproduction & Life Cycle tree with spreading branches. The leaves are pinnately compound with 5‐ Propagated with difficulty from seed. A slow grower it needs a 11 leaflets, including one at the tip. sheltered location to start at the sapling stage but very hardy Male and female flowers are produced once established. Pollination is probably from bees and the on separate trees; both are needed for seeds are dispersed by birds. pollination. It produces clusters of tiny creamy‐yellow flowers followed by Propagation: Seed Collection: from September to December black seeds which attract birds. The (varies by year). Germination: 4 to 12 weeks Planting: 3 to 5 tree flowers and fruits in September. years. Both the flower and leaves have a Britton, 1918 As the Yellowwood needs both the Male and Female plant to citrus fragrance. The tree drops some, be be in close proximity to successfully pollinate it is but not all, leaves in winter. Historically it was used for its recommended that these trees be planted in a mixed grove of 3 © Alison Copeland valuable lumber, which was exported to England. This business or 5. Proposed was stopped by gubernatorial proclamation as early as 1632. Old records prove the occurrence of large trees on Cooper's Modify from Level 2 to Level 3 Island and Ireland Island prior to 1693. It is now extremely rare and is protected under the Protected Species Act 2003. Why protect this species Current Status Range This species is threatened throughout its range due to: Native Native to Anguilla; Bahamas; Bermuda; Brazil (Amazonas);  Destruction of habitat  Development and habitat fragmentation BPSA: Level 2 CITES: No Cuba; Dominican Republic; Honduras; Jamaica; Puerto Rico; Saint Lucia; United States (Florida).  Competition from invasive species Bda Red List: CR CMS: No Habitat

Author: Ms. Alison Copeland, In Bermuda today it is rarely seen and as such is listed due Biodiversity Officer to its significant decline, slow growth and difficulty in

propagation. Department of Conservation Services

Revised: July 2015 In the 1980s over 1000 Yellowwoods were produced by cuttings 52

Bermuda Protected Species Yellow Wood GOVERNMENT OF BERMUDA Zanthoxylum flavum Department of Conservation Services What is being done to conserve it? Artificial propagation:  Local propagation programs Listing: Level 2, 2012  Reintroductions into the wild IUCN Red List: VU A1c, 2.3

Recovery Plan: Protect and manage habitat, increase size and Protective legislation number of populations, conduct field surveys for new populations or potential habitat for introduction, conduct Protected Species Act 2003 research, maintain existing. Research to determine distribution and population genetics, dietary and habitat requirements and reproductive biology are ongoing. What you can do

Viewable for download www.conservation.bm Source Learn: Learn more about the species. Understand how Public awareness: Campaign has also been launched. destruction of habitat leads to loss of endangered and Research: Research has focused on environmental conditions threatened species and Bermuda’s plant and animal diversity. that affect germination and survival. Monitoring, genetic Tell others what you have learned. studies to better explain population structure and differences between populations. Join a conservation group: such as the Bermuda Zoological Society, or the Bermuda Audubon Society. Habitat protection: Limit pesticide use, undertake invasive

species removal, pollution control and remediation. Protection: As a protectedy species, an specimen found in a proposed development area should be relocated to a nature

reserve.

Plant: Incorporate this plant into your back yard garden or woodland conservation plan. Observation: If you see a specimen email © Alison Copeland [email protected] For Further Information Information sources Department of Conservation Services #17 North Shore Road, Flatts, FL04 To learn more please visit: www.conservation.bm Bermuda T (441) 293 2727. www.conservation.bm

Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is based on the knowledge and understanding at the time of Yellowwood trees in propagation at a nursery 2014 © R. Marirea writing.

Bermuda Protected Species Level 3 GOVERNMENT OF BERMUDA Bermuda Cedar (Pre‐blight) Department of Conservation Services Juniperus bermudiana Ecology Identification Reproduction & Life Cycle

In March and April the male trees release clouds of pollen which Bermuda's famous endemic tree; are dispersed by the wind to reach the flowering female trees. Bermuda Cedar is a juniper not a true The fruit ripens in September and October. cedar. In fertile soil and sheltered locations they grow up to 50 feet (16 m) Cedars are important as a food source and nesting for birds.

and may live for several hundred years. Cedar can be propagated from tip cuttings taken between Bermuda Cedar has dense blue‐green Novemberd an April and placed in rooting hormone. It can also foliage with small, scale‐like leaves on be grown from seeds collected from September to November. branches which are square in cross Germination time is 6‐24 weeks and trees can be planted out section. Bermuda Cedar has distinctive after 2 years. © Drew Pettit greyish bark that peels off in long strips. Britton, 1918 It has an irregular and widely branching Proposed habit; conic in outline when young and Why protect this species Modify to reflect species pre‐blight status becoming round topped when old. Cedars are either male or At one time this was the most common tree on the Bermudian female, the latter produces many round blue‐grey berries which landscape. The loss of 95% of the cedar population during the Current Status turn hdark bluis purple when ripe. blight of the 1940’s is Bermuda’s greatest ecological disaster. Endemic (pre.blight—pre. 1940s) Bermuda Cedar is currently threatened by loss of woodland Habitat BPSA: Level 3 CITES: No habitat, cutting of planted specimens to make way for developmentd an impacts from invasive plants. Evidence Bda Red List: VU CMS: No Bermuda Cedar is commonly found in upland forest habitat and suggests the introduced Darrell’s Cedar is hybridizing with freshwater marshes. It is tolerant of salt spray and can also Bermuda Cedar, threatening the unique genetics of the endemic survive in coastal forest where it grows in a stunted, sometimes population. sprawling manner. Cedars also thrive in managed landscapes like

Author: Ms. Alison Copeland, gardens, golf courses and churchyards.

Biodiversity Officer Range Department of Conservation Services

As an endemic, this tree has a highly restricted global Revised: July 2015 distribution.

Bermuda Protected Species Bermuda Cedar (Pre‐blight) GOVERNMENT OF BERMUDA Juniperus bermudiana Department of Conservation Services What is being done to conserve it? Protective legislation

Protected Species Act Listing: Level 3, 2012 Protected Species Act 2003

IUCN Red List: CR B1+2c, 2.3 Recovery Plan: Protect and manage habitat, increase size and What you can do number of populations, conduct field surveys for new populations or potential habitat for introduction, conduct Learn: Learn more about the species. Understand how research, maintain existing. destruction of habitat leads to loss of endangered and threatened species and Bermuda’s plant and animal diversity. Viewable for download www.conservation.bm Tell others what you have learned.

Public awareness: Campaign has been launched. Join a conservation group: such as the Bermuda Zoological Research: Research has focused on environmental conditions Society, or the Bermuda Audubon Society.

that affect germination and survival. Monitoring, genetic Control invasive plant species: Invasive plants should be studies to better explain population structure and differences managed in areas known to have specimens so that they do not between populations, mapping and dendrochronology. become overwhelmed by other vegetation.

Habitat protection: Limit pesticide use, undertake invasive Protection: As a protected species, any specimen found in a species removal, pollution control and remediation. proposed development area should be relocated to a an Monitoring: Actions currently underway include recording the appropriate location.

location when a specimen is discovered and monitoring the Plant: Incorporate this plant into your back yard garden or health of known specimens in nature reserves. woodland conservation plan. Artificial propagation: Bermuda Cedar has been widely Observation: If you see a specimen email propagated and planted in gardens, parks and nature reserves [email protected] © Alison Copeland since the 1960’s. These restoration efforts have increased the numbers and distribution. Woodland management and invasive For Further Information plant control measures have improved the quality of key Information sources Department of Conservation Services habitats. In 2007 seeds were sent to the Millennium Seed Bank #17 North Shore Road, Flatts, FL04, To learn more please visit: www.conservation.bm to guard against future environmental disasters. Ongoing Bermuda T (441) 293 2727. scientific study of the population genetics of the species should www.conservation.bm give a better understanding of the hybridization threat. Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is based on the knowledge and understanding at the time of writing.

55 Protected Species Order 2015 – Protected Species Act 2003 August 2015

5.0. Delist

1. Green Heron (Butorides virescens) (N) 2. St. Andrew’s Cross (Hypericum hypericoides) (N) 3. Bermuda Snowberry (Chiococca alba) (N) 4. Bermuda Palmetto (Sabal bermudana) (E) 5. Bermuda Olivewood (Cassine laneana) (E)

Bermuda Protected Species De‐list GOVERNMENT OF BERMUDA Green Heron Department of Conservation Services Butorides virescens

of the only known tool using birds. The tucked in neck can Ecology elongate substantially to pick fish out of the water. Identification Reproduction & Life Cycle Butorides virescens is a small heron native to North and Central America. The Adult body length is about 17 inches (45cm). The Bermuda resident population begins breeding in early Spring through to May. Pairs form after an intense courtship Adults have a glossy greenish‐black cap, a greenish back and display by the males who select the nesting sites with puffed up wings that are grey‐black; a chestnut neck, grey under parts and plumage. They nest in forest and swamp patches over water or short yellow legs. Its bill is straight long with a sharp point. The in plants near water. The nests are a platform of sticks. The neck is often pulled tight against the body. clutch is usually 2‐6 pale eggs laid in 2‐day intervals. Eggs © Drew Pettit incubate for 19‐21 days until hatching. The young are not fully The female adults tend to be smaller than the males with duller fledged until 30‐35 days but can leave the nest as early as 15 Proposed plumage. Juveniles are dull coloured as well, with the head days. sides, neck and underparts streaked with splotches of tan,

Delist as not needing human assistance to brown and white. Hatchlings are covered in light grey downed recover. feathers with a white belly, pale pink beak and vibrant green/ Why delist yellow eyes. Current Status The local population is low because it is a newly establishing Range native, not because of past decline. In fact the local population Native is growing without human aid. Native to Bermuda, Green Heron’s can be found in the U.S. East BPSA: Level 1 CITES: No Coast , Mexico, Caribbean and all Central America. While suitable nesting habitat will potentially be a limiting factor, this species is establishing well, with no natural Bda Red List: VU CMS: N/A Habitat predators, adequate food supply and ist no locally hunted.

The habitat of the Green Heron is wetland, including ponds, Therefore it is proposed to delist the species from the mangroves and coastal bogs. They feed actively during the day Protected Species Act 2003. It will continue to be protected eating small fish, frogs and aquatic arthropods. Green Herons under the Protection of Birds Act 1975. Author: Ms. Alison Copeland, are intolerant of other birds when feeding and do not forage in groups. Biodiversity Officer Department of Conservation Services Feeding habits To hunt they hover in shallow water and/or land on branches Revised: July 2015 above the water. Often they use boat mooring and buoy lines to catch fry. They have been known to attract fish by dropping insects or other small objects into the water making them one

Bermuda Protected Species Green Heron GOVERNMENT OF BERMUDA Butorides virescens Department of Conservation Services What is being done to conserve it?

Protected Species Act Listing: Level 1, 2012

IUCN Red Listing: Not assessed.

Public awareness: campaign has been launched. Research: Research has focused on nesting surveys and mapping range expansion over time. Habitat protection: Mangrove nesting habitat protected under the Protected Species Act. © D Pettit Recovery of injured animals: Members of the public can call or © Mandy Shailer deliver injured wildlife (protected species) to the Bermuda Information sources Aquarium, Museum and Zoo, #17 North Shore Road, Flatts. (441) 293‐2727 To learn more please visit: www.conservation.bm

Protective legislation

Protection of Birds Act 1975 Protected Species Act 2003 (Remove)

What you can do

Learn: Learn more about the species. Understand how © Jeremy Maderios destruction of habitat leads to loss of endangered and threatened species and Bermuda’s plant and animal diversity. Tell others what you have learned. For Further Information

Department of Conservation Services Join a conservation group: such as the Bermuda Zoological #17 North Shore Road, Flatts, FL04, Society, or the Bermuda Audubon Society. Bermuda T (441) 293 2727. Observe: follow signs posted to protect colonies of birds. Obey www.conservation.bm posted no wake signs when boating in costal waters

Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is based on the knowledge and understanding at the time of writing.

Bermuda Protected Species Delist GOVERNMENT OF BERMUDA St. Andrew’s Cross Department of Conservation Services Hypericum hypericoides

Northeastern U.S.A., North Central, Eastern and Southern parts Ecology of the U.S., ranging from Texas (Hatch et al., 1990) to the state Identification of New York and north to Massachusetts (Mitchell, 1986; Magee and Ahles, 2007). Its range extends to Mesoamerica countries of Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico. It is also found A member of the St. John's Wort family in the Caribbean Islands of Bahamas, Cuba, Dominican Republic, this small herb was previously known as Haiti, Jamaica and Puerto Rico (Liogier and Martorell, 1999), but Ascyrum hypercoides or Ascyrum appears to be notably absent in the U.S. Virgin Islands. macrosepalum. A small erect perennial shrub that gets its name from the 'X' Habitat shaped yellow flowers. The showy St. Andrew’s Cross is currently found in peat marshes and on flowers with numerous stamens are held dry hillsides in grassy situations according to the Gardener’s either singly or in branched clusters from Guide (Ogden, 2002), much in the same environment as that

© R. Marirea the upper axils. The small, bright green Britton, 1918 stated in Britton (1918). leaves are densely held on reddish branches. Proposed Reproduction & Life Cycle Taxonomic description by Britton (1918): An erect shrub, 1'‐2½', Delist as long term conservation will be high, with slender leafy branches. Leaves are linear‐oblong, It has been shown that St. Andrew’s Cross propagates readily better achieved by increased planting ,by sessile, dull green, obtusish, but minutely apiculate at the apex, from the numerous tiny seeds which it produces (Ogden, 2002). the public, un‐encumbered by legislation. narrowed to the base, copiously punctuate, the midvein Seeds can be collected between July and September. It has prominent beneath; cymes terminal 1‐few‐flowered; outer been observed that it takes approximately 6‐12 weeks for Current Status sepals broadly ovate, obtuse, subcordate; petals oblique, germination (J. Madeiros, pers.comm.). spreading in 2 nearly parallel pairs, linear‐oblong, acute, Native fugacious, bright yellow; capsule oblong, narrowed at both Why delist BPSA: Level 3 CITES: No ends, apiculate about as long as the outer sepals, twice as long as the narrow, inner ones; seeds greenish‐brown, oblong, This rare native is found in woodlands, peat marshes and damp Bda Red List: CRB1 CMS: No obtuse at each end about. Recently it has been recorded in grassy upland habitats. It has good potential to be used in Bermuda as growing to 3ft (1m). Its reddish stems, small yellow‐ ornamental gardens. Author: Ms. Alison Copeland, green leaves and attractive yellow flowers are easily identifiable by gardeners (Ogden, 2002). Biodiversity Officer

Department of Conservation Services Range

Originally thought to be endemic it is now believe to be native. Revised: July 2015 St. Andrew’s Cross, Hypericum hypericoides, is recorded in the

Bermuda Protected Species St. Andrew’s Cross GOVERNMENT OF BERMUDA Hypericum hypericoides Department of Conservation Services What is being done to conserve it? What you can do

Protected Species Act Listing: Level 3, 2012 Learn: Learn more about the species. Understand how destruction of habitat leads to loss of endangered and IUCN Red List: Not Assessed threatened species and Bermuda’s plant and animal diversity. Recovery Plan: Protect and manage habitat, increase size and Tell others what you have learned. number of populations, conduct field surveys for new Join a conservation group: such as the Bermuda Zoological populations or potential habitat for introduction, conduct Society, or the Bermuda Audubon Society. research, maintain existing. ants should be Viewable for download www.conservation.bm Control invasive plant species: Invasive pl managed in areas known to have specimens so that they do not Public awareness: campaign has been launched. become overwhelmed by other vegetation. Source

Habitat protection: Limit pesticide use, undertake invasive Plant: Incorporate this plant into your back yard garden or species removal, pollution control and remediation. woodland conservation plan. Monitoring: Actions currently underway include recording the location when a specimen is discovered and monitoring the health of known specimens in nature reserves. Information sources Artificial propagation: St. Andrew's Cross is being propagated in To learn more please visit: www.conservation.bm Bermuda and seeds have been stored in the U.K. as part of the Millennium Seed Bank Project. © R. Marirea

Protective legislation

Protected Species Act 2003 (Remove) For Further Information Department of Conservation Services #17 North Shore Road, Flatts, FL04,

Bermuda T (441) 293 2727.

www.conservation.bm

Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is

based on the knowledge and understanding at the time of writing.

Bermuda Protected Species Delist GOVERNMENT OF BERMUDA Bermuda Snowberry Department of Conservation Services Chiococca alba Ecology Range Originally thought to be Endemic now believe to be Native. Identification Chiococca alba, ranges from the Southeastern U.S.A (Texas, The following taxonomic description Florida) (Hatch et al., 1990; Wunderlin et al., 1996) , extending is by Britton (1918): A shrub, 2'‐6' to Central America – namely, Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua and Mexico (Balick et al., 2000; Stevens high, or sometimes vine‐like and 10'‐ et al., 2001) – and throughout the Caribbean on a number of 15' long, glabrous, the rather stout islands (Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Puerto Rico, branches light green, terete or and the U.S. Virgin Islands) (Britton and Wilson, 1926; Liogier nearly so. Leaves elliptic to ovate, and Martorell, 1999). It has also been recorded in South 2"‐ 4 ½" long, ¾"‐2 ½" wide, firm in America, from Guyana and Venezuela, to Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, texture, light green on both sides, Argentina and Paraguay (Jorgensen nand Leo ‐Yanez, 1999; slightly darker above than beneath, Zuloaga and Morrone, 1996). acute or short‐acuminate at the © Alison Copeland apex, narrowed at the base, the Habitat midvein rather prominent on both Britton, 1918

Proposed sides, the lateral veins few, relatively Britton (1918) records the Bermuda Snowberry as growing in Upland and Coastal Forests. It is still found to grow widespread Delist as long term conservation will be obscure, the stout petioles; stipules low and broad, mucronate; in upland situations, as a bush in the open or sprawling vine‐like better achieved by increased planting by panicles about as long as the leaves; flowers numerous, under the canopy in a forest (Ogden, 2002). It can tolerate the public un‐encumbered by legislation. fragrant; pedicels rather xstout; caly turbinate‐campanulate, its lobes triangular, acutish, much shorter than the tube; corolla sunny to partial shade conditions with a high tolerance for salt Current Status yellow, its tube narrowly funnel‐form, about twice as long as and wind. the ovate‐lanceolate lobes; stamens borne at the base of the Reproduction & Life Cycle Native corolla‐tube, filaments much shorter than the anthers; style as long as the corolla‐tube; fruit compressed, becoming BPSA: Level 3 CITES: No This species can be easily propagated from seed in the dried subglobose, pure, white, shining, the withering corolla long‐ berries, or by cuttings. It has been found that using rooting Bda Red List: VUD CMS: No persistent. hormone facilitates growth when using cuttings (J. Madeiros, It is currently considered, in Bermuda, a very attractive, shiny‐ pers.comm.); rooting should occur within two months Ms. Alison Copeland, Author: leaved, dark green sprawling bush or vine. It produces showy (Atherton, 1998). Yearly variations have been observed in the appearance of seed, occurring in June/July or September/ Biodiversity Officer yellow flowers in summer and autumn which attract bees, and white berries which attract birds in the winter and spring. October. Germination time during controlled propagation has Department of Conservation Services (Ogden, 2002). been observed to range between 6‐18 weeks, and time to planting of one to two years. The Bermuda snowberry seems to Revised: July 2015 have a high tolerance to environmental and climatic conditions, facilitating its recovery. 62

Bermuda Protected Species Bermuda Snowberry GOVERNMENT OF BERMUDA Chiococca alba Department of Conservation Services Why delist

Recently downgraded from endemic to native, the Bermuda have been stored in the UK as part of the Millennium Seed Bank Snowberry is a shrub that is not used nearly enough in local project (2007). landscaping. This species would greatly benefit from wider adoption by the public for use in private gardens and public Protective legislation spaces. Available in local plant nurseries it can be used in all but Protected Species Act 2003 (Remove) the most exposed locations as an ornamental specimen or a

loose hedge. If unmaintained it can behave like a vine. What you can do

What is being done to conserve it? Learn: Learn more about the species. Understand how destruction of habitat leads to loss of endangered and Protected Species Act Listing: Level 3, 2007 threatened species and Bermuda’s plant and animal diversity. IUCN Red List: Not assessed Tell others what you have learned.

Recovery Plan: Protect and manage habitat, increase size and Join a conservation group such as the Bermuda Zoological number of populations, conduct field surveys for new Society, or the Bermuda Audubon Society. populations or potential habitat for introduction, conduct Control invasive plant species: Invasive plants should be research, maintain existing. Research to determine distribution, managed in areas known to have specimens so that they do not population genetics, habitat requirements and reproductive become overwhelmed by other vegetation. biology are ongoing. Plant: Incorporate this plant into your back yard garden or Viewable for download www.conservation.bm © Alison Copeland woodland conservation plan. Public awareness: campaign has also been launched.

Research: Research has focused on environmental conditions Information sources For Further Information that affect germination and survival and monitoring. To learn more please visit: www.conservation.bm Department of Conservation Services Habitat protection: Limit pesticide use, undertake invasive #17 North Shore Road, Flatts, FL04, species removal, pollution control and remediation. Bermuda T (441) 293 2727. Monitoring: Actions currently underway include recording the www.conservation.bm location when a specimen is discovered and monitoring the Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is health of known specimens in nature reserves. based on the knowledge and understanding at the time of writing. Artificial propagation: Available in local plant nurseries. Seeds

Bermuda Protected Species Delist GOVERNMENT OF BERMUDA Bermuda Palmetto Department of Conservation Services Sabal bermudana Ecology Bermuda Palmetto provides food for a number of birds and other animals. The palmetto has a fibrous top which provides Identification habitat for many small animals and insects. Range Bermuda's only endemic palm. A very attractive cabbage palm with a Restricted to Bermuda. rough many ringed trunk. The Habitat palmate grey‐green leaves have a recurved central rib and arrow‐ Found in Upland and Coastal forests, peat marshes, gardens, shaped joins between base of fan golf courses and street plantings. and petiole. Leaf stems are smooth Reproduction & Life Cycle edged. It flowers in sprays among the leaves in the summer; followed It propagates readily from ripe berries in peaty soil. It is a good by flattened spherical berries which © Drew Pettit woodland, street and accent tree; best when planted in groups. are bright green and turn black Britton , 1918 It is a critical component of conservation management schemes when ripe in the autumn. They were Proposed for the restoration of all threatened habitats, especially coastal, used by early Bermudians to brew "bibey", an alcoholic drink. freshwater wetland and woodland habitats. Propagation: Seed, Delist as long term conservation will be The fibrous leaves were used for thatch, hats, dish mats and transplanted seedlings. Collection:d See ‐ Nov to Dec. Seedlings better achieved by increased planting by fans. Sep to Apr. Germination: 6‐18 weeks. Planting: 1 to 4 years. the public un‐encumbered by legislation.

The leaf stalk of the Bermuda Palmetto never has spines or Current Status thorns. The leaf stalk projects about halfway into the leaf in a V‐ Why delist Endemic shape which distinguishes it from the invasive Chinese Fan Palm. Bermuda Palmettos also have a yellow patch around the While the Bermuda Palmetto is considered globally threatened BPSA: Level 3 CITES: No stalk in the middle of the leaf, making it an attractive tree. The it can be found in all of Bermuda’s habitats, with the exception of Rocky Coastal areas. Widely available in local plant nurseries Bda Red List: VU CMS: No leaves of the Bermuda Palmetto are quite firm and hold up well in Bermuda’s windy weather. it can be used in all but the most exposed locations as an ornamental specimen or as part of woodland restoration Author: Ms. Alison Copeland, Palmettos produce sprays of small yellowish white flowers in schemes. Mature specimens transplant well. Its greatest the spring. The fragrant flowers are pollinated by insects and Biodiversity Officer competition is from the invasive Chinese Fan Palm (Livistona mature into large clusters of berries. These fruit are round and chinensis). Every effort should be made to plant this species as Department of Conservation Services bright green berries, becoming dark purple as they ripen. Each the palm of choice, and to transplant mature specimens rather berry contains a single large seed. The fleshy fruit of the than destroying them. Revised: July 2015 64

Bermuda Protected Species Bermuda Palmetto GOVERNMENT OF BERMUDA Sabal bermudana Department of Conservation Services

What is being done to conserve it? Information sources

Protected Species Act Listing: Level 3, 2012 To learn more please visit: www.conservation.bm

IUCN Red Listing: ENB1+2cd, 2.3

Public awareness: Campaign has been launched.

Artificial propagation: All plant nurseries supply these plants. The seeds are readily available from trees and the plant is relatively easy to propagate. Protective legislation

Protected Species Act 2003 (remove)

What you can do

Propagate and Plant: These plant are easy to propagate, transplant easily and suitable for all ranges of Bermuda’s © Alison Copeland habitats.

Learn: Learn more about the species. Understand how destruction of habitat leads to loss of endangered and threatened species and Bermuda’s plant and animal diversity. Tell others what you have learned.

Join a conservation group: such as the Bermuda Zoological Society, or the Bermuda Audubon Society. For Further Information Control invasive plant species: Invasive plants should be Department of Conservation Services

managed in areas known to have specimens so that they do not #17 North Shore Road, Flatts, FL04, become overwhelmed by other vegetation. Bermuda T (441) 293 2727.

www.conservation.bm Do not plant the invasive Chinese Fan Palm (Livistona chinensis). Instead use the Bermuda Palmetto. Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is based on the knowledge and understanding at the time of Plant: Incorporate this plant into your back yard garden or writing. woodland conservation plan. 65

Bermuda Protected Species Delist GOVERNMENT OF BERMUDA Olivewood Bark Department of Conservation Services Cassine laneana Ecology It makes an excellent hardy formal tree for urban settings, as a street tree and a clipped compact hedge. Propagation: Seed, Identification transplanted seedlings. Collection: Seed ‐ Oct to Nov. Seedlings Sep to April. Germination: 8 to 24 weeks. Planting: 2 to 3 years. Formerly known as Elaeodendron laneanum the Why delist Olivewood Bark is endemic to While the endemic Olivewood Bark is considered globally Bermuda. A dense foliaged threatened it can be found in all of Bermuda’s habitats, with the evergreen broadleaf tree exception of Rocky Coastal areas. growing to 30 feet (9 m). It has It does not reproduce well in the wild due to competition from small green flowers and olive‐ invasive plants and rats destroying the seeds. Therefore the sized berries. Very salt tolerant best hope for the speciesr is fo it be grown in private gardens, with a thick and firm waxy leaf. Britton, 1918 used in public plantings and planted as part of woodland Slow growing it has a very restoration projects. © Drew Pettit formal and perfectly rounded profile. When young it has a compact rounded shape, even without clipping. When mature it Widely available in local plant nurseries it can be used in all but Proposed the most exposed locations as an ornamental specimen or as has a more branching, less dense tree form. Historically its bark part of woodland restoration schemes. Mature specimens Delist as long term conservation will be was used for tanning in the early days of the colony. better achieved by increased planting by transplant well. the public un‐encumbered by legislation. Range Delisting will hopefully improve public acceptance of this species as a horticultural species of choice. Current Status Restricted to Bermuda.

Endemic Habitat

Found in all of Bermuda’s habitats except Rocky Coastal. BPSA: Level 3 CITES: No

Bda Red List: VUD2 CMS: No Reproduction & Life Cycle

Author: Ms. Alison Copeland, Flowering in late winter and spring. Abundant flowers attract Biodiversity Officer bees in spring and nesting cardinals. It propagates readily from

Department of Conservation Services seed.

Revised: July 2015 66

Bermuda Protected Species Olivewood Bark GOVERNMENT OF BERMUDA Cassine laneana Department of Conservation Services

What is being done to conserve it? What you can do

Protected Species Act Listing: Level 3, 2012 Learn: Learn more about the species. Understand how destruction of habitat leads to loss of endangered and IUCN Red List: VUD2 threatened species and Bermuda’s plant and animal diversity. Recovery Plan: Protect and manage habitat, increase size and Tell others what you have learned.

number of populations, conduct field surveys for new Join a conservation group: such as the Bermuda Zoological populations or potential habitat for introduction. Society, or the Bermuda Audubon Society.

Viewable for download www.conservation.bm Control invasive plant species: Invasive plants should be Public awareness: Campaign has been launched. managed in areas known to have specimens so that they do not become overwhelmed by other vegetation. Research: Research has focused on mapping wild populations. Plant: Incorporate this plant into your back yard garden or Artificial propagation: All plant nurseries usually have a ready woodland conservation plan. supply of these plants.

The seeds are readily available from trees and the plant is relatively easy to propagate. Information sources

To learn more please visit: www.conservation.bm

Protective legislation

For Further Information Department of Conservation Services

#17 North Shore Road, Flatts, FL04,

Bermuda T (441) 293 2727. www.conservation.bm

Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is based on the knowledge and understanding at the time of writing.