DOCSLIB.ORG

Causeway to Catastrophe for Saint Lucia's Endangered Wildlife

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Causeway to Catastrophe for Saint Lucia's Endangered Wildlife Media release For immediate release Causeway to catastrophe for Saint Lucia’s endangered wildlife Plans to link offshore island refuge to mainland would spell disaster for the world’s rarest snake and other threatened species. Conservationists across the globe are expressing grave concerns about a proposed development in Saint Lucia that would mean certain extinction for some of the country’s most valuable wildlife. The next phase of the so-called Pearl of the Caribbean Project poses a serious threat to the country’s ecological, cultural and archaeological heritage. Most alarming of all is the proposal to build a causeway linking the Maria Islands to the mainland, a move that would have calamitous consequences for this offshore wildlife haven, which is officially a protected area. Maria Islands Nature Reserve, one of only two Wildlife Reserves on Saint Lucia, is home to critical populations of six endemic Saint Lucian reptile species1, including the world’s rarest snake – the Saint Lucia racer – which is found only on the island of Maria Major, and 90% of all remaining Saint Lucia whiptail lizards2. The reserve is the last refuge of an extraordinary community of native species that have been wiped out on the mainland by a combination of habitat loss (in part due to ill-advised development), persecution and invasive alien species. The causeway proposed by the company Desert Star Holdings Caribbean Star (DSH)3 would undoubtedly be a bridge too far for the beleaguered snake and whiptail lizard – both of which are already on the brink of extinction and categorised as Critically Endangered by IUCN – and for the other offshore wildlife. It would literally pave the way for an invading army of rats, mongooses and other non-native predators, condemning the remaining reptile populations on the Maria Islands to the fate already suffered by their mainland counterparts. To date, the sea has provided an effective barrier to these predators accessing the island. A causeway would remove that barrier. The harmless, non-venomous Saint Lucia racer is so vanishingly rare that it was actually feared extinct. Hopes were revived following a painstaking search in 2011 and 2012 by a team comprising staff from the Saint Lucia National Trust, the Saint Lucia Forests and Land Resources Department, Fauna & Flora International (FFI) and the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust (Durrell), which located 11 snakes. However, with the entire global population now estimated at fewer than 20 individuals, it is clear that every individual matters if we are to save this species from extinction. These same organisations are collaborating on a coordinated conservation programme to safeguard the future of Saint Lucia’s unique biodiversity and, in particular, the endemic reptiles confined to the Maria Islands. News of the proposed land bridge – which would destroy a delicately balanced ecosystem and scupper current efforts to save the Saint Lucia racer and the rare plants, lizards, seabirds and migratory birds that depend on this island sanctuary – was greeted with dismay by the conservation community. The irony is that a misguided attempt to enhance the tourist experience is in danger of destroying the very natural heritage and beauty that attracts so many visitors and, in the process, jeopardising one of Saint Lucia’s most important sources of revenue. “Managing this site is not a new-found interest for the Department,” said a Senior Forestry Officer at the Saint Lucia Forestry Department. “We and our partners, in-country and from overseas, have been actively managing this site to conserve Saint Lucia’s biodiversity for over three decades. The proposed causeway is simply not compatible with the need to keep these highly sensitive islands and their wildlife free from invasive alien species.” Bishnu Tulsie, Director of Saint Lucia National Trust said, “We will do all in our power to ensure that these priceless and fragile assets are protected for the benefit of every Saint Lucian and for future generations. We call on all Saint Lucians who genuinely care about our heritage to support us in our conservation work and to ensure that Maria Islands and the Pointe Sable Environmental Protection Area are not destroyed.” “Durrell has committed the last 30 years to supporting Saint Lucian partners to protect and restore their natural heritage,” said Matthew Morton, Eastern Caribbean Programme Manager for Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust. “The Maria Islands are a jewel in the natural crown for Saint Lucia and source of national pride. This causeway would spell the end for the Saint Lucia racer; it’s that simple.” “Saint Lucia has long been respected as a leading light in conservation and sustainable development for its many great achievements, such as bringing the Saint Lucia parrot back from the brink of extinction,” said Dr Jenny Daltry, Senior Conservation Biologist at Fauna & Flora International, adding, “Why jeopardise the survival of unique wildlife and an admirable reputation for the sake of a non-essential causeway?” - ENDS - For further information (including high resolution images), please contact: Sarah Rakowski (Communications Manager, Fauna & Flora International) Tel: +44 (0)1223 747 659 Email: [email protected] Saint Lucia Forestry Department Tel: +758 468-5365 – ask to speak with the Chief Forest Officer Email: [email protected] Alexandra Sheers (Head of Marketing, Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust) Tel: +44 (0)1534 860 081 Email: [email protected] Notes to editors: 1. Though only a small area (around 12 hectares in total), Maria Islands Nature Reserve has at least six reptile species or subspecies that are endemic to Saint Lucia, of which five occur only or almost entirely on the Maria Islands. These are: Saint Lucia racer – listed as Critically Endangered and found only on the Maria Islands, specifically Maria Major. Images available. Saint Lucia whiptail lizard – listed as Critically Endangered, with 90% of the world population found on the Maria Islands. Image available. Saint Lucia thread snake or worm snake – listed as Endangered, with a significant population on the Maria Islands. Image available. Maria Islands pygmy gecko (subspecies) – proposed to be classified by IUCN as Endangered, with a significant population on the Maria Islands. Image available. Maria Islands worm lizard (subspecies) – proposed to be classified by IUCN as Endangered and found only on the Maria Islands. Image available. Saint Lucia anole – proposed to be classified by IUCN as Endangered, with the highest known density found on the Maria Islands. Also globally designated as an Important Bird Area and a Key Biodiversity Area, the reserve is also incredibly important for seabirds and invertebrates – many of which have not yet been described and are likely to be endemic as well. 2. The Saint Lucia whiptail lizard famously carries all the colours of the Saint Lucia National Flag on its body. Image available. 3. DSH is a Cayman Islands-registered affiliate of a Hong Kong-based thoroughbred horse company run by Teo Ah Khing, an architect and entrepreneur who founded the China Horse Club. The ‘Pearl of the Caribbean’, is valued at over USD2.6 billion and occupies a 700 acre site in the south of Saint Lucia. In addition to the causeway, the project will comprise a racecourse, marina, a resort and shopping mall complex, casino, Free Trade Zone, extensive entertainment and leisure facilities, villas and apartments. About Fauna & Flora International (FFI) (www.fauna-flora.org) FFI protects threatened species and ecosystems worldwide, choosing solutions that are sustainable, based on sound science and take account of human needs. Operating in more than 50 countries worldwide, FFI saves species from extinction and habitats from destruction, while improving the livelihoods of local people. Founded in 1903, FFI is the world’s longest established international conservation body and a registered charity. About Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust (www.durrell.org) Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust is an international charity working to save species from extinction. Headquartered in Jersey in the Channel Islands, Durrell focuses on the most threatened species in the most threatened places. Established by author and conservationist, Gerald Durrell, in 1963, Durrell is unique among conservation organisations in integrating four core areas of operation: Field Programmes which undertake conservation action where it is needed most, the Academy which builds the capacity of conservation practitioners, the zoo in Jersey as a centre of excellence in animal husbandry, research, training and education and Conservation Science which underpins all activities. Durrell first became active in Saint Lucia over thirty years ago following an invitation from the government to support efforts to restore the Saint Lucian amazon parrot, which since became a stunning example of species recovery. Since that time, we have supported local partners restore offshore islands, local forests and key species including the Saint Lucia Iguana, Saint Lucia Whiptail Lizard, White-Breasted Thrasher and Saint Lucia Racer Snake. About Saint Lucia National Trust (www.slunatrust.org) The Saint Lucia National Trust is a membership, non-governmental organization established by an Act of Parliament in 1975 to protect the island’s patrimony- the natural and built heritage. Twenty six sites are vested and/or owned by the National Trust ranging from offshore islands to historical military structures. .
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Plant Section Introduction
    Re-introduction Practitioners Directory - 1998 RE-INTRODUCTION PRACTITIONERS DIRECTORY 1998 Compiled and Edited by Pritpal S. Soorae and Philip J. Seddon Re-introduction Practitioners Directory - 1998 © National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development, 1998 Printing and Publication details Legal Deposit no. 2218/9 ISBN: 9960-614-08-5 Re-introduction Practitioners Directory - 1998 Copies of this directory are available from: The Secretary General National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development Post Box 61681, Riyadh 11575 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Phone: +966-1-441-8700 Fax: +966-1-441-0797 Bibliographic Citation: Soorae, P. S. and Seddon, P. J. (Eds). 1998. Re-introduction Practitioners Directory. Published jointly by the IUCN Species Survival Commission’s Re-introduction Specialist Group, Nairobi, Kenya, and the National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. 97pp. Cover Photo: Arabian Oryx Oryx leucoryx (NWRC Photo Library) Re-introduction Practitioners Directory - 1998 CONTENTS FOREWORD Professor Abdulaziz Abuzinadai PREFACE INTRODUCTION Dr Mark Stanley Price USING THE DIRECTORY ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS PART A. ANIMALS I MOLLUSCS 1. GASTROPODS 1.1 Cittarium pica Top Shell 1.2 Placostylus ambagiosus Flax Snail 1.3 Placostylus ambagiosus Land Snail 1.4 Partula suturalis 1.5 Partula taeniata 1.6 Partula tahieana 1.7 Partula tohiveana 2. BIVALVES 2.1 Freshwater Mussels 2.2 Tridacna gigas Giant Clam II ARTHROPODS 3. ORTHOPTERA 3.1 Deinacrida sp. Weta 3.2 Deinacrida rugosa/parva Cook’s Strait Giant Weta Re-introduction Practitioners Directory - 1998 3.3 Gryllus campestris Field Cricket 4. LEPIDOPTERA 4.1 Carterocephalus palaemon Chequered Skipper 4.2 Lycaena dispar batavus Large Copper 4.3 Lycaena helle 4.4 Lycaeides melissa 4.5 Papilio aristodemus ponoceanus Schaus Swallowtail 5.
    [Show full text]
  • Conservation Report 2018
    CONSERVATION REPORT 2018 Conservation Report 2018 1 CONSERVATION REPORT 2018 OUR MISSION is to conserve threatened species and ecosystems worldwide, choosing solutions that are sustainable, based on sound science, and which take into account human needs. 2 Kizilkaya. Zafer Raja Ampat, Indonesia. Credit: reef, and coral Turtle CONSERVATION REPORT 2018 Contents Highlights of 2018 4 Our Mission & Aims 6 How we work 7 Assessing the impact of our work 9 Aim 1: To conserve threatened habitats 10 and species Aim 2: To shape decisions within society to 16 benefit biodiversity Aim 3: To empower individuals and organisations 24 to lead innovative conservation action Aim 4: To invest in FFI’s own effectiveness 30 Research and dissemination 32 Lessons learned and looking forward 33 Annex 1. FFI’s priority species 2018 38 Annex 2. Quotes from project reports 40 Turtle and coral reef, Raja Ampat, Indonesia. Credit: Zafer Kizilkaya. Zafer Raja Ampat, Indonesia. Credit: reef, and coral Turtle Kizilkaya Zafer Island, Raja Ampat, Indonesia. Credit: island chain including Wayag limestone of View Cover: Stock. Front Tyakht/Adobe Victor Saiga. Credit: 3 CONSERVATION REPORT 2018 Highlights of 2018 8,645,173 ha 40 projects We conserved over 8.6 million helped to address the hectares of crucial wildlife habitat illegal trade in wildlife (that’s larger than Austria) We worked with priority 82 species We saw conservation gains for priority and at least 140 further species 105 sites 69species demonstrably benefited from our work We protected habitat at Landscapes
    [Show full text]
  • Council Letter
    GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT FACILITY INVESTING IN OUR PLANET Naoko Ishii CEO and Chairperson April 25, 2018 Dear Council Member: UNEP as the Implementing Agency for the project entitled: Regional (Antigua And Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts And Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and Grenadines): Preventing COSTS of Invasive Alien Species (/AS) in Barbados and the OECS Countries,. has submitted the attached proposed project document for CEO endorsement prior to final approval of the project document in accordance with UNEP procedures. The Secretariat has reviewed the project document. It is consistent with the proposal approved by Council in June 2016 and the proposed project remains consistent with the Instrument and GEF policies and procedures. The attached explanation prepared by UNEP satisfactorily details how Council's comments and those of the STAP have been addressed. I am, therefore, endorsing the project document. We have today posted the proposed project document on the GEF website at www.TheGEF.org. If you do not have access to the Web, you may request the local field office of UNDP or the World Bank to download the document for you. Alternatively, you may request a copy of the document from the Secretariat. If you make such a request, please confirm for us your current mailing address. Sincerely, ~4 frl'Naoko Ishii Chief Executive Officer and Chairperson Attachment: GEFSEC Project Review Document Copy to: Country Operational Focal Point, GEF Agencies, ST AP, Trustee 18 I 8 H Street, NW • Washington, DC 20433 • USA Tel:+ I (202) 473 3202 - Fax:+ 1 (202) 522 3240 E-mail: [email protected] \ll\11\11 thPoPf nro GEF-6 REQUEST FOR PROJECT ENDORSEMENT/APPROVAL PROJECT TYPE: Full-sized Project TYPE OF TRUST FUND: GEF TRUST FUND For more information about GEF, visit TheGEF.org PART I: PROJECT INFORMATION Project Title: Preventing COSTS of Invasive Alien Species (IAS) in Barbados and the OECS Countries Country(ies): Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, St.
    [Show full text]
  • Saint Lucia National Invasive Species Strategy
    Box SAINT LUCIA NATIONAL INVASIVE SPECIES STRATEGY 2012 - 2021 Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Forestry and Fisheries SAINT LUCIA NATIONAL INVASIVE SPECIES STRATEGY 2012-2021 PREPARED BY Vasantha Chase Marie-Louise Felix Guy Mathurin Lyndon John Gaspard Michael Andrew David Lewis Ulrike Krauss October 2011 Carried out under the Project Mitigating the Threats of Invasive Alien Species in the Insular Caribbean Project No. GFL / 2328 – 2713-4A86, GF-1030-09-03 Lionfish throughout the Caribbean region. The destructive FORE FOREWORD biological, social and economic impact of IAS has prompted Invasive alien species (IAS) are species whose introduction many nations to develop and implement National Invasive and/or spread outside their natural habitats threaten Species Strategies (NISS), because in dealing with IAS the biological diversity (CBD 2009). IAS are recognised as one best defense is a good offense. Once an IAS becomes of the leading threats to biodiversity, considered only second established, the cost of eradication is financially prohibitive to habitat loss in terms of negative impact. They are and a strain on a small island fragile economy like Saint imposing enormous costs on agriculture, forestry, fisheries, Lucia which is heavily dependent on the health of its natural and other enterprises, on human and animal health as well resources. Therefore efforts at prohibiting entry in the first as ecosystem services. Rapidly accelerating human trade, instance are a prudent and cost effective approach to IAS tourism, transport, and travel – the infamous “four Ts” - management. over the past century have dramatically enhanced the spread of IAS, allowing them to surmount natural geographic The Government of Saint Lucia, through its Ministry of barriers.
    [Show full text]
  • Standard Common and Current Scientific Names for North American Amphibians, Turtles, Reptiles & Crocodilians
    STANDARD COMMON AND CURRENT SCIENTIFIC NAMES FOR NORTH AMERICAN AMPHIBIANS, TURTLES, REPTILES & CROCODILIANS Sixth Edition Joseph T. Collins TraVis W. TAGGart The Center for North American Herpetology THE CEN T ER FOR NOR T H AMERI ca N HERPE T OLOGY www.cnah.org Joseph T. Collins, Director The Center for North American Herpetology 1502 Medinah Circle Lawrence, Kansas 66047 (785) 393-4757 Single copies of this publication are available gratis from The Center for North American Herpetology, 1502 Medinah Circle, Lawrence, Kansas 66047 USA; within the United States and Canada, please send a self-addressed 7x10-inch manila envelope with sufficient U.S. first class postage affixed for four ounces. Individuals outside the United States and Canada should contact CNAH via email before requesting a copy. A list of previous editions of this title is printed on the inside back cover. THE CEN T ER FOR NOR T H AMERI ca N HERPE T OLOGY BO A RD OF DIRE ct ORS Joseph T. Collins Suzanne L. Collins Kansas Biological Survey The Center for The University of Kansas North American Herpetology 2021 Constant Avenue 1502 Medinah Circle Lawrence, Kansas 66047 Lawrence, Kansas 66047 Kelly J. Irwin James L. Knight Arkansas Game & Fish South Carolina Commission State Museum 915 East Sevier Street P. O. Box 100107 Benton, Arkansas 72015 Columbia, South Carolina 29202 Walter E. Meshaka, Jr. Robert Powell Section of Zoology Department of Biology State Museum of Pennsylvania Avila University 300 North Street 11901 Wornall Road Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17120 Kansas City, Missouri 64145 Travis W. Taggart Sternberg Museum of Natural History Fort Hays State University 3000 Sternberg Drive Hays, Kansas 67601 Front cover images of an Eastern Collared Lizard (Crotaphytus collaris) and Cajun Chorus Frog (Pseudacris fouquettei) by Suzanne L.
    [Show full text]
  • Legal Authority Over the Use of Native Amphibians and Reptiles in the United States State of the Union
    STATE OF THE UNION: Legal Authority Over the Use of Native Amphibians and Reptiles in the United States STATE OF THE UNION: Legal Authority Over the Use of Native Amphibians and Reptiles in the United States Coordinating Editors Priya Nanjappa1 and Paulette M. Conrad2 Editorial Assistants Randi Logsdon3, Cara Allen3, Brian Todd4, and Betsy Bolster3 1Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies Washington, DC 2Nevada Department of Wildlife Las Vegas, NV 3California Department of Fish and Game Sacramento, CA 4University of California-Davis Davis, CA ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS WE THANK THE FOLLOWING PARTNERS FOR FUNDING AND IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS RELATED TO THE DEVELOPMENT, EDITING, AND PRODUCTION OF THIS DOCUMENT: US Fish & Wildlife Service Competitive State Wildlife Grant Program funding for “Amphibian & Reptile Conservation Need” proposal, with its five primary partner states: l Missouri Department of Conservation l Nevada Department of Wildlife l California Department of Fish and Game l Georgia Department of Natural Resources l Michigan Department of Natural Resources Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation Arizona Game and Fish Department US Fish & Wildlife Service, International Affairs, International Wildlife Trade Program DJ Case & Associates Special thanks to Victor Young for his skill and assistance in graphic design for this document. 2009 Amphibian & Reptile Regulatory Summit Planning Team: Polly Conrad (Nevada Department of Wildlife), Gene Elms (Arizona Game and Fish Department), Mike Harris (Georgia Department of Natural Resources), Captain Linda Harrison (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission), Priya Nanjappa (Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies), Matt Wagner (Texas Parks and Wildlife Department), and Captain John West (since retired, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission) Nanjappa, P.
    [Show full text]
  • A Causeway for Concern By: Sarah N
    A Causeway for Concern By: Sarah N. George I feel that I must voice my opinion on the recently unveiled Phase II proposals for the DSH Pearl of the Caribbean development. I am a St Lucian marine biologist by training, and a fisheries and marine management specialist by expertise. I can bring to the debate over 30 years’ experience working in the interest of national development as a member of the Fisheries Department and also with the OPAAL project through which the Government of Saint Lucia established the Point Sable Environmental Protection Area (PSEPA) under the Physical Planning and Development Act. This valuable site extends from Moule-a-Chique in the south to Pointe de Caille (just north of Savannes Bay), and includes Maria Islands, and the Savannes Bay and Mankoté Mangroves as well as the reef around Maria Islands as legally-declared Marine Reserves (with the area being designated as a RAMSAR site of international importance). Given the valuable resources and ecological roles of the PSEPA and the way these support both existing and potential economic sectors and livelihoods, it is important that all Saint Lucians appreciate what will be some of the likely short and long term effects of building a causeway from the shoreline out to Maria Islands. Smothering of critical marine habitats and endangering livelihoods First, let’s consider the effects of a causeway on marine resources and essential ecosystem services along our southeast coast. Here we have Saint Lucia’s largest remaining area supporting three critical tropical marine habitats: mangroves, seagrass beds and coral reefs; all functioning together in an interdependent way.
    [Show full text]
  • Saint Lucia Forests and Land Resources Department Strategy 2015
    Saint Lucia Forests and Lands Resources Department: Strategy 2015–2025 Saint Lucia Forests and Lands Resources Department Strategy 2015–2025 Saint Lucia Forests and Lands Resources Department: Strategy 2015–2025 Cover photographs by Jenny Daltry (signboard, Lansan tree tapper), Duncan Gregor (Latille Waterfall), Alfred Prosper (tree nursery near Millet) and Adams Toussaint (White‐breasted Thrasher). Recommended Citation: Saint Lucia Forests and Lands Resources Department (2015) Strategy 2015–2025. Saint Lucia Forests and Lands Resources Department, Union, Saint Lucia. Acknowledgements The 2015–2025 Strategy was developed through a participatory process that entailed extensive consultation and review by employees of the Forests and Lands Resources Department, the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Environment Science and Technology, and representatives from a wide range of collaborating government agencies and non‐governmental organisations, other experts and the public. This process began in mid‐2014 and the final draft of the Strategy was completed in December 2015. This document was compiled by Michael Appleton (Forest Management Planning Adviser to Fauna & Flora International, FFI), Adams Toussaint (Chief Forest Officer) and Alfred Prosper (Deputy Forest Officer), who jointly designed and facilitated the planning process. On behalf of the Forests and Lands Resources Department and FFI, the authors thank all of the many individuals and organisations that contributed their valuable time and expertise. Supported by Halcyon Land and Sea Saint Lucia Forests and Lands Resources Department: Strategy 2015–2025 Summary This document presents a new strategy for the Saint Lucia Forests and Lands Resources Department (commonly known as the Forestry Department) to address the changing responsibilities of the Department and the demands on its resources over the next 10 years.
    [Show full text]
  • Of Invasive Alien Species (IAS) Status and Management, Saint Lucia, 2010
    Critical Situation Analysis (CSA) of Invasive Alien Species (IAS) Status and Management, Saint Lucia, 2010 carried out under the project Mitigating the Threats of Invasive Alien Species in the Insular Caribbean Project No. GFL / 2328 – 2713-4A86, GF-1030-09-03 Ulrike Krauss IAS Coordinator Forestry Department Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Forestry and Fisheries (MALFF) Union, September 2010 Critical Situation Analysis (CSA) of Invasive Alien Species (IAS) Status and Management, Saint Lucia, 2010 Table of Content Executive Summary ................................................................................................................. 2 Context, Scope and Objectives ............................................................................................... 4 Historic Overview ..................................................................................................................... 7 Saint Lucia’s Environmental Profile ..................................................................................... 11 Protected Areas and Other Areas of High Conservation Value ............................................. 12 Biodiversity Baseline Assessments ....................................................................................... 16 Terrestrial Ecosystems...................................................................................................... 17 Aquatic Ecosystems .......................................................................................................... 18 IAS Inventories ......................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Iguana 12.2 B&W Text
    VOLUME 12, NUMBER 2 JUNE 2005 ONSERVATION AUANATURAL ISTORY AND USBANDRY OF EPTILES IC G, N H , H R International Reptile Conservation Foundation www.IRCF.org GLENN MITCHELL Anegada or Stout Iguana (Cyclura pinguis) (see article on p. 78). JOHN BINNS RICHARD SAJDAK A subadult Stout Iguana (Cyclura pinguis) awaiting release at the head- Timber Rattlesnakes (Crotalus horridus) reach the northernmost extent starting facility on Anegada (see article on p. 78). of their range on the bluff prairies in Wisconsin (see article on p. 90). This cross-stitch was created by Anne Fraser of Calgary, Alberta from a photograph of Carley, a Blue Iguana (Cyclura lewisi) at the Captive Breeding Facility on Grand Cayman. The piece, which measures 6.8 x 4.2 inches, uses 6,100 stitches in 52 colors and took 180 hours to complete. It will be auctioned by the IRCF at the Daytona International Reptile Breeder’s Expo on 20 August 2005. Profits from the auction will benefit conser- vation projects for West Indian Rock Iguanas in the genus Cyclura. ROBERT POWELL ROBERT POWELL Red-bellied or Black Racers (Alsophis rufiventris) remain abundant on Spiny-tailed Iguanas (Ctenosaura similis) are abundant in archaeologi- mongoose-free Saba and St. Eustatius, but have been extirpated on St. cal zones on the Yucatán Peninsula. This individual is on the wall Christopher and Nevis (see article on p. 62). around the Mayan city of Tulúm (see article on p. 112). TABLE OF CONTENTS IGUANA • VOLUME 12, NUMBER 2 • JUNE 2005 61 IRCFInternational Reptile Conservation Foundation TABLE OF CONTENTS RESEARCH ARTICLES Conservation Status of Lesser Antillean Reptiles .
    [Show full text]
  • Pointe Sable Environmental Protection Area
    POINTE SABLE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AREA MANAGEMENT PLAN 2009-2014 Ministry of Physical Development, Environment, and Housing Government of Saint Lucia March 13, 2009 The preparation of this management plan was commissioned by the Environment and Sustainable Development Unit (ESDU) of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) under OECS Contract No. OECS/223/08, and is an output of the OECS Protected Areas and Associated Livelihoods (OPAAL) Project. This activity is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), through the World Bank, the Fonds Français pour l’Environnement Mondial (FFEM), and the Organization of American States (OAS). The views expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the donor agencies supporting the activity or of the OECS Secretariat. Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States The World Bank For bibliographical purposes, this document should be cited as: Gardner, Lloyd. 2009. Management Plan for the Pointe Sable Environmental Protection Area, 2009-2014. Government of Saint Lucia. PSEPA Management Plan – March 13, 2009 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page No. List of Tables ………………………………………………………………………….. 3 List of Figures ………………………………………………………………………….. 3 List of Acronyms ………………………………………………………………….. 4 1. Introduction ………………………………………………………………….. 5 2. Natural and Historical Resources ………………………………………….. 11 3. Socio-economic Context ………………………………………………….. 15 4. Priority Issues to be Addressed ………………………………………….. 23 5. Management Framework ………………………………………………….. 31 6. Administrative Arrangements ………………………………………….. 44 7. Evaluation of Performance ………………………………………………….. 52 8. Financial Resources ………………………………………………………….. 53 References ………………………………………………………………………….. 55 Appendix 1: Gazette Notice Declaring the PSEPA ………………………………….. 57 Appendix 2: Summary of Consultation Process used in Plan Preparation ………….. 58 Appendix 3: Definition of Natural Beauty and Natural Interest ………………….. 61 Appendix 4: Resource Uses within the PSEPA ………………………………….
    [Show full text]
  • United Nations Environment Programme
    United Nations Environment Programme Terminal Evaluation of the Project “MITIGATING THE THREAT OF INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES IN THE INSULAR CARIBBEAN” UNEP IMIS #: GFL/-2328-2740-4995 // GEF ID #: 3183 Hugo Arnal UNEP Evaluation Office September 2014 Front Cover Photographs: Close up of two emblematic reptile species from the Caribbean. In the lower left, the Saint Lucia Whiptail (Cnemidophorus vanzoi), pictured in Maria Major Island, Saint Lucia, and on the upper right the Jamaican Iguana (Cyclura collie), at the Hope Zoo, Kingston. The Whiptail was originally from the main Saint Lucia Island from where it was extirpated, very small populations remain in adjacent Maria Major (10.1 ha) and Maria Minor (1.6 ha) and Rat and Preslin islands. The Jamaican Iguana was presumed already extinct in 1948 and a remaining population was discovered in the Hellshire Hills of Jamaica in 1990. In both cases, their near extinction is due in great part to the impact of invasive alien predators, particularly Indian Mongoose in the Iguana’s case. Both species are good examples of the threat that ‘Invasive Alien Species (IAS)’ represent to the survival of the Caribbean biodiversity and natural heritage. (Photographs © Hugo Arnal). Disclaimer: The perspectives and opinions expressed in this report do not represent official positions of the United Nations Environment Programme, its staff or The Global Environment Facility (GEF). Unless otherwise explicitly indicated, opinions and perspectives herein contained belong to the evaluator. Citation: Arnal, Hugo. 2014. Terminal Evaluation Report: “Mitigating the Threat of Invasive Alien Species in the Insular Caribbean” (UNEP IMIS #: GFL/-2328-2740-4995; GEF ID #: 3183).
    [Show full text]