Caribbean: Thanks to the dedication of Union Island residents, an alliance of international and local conservation organizations and regional government, the tiny jewel-like marking and critically endangered gecko is making a comeback in the Caribbean once again.
The population of the Union Island gecko has increased by 80 % within then last five years, from 10,000 in 2018 to roughly 18,000, according to a recent study. The kind of achievement that conservation organizations Rewild and Fauna & Flora international (FFI) together with their local partners aim to archive throughout the Caribbean.
The rare gecko, about the size of a paperclip and the only known population is restricted to a 50-hectare (0.5sq Km) area on Union Island’s ancient forest – the south most outlier Grenadines and St Vincent archipelago, making it particularly exposed to human activity.
Caribbean Alliance director for Rewild and FFI Jenny Daltry explains the gecko as a Polaroid picture, gradually changing in colour when exposed to light from dark brown to an array of colours.
First discovered by science in 2005, soon became a sort after exotic pet species. The result was noticed by 2018, as the wild population had withered to one – fifth of its previous size due to aggressive poaching. A study in 2017 found, that the gecko was registered as the most trafficked reptile from the eastern Caribbean.
To prevent the gecko’s imminent extinction, numerous organizations including the Union Island Environmental Alliance (UIEA), FFI and the St Vincent & the Grenadines Forestry Department stepped forward to assist.
The recovery plan for the species comprised a range of conservation efforts, from expansion and greater protected area, to 24/7 camera surveillance in the forest and anti-poaching patrols.
Daltry stated, that it’s a true testimony to the commitment of the Forestry Union Island Department and the remarkable community wardens on Union Island – that this species has developed to one of the best defended reptiles in the world.
Co-founder of the UIEA Roseman Adams added, that there is no doubt the combined sacrifices and firm dedication has brought the conservation efforts this far, and need to be totally consistent with added improvements in the protection and management of the habitat for this success to continue.
The coral reefs and tropical dry forests of Union Island holds many endemic species, including the recently discovered Grenadines pink rhino and the Caribbean diamond tarantula, along with hawksbill and nesting leatherback turtles.
