Invasive predator management project on JVD kicks off

Sandy Cay Caretaker, David Blyden, chats with Workshop participants about rat control on Sandy Cay, where a successful rat eradication was carried out several years ago.

A pilot project, which aims to reduce mongooses and feral cat populations on Jost Van Dyke, kicked off with a 3-day hands-on workshop for conservation professionals from eight different Caribbean islands all of which face similar problems with invasive animals. The project is led locally by the Jost Van Dykes Preservation Society in partnership with BVI’s Ministry of Natural Resources, the UK Food and Environmental Research Agency (FERA) and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).

The mongoose had been introduced to numerous small islands in the Caribbean and other regions.  A highly opportunistic carnivore with no natural predators, mongooses destroy the delicate balance of island ecosystems predating native birds, lizards, snakes, frogs and sea turtle nests. The animal is credited with being responsible for 25% of all reptile extinctions on islands.

They are also a carrier of a vaccine-resistant strain of rabies.  Although Jost Van Dyke is presently rabies-free, if an outbreak were ever to occur, the high number of these animals living in such close proximity to human-settled areas could result into a human health disaster.   The island’s cats and rats also have carry serious implications for the natural environment, human health and economic well-being; control planning also looks at those two species.

Approximately 16 professionals from agencies, which included BVI Department of Conservation & Fisheries, BVI Department of Agriculture, BVI National Parks Trust, Antigua’s Environmental Awareness Group, Anguilla’s Department of Environment, St. Croix Wildlife Services, Montserrat’s Department of Environment, National Trust for the Cayman Islands, the St. Maarten Nature Foundation and the St. Eustatius National Parks, attended the workshop which was held on Jost Van Dyke.  All participating islands have issues with invasive predators and the workshop offered a rare opportunity for agencies to share successes and challenges with one another.

Locally, several Jost Van Dyke residents now trap or have set traps in the past for mongoose, rats and feral cats as part of their routine pest control activities.  While the project has received support from numerous individuals, several community members are voicing opposition.  The primary reason being cited by opponents centers around fears and folklores about local snakes, which mongoose are known to control.

Jost Van Dyke is home to 2 harmless and extremely rare snake species the Virgin Islands Tree Boa and the Puerto Rican Racer. Visiting workshop participant, Antiguan, Natalya Henry, who is the Offshore Islands Coordinator for the Environmental Awareness Group of Antigua noted that her group runs field trips to cays in Antigua to allow youth to interact with snakes, to improve understanding of the frequently disliked animal and reduce fears.  “I used to be afraid of them, too,” she noted¸”but our snakes are shy and they are part of our heritage in the Caribbean.”

As the project moves forward, there will be opportunities for public awareness events about the species- birds, frogs, lizards, sea turtles and snakes which control efforts seek to protect.  Anyone with an interest in the project is encouraged to contact JVDPS by email at susan@jvdps.org or by phone at 540-0861.