Endangered for a Reason: What We Can Do to Help Save Species

Endangered for a Reason: What We Can Do to Help Save Species
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An Andros Island rock iguana found on a recent research expedition to The Bahamas.

An Andros Island rock iguana found on a recent research expedition to The Bahamas.

Shedd Aquarium

As a conservation biologist, my research focuses primarily on understanding the effects of anthropogenic disturbance on threatened species, and designing conservation strategies to prevent further population declines and habitat degradation. As many observe Endangered Species Day this month, it is worth reflecting on some causes responsible for biodiversity loss and actions people can take to mitigate the threats.

Over the last two decades, I have traveled to The Bahamas to study the Northern Bahamian Rock Iguana (Cyclura cychlura), an animal threatened by the impacts of humans, such as habitat loss, overexploitation, introduced species, and climate change. For the last 20 years, Shedd Aquarium has offered citizen science research expeditions to The Bahamas to provide a meaningful way for people to take an active role in iguana research and conservation. Each year concerned citizens work together with Shedd scientists to investigate emerging threats including the effects of tourism and artificial feeding on iguana populations. Some of my favorite citizen scientist expeditions, however, include our monitoring efforts using mark-recapture studies.

We recently returned from a citizen science expedition designed to monitor the populations of iguanas in a newer national park on Andros Island using mark-recapture techniques. Though these populations are protected by the national park, it’s still important to monitor population health and look for new threats. Our team captured several iguanas that were originally processed and tagged in 2001. It is always a thrill to see old “friends” and to be able to monitor their growth and condition.

A few citizen scientists that joined us for our 2017 research expedition to Andros.

A few citizen scientists that joined us for our 2017 research expedition to Andros.

Shedd Aquarium

In addition to population monitoring, this year we embarked on a long-shot exploration for another vulnerable species – the Bahamian hutia (Geocapromys ingrahami). Bahamian hutias are the only native, non-flying mammal found in The Bahamas and look somewhat like a larger guinea pig. Fossil evidence suggests that hutias were once widespread throughout The Bahamas, including Andros. Currently the species is found naturally only on one small island in The Bahamas. For years, my Bahamian colleagues and I had heard anecdotal accounts of Cuban fishermen claiming to observe hutia in the mangrove flats of South Andros. The Andros accounts were interesting but no effort was made to confirm or deny this potential. During a past citizen science expedition, however, two participants made independent claims of seeing a rodent without an obvious tail and identified them as hutia after seeing pictures in a book.

Even though we knew we were on a possible “snipe hunt,” the possibility of this rare mammal inhabiting Andros Island was too exciting and significant not to attempt a survey. The conservation benefits of confirming hutia on Andros would also benefit Andros Iguanas as their presence would strengthen the need for conservation measures in the area. With restrained enthusiasm, we visited the locations of past “sightings” with baited live traps and game cameras to confirm if hutias were present.

We returned the first morning after setting traps and cameras and found the traps empty, but an animal tripped the camera sensor and video was recorded. We all huddled around the small display, shading the glare from the sun to view the video. We had confirmation of… the tips of small mammal ears. The camera was placed too high so we were only able to record the ear tips of a mammal feeding at night. With less restrained enthusiasm, we returned the next morning and did indeed record a mammal. Unfortunately, it was a non-native rat.

Overnight video footage displayed non-native, invasive rats.

Overnight video footage displayed non-native, invasive rats.

Shedd Aquarium

A notoriously invasive species, rats have spread across the globe alongside humans and have deleterious impacts on island species and ecosystems. Indeed, rats prey on native animals and plants causing cascading ecosystem impacts. These non-native species are the archetypal “tramps” that can survive in challenging environmental conditions like Andros Island.

A cay on Andros Island that we visited during our 2017 research expedition.

A cay on Andros Island that we visited during our 2017 research expedition.

Shedd Aquarium

Rats are not the only non-native species causing devastation throughout the world. In fact, non-native, invasive species include cats, dogs, goats, pigs, mongoose, snakes, toads, beetles, and grasses. Invasive, non-native species are a major driver of recent species extinctions, particularly on islands. Islands currently support around 37 percent of species considered Critically Endangered, many as a result of invasive, non-native species.

Wondering what you can do to help endangered species even if you don’t live on an island? Small, collective steps can go a long way to help reduce the pressure on endangered species. If you are a cat owner, keep your cat indoors. Domestic cats kill billions of animals each year in the United States and are considered among the 100 worst invasive species in the world. Among other easy action steps, plant native flora in your yard and make it wildlife friendly. Don’t use toxic herbicides or pesticides. You can also voice support for government agencies designed to protect the environment, as well as legislation to combat global climate change. Once you start looking, everyone can play a role in protecting the endangered species that call Earth home.

For more information about Shedd Aquarium’s research on Bahamian iguanas, visit our website.

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