It was thought to be extinct for almost forty years till in 1973, a single snake was discovered on Maria Major Island, a small off beat islet off the coast of St Lucia. With approximately 18 to 20 now alive, the St Lucia Racer is the world’s rarest snake. While they did thrive on the islands at one time, they were killed in large numbers by mongoose who aren’t around anymore. A non-venomous snake, the St Lucia Racer now faces a serious challenge for survival. Here are some known facts about the St Lucia Racer.
Rediscovery of a Species Thought to Be Extinct
Initially thought to be extinct in the mid-20th century due to habitat loss and the introduction of invasive species, particularly the mongoose, the St. Lucia Racer was rediscovered in 1973 on Maria Major Island. Subsequent surveys have revealed that only a tiny population of around 18 snakes remains, making it one of the rarest and most vulnerable reptiles on the planet.
Physical Appearance and Behavior
The St Lucia Racer also called the ornate ground snake grows up to about one meter in length, has a dull brown and grey coloration with darker, irregular blotches along its body. The racer is non-venomous and poses no threat to humans. In fact, it’s known to be quite docile, even allowing researchers to handle it without showing signs of aggression. The snake primarily feeds on small reptiles, including anoles, and other available prey in its habitat.
Habitat and Distribution
The St. Lucia Racer’s home is confined to the tiny Maria Major Island, a protected area only 12 hectares (about 30 acres) in size. The islet’s isolated, predator-free environment is essential for the snake’s survival, as invasive species like mongooses and rats have driven the racer to extinction on the main island of St. Lucia. Maria Major offers abundant prey in the form of native lizards, providing the snakes with a sufficient food supply.
St Lucia, The Only Country Named After a Woman
St Lucia, an island nation located in the West Indies of the Caribbean is the only country named especially after a woman. First sighted by Christopher Columbus in 1501, the country is famous for the twin volcanic peaks called the Pitons. Besides its thriving culture, it is home to the rarest snake in the world, the St Lucia Racer, the endangered St Lucia Amazon parrot, and the rare St Lucia Whiptail lizard.
The Role of Invasive Species in the Racer’s Decline
The introduction of invasive species like the mongoose and black rat during colonial times is directly responsible for the near-extinction of the St. Lucia Racer. Mongooses, brought to control rats in sugar plantations, began preying on native reptiles and birds, pushing species like the racer to the brink. While the mongoose remains a significant predator on the mainland, Maria Major’s mongoose-free status has allowed the small population of racers to persist, albeit in critically low numbers.
Conservation Efforts and Challenges
Conservation initiatives led by organizations like Fauna & Flora International and Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust aim to secure the future of the St. Lucia Racer. One of the key strategies involves maintaining Maria Major as a predator-free sanctuary while bolstering the local lizard population, ensuring a steady food supply for the snake. Efforts are also underway to eliminate invasive species on nearby islands, which could potentially serve as new habitats for the racer, expanding its range and improving its chances of survival. Over the years, eleven racers were caught, tagged with microchips, and released into the wild. Current data pegs the existing number to just 18 individuals, although less credible sources feel the number to be around a 100.
Learning from Similar Conservation Success Stories
Conservations are trying to bring back the St Lucia Racer by following the successful reintroduction of the Antiguan Racer, another critically endangered snake species in the Caribbean. Invasive invasive species control and habitat restoration, have successfully increased the Antiguan Racer population to over 1,000 individuals.
Climate Change: An Emerging Threat
As if invasive species and habitat loss weren’t enough, climate change poses a new threat to the racer’s already precarious existence. Rising sea levels and extreme weather events could further reduce Maria Major’s habitable land area, making the snake even more vulnerable to environmental changes. Conservationists are now focused not only on species protection but also on ensuring that the island ecosystem remains resilient to climate shifts.
The St. Lucia Racer’s plight underscores the fragility of island ecosystems and the devastating impact of invasive species. With fewer than 20 individuals left, the species is on the brink of extinction. However, through continued habitat protection, public education, and careful management, there is still a chance to save the world’s rarest snake from disappearing forever.
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