The population of a lizard that was almost extinct recovered in just six years. In 2018, there were less than 100 individuals of Pholidoscelis corvinus in the world, but thanks to the efforts of experts, their number has now increased sixteen times. This case shows how important the role of appropriate species protection is.
Pholidoscelis corvinus is a species of small lizard in the Teidae family, found only on the small island of Sombrero in the Caribbean. Although now uninhabited, it was once a phosphate mining center and the area is completely deforested and degraded.
Along with people, mice and rats appeared on the island and destroyed the local animal population. The situation was made more difficult by the hurricanes that frequently passed through the North Caribbean Sea. Over the years, the population of lizards has decreased, and in 2018, less than a hundred individuals.
An amazing twist
In 2021, specialists from the Fauna and Flora organization, which deals with nature conservation, began the process of restoring the natural environment of the island. Their efforts focused on eradicating invasive rodents and planting native plant species to provide the animals with safe shelters and food sources. The measures gave the first results only after three years – in 2024 the population of P. corvinus will be more than 1600 individuals.
Pholidoscelis corvinus in the natural environment Toby Ross / Fauna and Flora
“This is a remarkable turnaround for this bold and charismatic species,” said Jenny Daltrey of Fauna and Flora. “We celebrate this population recovery, but we recognize that much more needs to be done to ensure the future of this and other Caribbean wildlife.
The researchers explained that restoring and restoring the animal population on the island is not only important in the short term. It is also important to build the resilience of ecosystems to the effects of climate change so that nature can thrive in the long term.
“Protecting and restoring healthy, natural ecosystems is key to resilience in the face of climate change,” said Arica Hill of the Caribbean Fauna and Flora Branch.
Main photo: Toby Ross / Fauna & Flora
