The Saint Lucia National Trust (SLNT) has expressed concern about the threat to the unique species on the Maria Islands Nature Reserve from people visiting the Reserve illegally.
The SLNT disclosed that the islets are closed to visits by the public due to the threat, including a recently identified invasive parasite that could detrimentally impact the Saint Lucia Racer, the world’s snake.
Visiting Maria Island without permission from the Trust is illegal under the Wildlife Protection Act, No. 9 of 1980, and liable on summary conviction to a fine of up to $5000 or imprisonment of up to twelve months.
The SLNT disclosed that illegal visitors to the Maria Islands Nature Reserve have lit dangerous open fires and left behind garbage and human excrement.
According to the organisation, the Reserve is a bio-secure area and home to several endemic species.
The Trust, the Forestry Department, the Durrel Foundation and Fauna and Flora are working together to conserve and save the species.
“Play your part, help us save these unique but endangered Saint Lucian species by not venturing onto the islets and by contacting the Trust’s Southern Office or the Vieux Fort Police to report illegal access to the Maria Islands,” an SLNT release urged.
“If you are interested in seeing the Saint Lucia Whiptail lizard, kayaking tours to Praslin island are available. There you will be able to encounter a sub-population of the patriotic lizard that carries the colours of the Saint
Lucian flag,” the release stated.
It also declared that the Maria Islands Nature Reserve and the species found on them remain a National Treasure that all Saint Lucians can be proud of for generations to come.
