Bahamian Wildlife: ‘It is all around us’

Bahamian Wildlife

‘It is all around us’

Bahama Warbler

By Scott Johnson Photographs Courtesy Of Scott Johnson of Wild Bahamas

Bahama Warbler Perched

The Bahama Warbler

Hopping from tree to tree, the Bahama warbler probes the thick bark of pine trees in search of a tasty insect meal. The pinelands of Abaco is the last stronghold of this beautiful and charismatic little bird.

The Bahama warbler is one of six species of birds found only in The Bahamas. It was once found only on the islands of Grand Bahama and Abaco, but due to the monster that was Hurricane Dorian, this little bird is now only seen on Abaco.

The Bahama warbler is a pineland specialist, meaning it only lives and breeds in the pinelands. Destruction of the pineland of Abaco will threaten the very existence of this amazing bird and The Bahamas may lose one of its endemic feathered jewels. Consistent conservation efforts, wildlife education and environmentally conscious development are crucial for the preservation of this and other pineland bird species.

Bahamian Rock Iguanas In Natural Environment

Bahamian Rock Iguanas

The Bahamas is home to many interesting species of animals that add to the exotic charm of our islands. One such group of animals is our Bahamian rock iguanas.

The Bahamas is home to three species of rock iguanas: the Northern Bahamian rock iguana, San Salvador rock iguana, and the Turks and Caicos rock iguana. Sadly, all our Rock Iguanas are endangered.

Rock iguanas are herbivores, feeding on native fruits, leaves and flowers. They are extremely beneficial to our islands because they are seed dispersers, adding to the wonderful plant diversity we have throughout the country.

Because of their sensitive stomachs, it is not recommended to feed rock iguanas human foodstuffs. Feeding them grapes and other vegetables is also not good as the high sugar content can cause a rise in their blood sugar. The sand they ingest during feeding can lead to impaction and death.

The White-Crowned Pigeon

White-Crowned Pigeon Perched

One of the most iconic species of birds in The Bahamas is the white-crowned pigeon. This bird is easily recognized by its white crown, pink legs and blackish-grey body.

White-crowned pigeons are frugivorous, feeding on a wide variety of fruits. They are important seed dispersers, helping to transport native tree seeds across the archipelago. During the breeding season, the fruit from the poisonwood tree is very important to them and contains important fats and other nutrients that help young chicks grow. Unlike many other species of birds, white-crowned pigeons feed their chicks milk from special glands in their throats.

Hunting and habitat loss are major threats of white-crowned pigeons. The species is currently listed as “near threatened” by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Protection of native coppice forests, mangroves and pinelands and better hunting practices and regulations can help to ensure that this species will be around for generations to come.

Bahamian Boa

The Bahamas is home to twelve species of snakes, five of which are boas. Boas are often referred to as “fowl snakes” in The Bahamas because they are sometimes seen in chicken coups eating or attempting to eat chickens. Boas are non-venomous snakes that kill their prey by constriction. They are not dangerous to humans.

Bahamian boas are the largest native terrestrial predators in The Bahamas, with one species, the Bahama boa, growing to over seven feet long and weighing over thirteen pounds! They can be found in a variety of habitats, from coppice forests to residential areas.

Bahamian boas are the most persecuted native terrestrial animals in The Bahamas. Many people kill or harm these animals based on fear, superstition and, sadly, ignorance. Bahamian boas important natural forms of pest control, feeding on rats that can spread diseases, and help to keep ecosystems healthy and balanced. Killing them is not warranted. UA

Bahamian Boa