Boa constrictors, an introduced species, are posing a serious threat to Aruba’s native wildlife:
The presence of the invasive Boa constrictor was first documented in Aruba in April of 1999. Ever since, the numbers of boas caught by the Park Rangers has been impressive. Hundreds are caught each year and only those seen in areas frequented by persons who then notify the Rangers for their assistance. It is safe to presume that a multifold of those caught actually live in Aruba’s wildlife.
Quite some places in the world have been confronted with invasive snake situations. The saddest being that of the Brown Three Snake in Guam. Insufficient action was taken to keep the snake’s population under control. The consequences now are that several endemic species of animals, including birds have become extinct.
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Reality of the matter is that if we take a passive stance in Aruba towards the boa while waiting for others to come with a solution, that we will live to regret it. Such a day may come sooner than we could imagine. The boa [bears] more offspring than the Brown Three Snake.
The full article, with startling pictures, is at the BirdLife International blog.
[Photo: Greg Peterson via birdlife.org]
