THE BOTTOM – The Saba Conservation Foundation (SCF), together with the Public Entity Saba and the Saba Foundation for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, has taken new steps to protect the island’s native wildlife through an invasive species management project.
Saba’s biodiversity, including the red-billed tropicbird and the endemic black iguana, has been under pressure from non-native predators such as rats, feral cats and green iguanas. Rats in particular threaten ground-nesting seabirds by eating eggs and chicks. During a pilot phase, SCF tested specially adapted rat bait stations, which proved effective and environmentally safe for use on the island.
The project also monitored feral cats using motion-activated cameras placed across different habitats. The cameras confirmed cats are widespread, including in sensitive ecological areas and Important Bird Areas. Limited trapping showed the animals quickly develop trap avoidance, indicating long-term and more intensive management will be necessary.
Baseline
According to SCF, the collected data provides a baseline for invasive species populations and confirms that continued action is needed to reduce pressure on native wildlife. The initiative forms part of broader efforts under the Nature and Environment Policy Plan to protect biodiversity and strengthen the island’s ecological resilience.
