The Department of Natural Resources, a newly formed agency comprising the Departments of Agriculture, Fisheries and Environment, wishes to inform the general public that it is prioritising the threat of invasive species in Anguilla. Invasive Species refer to non-native plant and animal species that have been introduced to the island and are capable of causing major problems to the residents and their livelihoods. Some of the ways in which invasive species can enter Anguilla are through the trade of various products. For example, as shipment of containers arrive on the island, they can contain both plant and animal species that can easily escape and develop their own habitat in Anguilla. Additionally, some of these species are unknowingly and sometime deliberately introduced in the luggage of persons entering our island.
In the past, invasive species such as the Giant African Snails, Coral snakes, the Cuban Tree Frogs, Fire Ants, the Green Iguanas, and several other species, have been introduced to Anguilla. Once these invasive species become established, they not only have the potential to impact native species, but may also affect many people, and can especially cause severe impact on the livelihood of farmers and their crops. Thus the Department of Natural Resources has been actively addressing invasive species and the ways that they can impact our environment and our people. In an effort to manage such impacts, the agency has an invasive species strategy and has conducted local invasive species training workshops to increase the awareness of the threats of invasive species – and various biosecurity measures that can be taken to significantly reduce their entry and manage their spread in Anguilla.
Furthermore, within the past few weeks, a number of reports have been made to the agency about the sighting of monkeys roaming and foraging in the wild around Anguilla. Some residents have reported seeing them in Katouche, North Hill, Crocus Bay and the surrounding villages.
It should be noted that an established population of monkeys on Anguilla can have severe consequences for the island. One of the main concerns of monkeys is that they can become a potential agricultural pest for Anguilla’s local farmers as they tend to consume several crop species. Residents with fruit trees can also be impacted and are therefore encouraged to be
Monkeys are not native to Anguilla, and therefore it is believed that the presence of them in the island means that they may be escaped pets that are rapidly reproducing. Residents of Anguilla are encouraged to report any sightings of the said monkeys to the Department of Natural Resources. If possible, persons are also encouraged to take pictures or video clippings of the monkeys, and share them with the Department. Such evidence will be vital in assisting the agency with the proper identification and distribution of the species of monkey that are roaming in Anguilla. The Department will use the information to finalise and implement its strategy to contain the monkey population.
Please contact the Department at 497-0217 or email doeaxa@gmail.com
– Press Release
