Endangered Species of Antigua and Barbuda: A Conservation Profile

The twin-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda hosts unique biodiversity under severe threat. Here are the key endangered species (IUCN Red List categories noted):

Sea Turtles (Marine)

• Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) – Critically Endangered. Hunted for tortoiseshell; nests on Antigua's beaches.
• Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) – Endangered. Forages in seagrass beds; nests on both islands.
• Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta) – Endangered. Occasional nester; bycatch victim.
• Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) – Endangered. Largest sea turtle; nests on deep-sand beaches.

Endemic Reptiles (Terrestrial)

• Antigua Racer (Alsophis antiguae) – Critically Endangered. World's rarest snake (~1,100 left). Confined to offshore islands (Great Bird, Rabbit) after mongoose introduction on main islands.
• Barbuda Racer (Alsophis barbudae) – Endangered. Barbuda-only; threatened by habitat loss, feral cats.
• Redonda Ground Dragon (Pholidoscelis atratus) – Critically Endangered. On tiny Redonda Island; recovery underway after rat/goat eradication.

Endemic & Threatened Birds

• Red-crowned Amazon (Amazona viridigenalis) – Endangered. Introduced?/vagrant; pet trade threat.
• Rufous-throated Solitaire (Myadestes genibarbis) – Endangered. Montane forest specialist; habitat fragmentation.
• Bridled Quail-Dove (Geotrygon mystacea) – Endangered. Forest understory; hunting, habitat loss.
• West Indian Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna arborea) – Endangered. Wetlands; hunting, drainage.

Conservation Actions

• Offshore island sanctuaries: Mongoose-free refuges for racers, nesting turtles.
• Turtle monitoring: Jumby Bay Hawksbill Project (longest-running in Caribbean).
• Redonda restoration: Invasive removal (2017) sparked ecosystem recovery.
• Legal protection: Wild Birds Protection Act, Fisheries Regulations, CITES enforcement.

Climate change (sea-level rise, storm intensity) compounds all threats. Community engagement and sustainable tourism funding are critical for survival.