INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES

In The Bahamas the invasive lizard species encompass the Green Iguana, Spiny-tailed Iguana, Cuban Knight Anole, House Gecko, Mourning Gecko, and Southeastern Five-lined Skink. Additionally, the Red-eared Slider, having established itself on New Providence, has engaged in hybridization with the native Cat Island and Inagua Sliders.

The Bahamas boasts a diverse array of fascinating fauna and flora, some of which are exclusive to the region. Regrettably, several non-native species have been introduced to The Bahamas, either accidentally or intentionally. While some of these species pose no apparent issues, others represent a significant threat to indigenous wildlife and ecosystems.

The term "alien" is given to a species that is not native to that new environment. Sometimes species can be alien and coexist with other natives having no significant conflicts for space and resources.

Male Green Iguana

Amongst the established alien snake species in The Bahamas are the Brahminy Blind snake, Corn snake, and North American Racer (also known as the Black Racer).

An introduced species is determined invasive when its presence causes harmful impacts to the new environment or the species living within it.

Invasive Alien Species (IAS) is one of the major causes of biodiversity loss and degradation of natural habitats throughout the world. They can also cause significant adverse impacts on the economy and human health.

Fallen Casuarina tree

Some characteristics of (IAS) are :

Rapid reproduction and colonisation of new environments.
Rapid growth, reaching reproductive age quickly.
Adaptability to diverse environmental conditions.
High dispersal ability.
Capability to thrive on a broad spectrum of food types (generalists).

More recently, the early 2000s brought the introduction of the toxic Cane Toad, which to date have successfully colonized the islands of New Providence and Abaco. Invasive mammals, such as the house mouse and black and brown rat have been present in The Bahamas since the late 1400s. Raccoons, pigs, and house cats, arrived in The Bahamas with the early colonizers such as the Loyalists and the Virginia opossum has recently established itself on two Cays in the Exuma Archipelago.

Other invasive species include arthropods like Imported Red Fire Ants, American and German Cockroaches, and European honeybees. Invasive plants such as the Casuarina, Melaleuca, Hawaiian Seagrape, Jumbey, and Brazilian Pepper are common plant invaders throughout the country and continue to be a growing challenge to control.

Cane Toads