Leonardo DiCaprio Instagram – One of the ‘best-guarded’ reptiles in the world is making a comeback on the Caribbean’s Union Island—thanks to the hard work and commitment of Union Island residents, regional government, and a coalition of local and international conservation organizations, including Re:wild. The bejeweled Union Island Gecko was first described by science in 2005 and immediately became a coveted exotic pet. Aggressive poaching for the pet trade nearly drove the species to extinction.
But a recent survey shows that conservation efforts are working, including: expanded protected areas, better management of those areas, anti-poaching patrols, 24/7 camera surveillance in the forest, and the highest level of protection against illegal trade under CITES.
The gecko’s population has increased from 10,000 in 2018 to around 18,000 today. The species is found only in the Chatham Bay #KeyBiodiversityArea, which is a site of critical important to the persistence of biodiversity and the health of our planet.
Key partners include the Union Island Environmental Alliance, St. Vincent and the Grenadines Forestry Department, @faunafloraint and @rewild
📷: Jacob Bock/Fauna & Flora International | Posted on 15/Dec/2022 09:19:52