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Overfishing and regulation: How to determine the sexual maturity of lobsters?
Fishing of Caribbean spiny lobsters (Panulirus argus) generates close to one billion dollars each year. Such intensive exploitation can pose a threat to the species. Appropriate fishing regulations, especially at the local level, are therefore of prime importance in preserving populations. The implementation of these measures requires a good knowledge of the biology of the […]
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Is there any pigeon out there? On the importance of counting techniques to estimate bird populations
Detecting birds in their environment in a reliable way is essential to estimate their abundance, to understand their geographical distribution and their habitat preferences, or to develop relevant conservation actions. Although several methods exist, their efficiencies differ, as demonstrated by a new study during which the presence and abundance of two species of wild pigeons […]
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In Haiti, small urban green spaces provide refuges for birds
The insular Caribbean is one of the most important biodiversity hotspots on the planet. In the center of the region, Haiti is home to 270 bird species, including several species endemic to Hispaniola. Despite this amazing natural heritage, Haiti also stands out as one of the most deforested countries in the world, and the most […]
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Scaly-naped pigeon populations revealed thanks to their DNA
In the Greater and Lesser Antilles, the Scaly-naped pigeon (Patagioenas squamosa) plays an important ecological role in forest regeneration. Like most columbids, the bird can fly for long distances, and therefore participates in seed dispersal thanks to its frugivorous diet. Although its distribution is currently quite wide, the species faces various threats that resulted in […]
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St. Vincent emergency: rescue the wildlife from the eruptions
The recent and upcoming volcanic eruptions on St. Vincent are tragic for local populations and for the extraordinary biodiversity of the island. Caribaea Initiative teams-up with other organizations to bring immediate help as well as long-term actions to help the population of Saint-Vincent and its natural heritage to recover from the disaster. Saint Vincent is […]
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Amphibians to conquer the Caribbean: use of an innovative approach to predict invasion and its consequences
While Cuba may be threatened by the invasion of the frog Leptodactylus fragilis, a species widespread in Central America, a study combining modeling and experiments on the vocalizations of the animal predicts areas susceptible to invasion and the possible impact on other amphibian species.
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Caribbean lobsters threatened by recently discovered pathogens and parasites
Recent research provides evidence that parasites and pathogens may impact a commercially important species which generates $500 million in income for fishers and close to $1 billion in export revenue each year.
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