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Wildlife of the Caribbean: A major world biodiversity hotspot in need of more local research capacity
Continue readingThe insular Caribbean is considered as one of the most important biodiversity hotspots in the world, home to many endemic species. While new endemic plant and animal species are still discovered regularly, many are already vulnerable or even threatened with extinction because of various threats, such as habitat loss, climate change or biological invasions. Strong research on Caribbean biodiversity…
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Caribaea Initiative gets support from the Caribbean program Interreg for its project about invasive reptiles
A success with a taste of victory for the association, accompanied by a great challenge to come. The MERCI project (Managing Exotic Reptiles on Caribbean Islands), led by Caribaea Initiative, was selected by the Caribbean program Interreg for a FEDER (European regional development fund) grant of € 403,628. Continue reading
Overfishing and regulation: How to determine the sexual maturity of lobsters?
Continue readingFishing 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 species, including knowing how…
Is there any pigeon out there? On the importance of counting techniques to estimate bird populations
Continue readingDetecting 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 of patrimonial and hunting…
In Haiti, small urban green spaces provide refuges for birds
Continue readingThe 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 densely populated in Latin…
Scaly-naped pigeon populations revealed thanks to their DNA
Continue readingIn 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 a decline in some…
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
Continue readingRecent 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. (more…)
Gobies bring a well deserved award for Jeniece
Continue readingJeniece Germain has been awarded the degree « of Master of Philosophy – Ecology » with High Commendation from the University of the West Indies in Barbados. (more…)
Anolis equestris potior © Aslam Castellón Maure
