Miniscule jewel of the Caribbean
Rare and elusive, the Union Island gecko is only 3cm long. It spends its days hiding in tiny cracks in the rocks, where – incredibly – it drinks in moisture through its skin.
Instantly recognisable by its vibrant black and orange spots, this diminutive lizard was once one of the most heavily-trafficked reptiles in the Caribbean.
Now, local people are coordinating desperate efforts to save their island’s most iconic species from poaching before it’s too late.
Donate now – together we can help the people of Union Island preserve these extraordinary reptiles for generations to come.
Why are Union Island geckos under threat?
Tucked away on a tiny, mountainous island in the heart of the Caribbean, the Union Island gecko evaded taxonomists for decades.
Upon their discovery in 2005, they quickly became highly sought-after in the exotic reptile trade. Almost overnight, they began being captured in their multitudes, trafficked off the island and transported to Europe and the USA, where they were sold on to collectors at premium rates.
Their entire habitat consists of a 50-hectare area of ultra-rare ‘tropical dry’ forest in the highlands of Union Island, which itself is only nine kilometres squared. This means that – despite their tiny size – there’s not many places for these exquisite reptiles to hide. The poachers know exactly where to look and it’s all too easy for the geckos to be plucked from safety. Without constant monitoring from conservationists, the geckos have little hope of survival.
Additionally, parts of Union Island have been placed up for sale by the government. Inhabiting such a small area of unique ecosystem, Union Island geckos don’t have any habitat to spare – if the land were to fall into the hands of a large hotel chain or other development, the environmental consequences could be dire. This is why the Union Island Environmental Alliance (UIEA) aim to buy the land themselves, keeping it in the hands of local people and preserving its unique landscape.
How can your donation help to save the Union Island gecko?
Your donation will go directly to the UIEA, so you can rest assured it’s going straight to where it’s needed.
Their fantastic team of local rangers patrol the forest, keeping an eye on the geckos’ habitat and protecting them from poachers. They also have camera systems installed, which surveil the area twenty-four hours a day.
In the last six years, the UIEA have overseen a resurgence in the Union Island gecko population, with it increasing by 80% to around 18,000.
But with the constant threat of poaching and the increasing challenges posed by development and climate change, they need our support now more than ever.
Please donate today, and ensure this vital work can continue.
Chatham Bay: the gateway to the extraordinary, and ecologically essential, part of the Caribbean islandscape where Union Island Geckos make their home.
+1 784 526 7457
For more information on donating, call UIEA, or email [email protected]