Islands of Anguilla

Anguilla, a UK Overseas Territory, is in fact an archipelago of small karst islands, some of which harbour animals and plants that occur nowhere else. As the main island of Anguilla has become increasingly affected by development and the spread of harmful feral and invasive alien species, the offshore islands have assumed growing importance as wildlife sanctuaries and tourist attractions.

In collaboration with the Anguilla National Trust, Department of Environment, RSPB and other partners, since 1999 Fauna & Flora has helped prevent the biologically unique Sombrero island from being turned into a rocket launch facility, removed invasive rats from the mighty Dog Island, and reintroduced native iguanas to the Prickly Pear Cays. Current conservation priorities are to remove invasive mammals from Sombrero and the Prickly Pear Cays, complete surveys of the islands’ flora and fauna, reintroduce other missing keystone species, and help bring the islands and surrounding marine protected areas under more effective management in collaboration with private landowners.