Sunday, April 29, 2012



   The Antiguan racer, scientific name, Alsophis antiguae is found in grasslands and forests. It is classified critically endangered on the IUCN Red list and has been since 1995 when it was rediscovered. Before this time it was thought to be extinct. Prefers forested areas that are heavily shaded, but also may be found on sandy or rocky areas. Strictly diurnal, they remain active during the heat of the day, but often seek out shade. Primarly feeds on lizards,(http://www.arkive.org/antiguan-racer/alsophis-antiguae/) and it’s main predators are introduced to the area, rats and mongooses. They are small nonvenomous and good natured. They show dimorphism; the females are much larger in size than the males and also possess almost the opposite colorations. The females are silvery- gray with light brown blotches and stripes, while the males are dark brown with creamy blotches.(http://www.arkive.org/antiguan-racer/alsophis-antiguae/)

We are affecting this species biome by introducing new species that are endangering it.
The  racer's problem began in the 15th century when Europeans came to colonize Antigua and their slave ships bought over the black and brown rats who preyed upon the young and their eggs. With the European’s sugarcane plantations and the racer’s eggs and the rat population rocketed by the end of the 19th century, the rat plague was out of control. The small Indian mongoose was introduced in an effort to control rat poputions, but since the rats were mainly nocturnal, while mongoose hunt during the day; so these two rarely ran into each other. So the Mongoose began to prey on the racer as well. (http://www.antiguanracer.org/html/home.htm.)
The Antiguan Racer Conservation Project has been working to eradicate the rat and mongoose populations from Great Bird Island and more snakes were introduced, with constant monitoring. I propose introducing the racer to more places than just this island to ensure a bigger population.

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