Conservation of the Lizard Ameiva polops in the Virgin Islands
Philibosian R and Ruibal R. 1971. Conservation of the Lizard Ameiva polops in the Virgin Islands. Herpetologica. 27(4):450-454
Present distribution and population size estimates are given for Ameiva polops, considered an endangered species of lizard in the Virgin Islands. A rationale is given for assuming its prior distribution to include Buck Island (near St. Croix), with subsequent extinction caused by the introduced Indian mongoose. As a conservation effort, 16 Ameiva were released on Buck Island in June 1968. The introduction was deemed successful when a survey of the population in September 1970 found at least 24 Ameiva. Recommendations are made to assess mongoose and Ameiva populations periodically and to continue mongoose extermination programs.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Philibosian, Richard; Ruibal, Rodolfo
- Units
- BUIS
- Keywords
- Animal Studies, Buck Island Reef National Monument, Population, Reintroduction (Species), St. Croix, St. Croix ground lizard (Ameiva polops), US Virgin Islands