Share the Shore Anguilla
After three years of Covid, Anguilla is finally open without restrictions. With an expanded airlift from American Airlines, Anguilla has been promised the best season since 2019. This is a welcome sign for the island’s restaurants and resorts. But it may spell trouble for Anguilla’s wildlife.
During the Covid period, resident and migratory birds got used to having this 35 square mile paradise pretty much to themselves. Empty beaches provided safe nesting spots for even the tiniest of shorebirds. Sea turtles saw less boat traffic and quiet beaches to nest.
If our recent holiday activity is a predictor of what we will see in the coming months, life is about to change for Anguilla’s most vulnerable inhabitants.
There is no question that Anguillans are struggling from the impact of Covid, global supply chain issues, and the implementation of new taxes. Tourism is critical to the island’s recovery and people’s livelihoods.
The island’s salt ponds, offshore cays, and beaches are critical habitats for resident and migratory birds. Migratory birds travel long distances non-stop to reach Anguilla. They are tired, hungry, and need to rest and refuel. Every unleashed dog giving chase or human walking forces them to expend more energy and keeps them from recovery. I surmise that most of Anguilla’s residents and visitors are unaware of these facts.
Anguilla’s shores are also nesting sites for endangered sea turtles. Once reaching maturity, they will return to their natal beach to lay their eggs. The Sea Grape trees that once lined our shores have been replaced by hotel chairs and umbrellas, making it difficult for them to nest.
So how do we balance wildlife needs with Anguilla’s economy? I believe education and information hold the key to that balance. I also firmly believe that once informed, most people will choose to help our wildlife.
The Nature Explorers Anguilla “Share the Shore Anguilla” campaign is designed to provide education and awareness of the challenges Anguilla’s wildlife faces and how everyone can help minimize the impact.
These campaigns are not new. Audubon has used them to raise awareness of the challenges birds face living in heavily trafficked coastal areas.
One of the biggest threats to wildlife is free-roaming dogs and cats. Instinctually, cats will seek out birds as prey. Dogs think they are toys and are fun to chase.
Garbage that is not disposed of properly is also a threat to wildlife. Ingested cigarettes and plastics can cause a slow and agonizing death.
With that in mind, here are a few tips we can all follow to assist nature in Anguilla or wherever we travel:
General Tips
Make sure your pets are spayed and neutered to reduce unwanted animals. (Anguillan residents can check out the Anguilla Animal Rescue Foundation Free Spay/Neuter Programs.)
Keep cats inside, especially at night.
Keep dogs on leash at all times.
Do not allow dogs to chase wildlife or people.
Clean up pet feces (Covering them with sand is not cleaning up!)
Remove all trash and cigarette butts and place them in the proper receptacle.
Cut up the 6-pack plastic rings and place them in a proper receptacle.
Do not drive vehicles on the beach or in salt ponds.
Tips to Help Birds
If you see a bird pretending to have a broken wing (see above) and making frantic movements, they have chicks or eggs nearby. Forcing the parents to leave the nest unattended can cause the eggs to overheat and makes chicks vulnerable to predators.
Put distance between yourself and the bird. The recommended distance from nesting birds is 325 to 600 feet.
Either back away from the location and return from the direction you came, or take a wide path away from the birds.
In today’s social media-driven world, everyone wants the best photograph for a post. I see people get too close to birds, especially our visiting flamingos. When you encroach on their territory, the bird is forced away from the nest or food source. Following these simple tips will decrease the stress on birds and give the photographer natural views of the subject.
Photography Tips:
Respect the distance guidelines above.
Use a long lens to capture your subject.
Sit still at a safe distance and let the bird react naturally.
Use your vehicle as a blind at a safe distance from the subject.
Did you know that six of the seven sea turtle species are threatened? Leatherback, Green, and Hawksbill turtles nest on Anguilla. They are protected here by international agreements. Harming or endangering sea turtles is an offense punishable by jail and fines.
Sea turtles tend to nest in the dark when human activity is low. On the rare occasion that turtles nest during the day, give them space to nest and a clear path to return to the ocean.
Hatching usually occurs in the late afternoon or at night. Bright lights can distract hatchlings away from the ocean. Beach furniture and holes in the sand can obstruct hatchlings, leaving them stranded on the beach. A flat, unobstructed route to the sea is critical to their survival.
Tips to Help Sea Turtles
Turn off the lights.
Remove beach furniture, especially at night.
Fill in holes dug in the sand.
Nature will have a fighting chance if we all do our little part to support wildlife in Anguilla.
Great article Jackie, thank you. We were there in 2012 when a Leatherback came ashore near Turtles Nest, it was an amazing sight.