Managing Threats Facing the Antiguan Racer

This story was originally published in the 2023 CEPF Impact Report.

The Critically Endangered Antiguan racer (Alsophis antiguae) once existed throughout Antigua and Barbuda. However, it suffered from relentless predation by invasive rats and mongooses, which were introduced to the country during colonial times. By 1995, all that remained were a mere 50 individuals discovered by locals on the 8.4-hectare Great Bird Island.  After major efforts to remove the invasive predators and reintroduce racers to three other offshore islands, the racer population increased. The Environmental Awareness Group (EAG) and partners are conducting regular wildlife monitoring and biosecurity checks on the four islands where racers are present.

Unfortunately, a 2023 field survey showed racer populations plummeting by two-thirds, from roughly 1,200 individuals found in 2016 to only 400 individuals in 2023.  EAG believes the key reason for this dramatic decline is climate change—particularly increasing temperatures and a lack of stable water source—along with development on vital racer habitat. EAG recently completed a conservation action plan that includes climate considerations and is engaging with a range of stakeholders including communities, island owners and the government of Antigua and Barbuda to save this iconic snake.