The public are invited to view and comment on the proposed Invasive Alien Species Act 2021 before September 7th.
Public consultation on proposed Invasive Species Act
World Wildlife Day - March 3rd
Green Heron, Spittal Pond
On Monday, March 3rd 2014, the UN will mark its first World Wildlife Day to recognise global efforts to halt wildlife trafficking.
Why not celebrate by visiting our Bermuda Species Page to see some of our beautiful Bermudian wildlife, or read our tips on how to attract wildlife to your garden?
Happy World Wildlife Day!
Slider terrapins are devastating pond ecosystems
By Simon Jones
Bermuda Sun
Red-eared slider terrapins are native to the Mississippi River Basin of North America.
They were brought into Bermuda because they are commonly kept as pets.
Harmful: Red-eared slider terrapins are being dumped by pet-owners.
As a result of irresponsible pet ownership these terrapins can now be found in every freshwater or brackish pond on the island.
Conservation staff have also come across dead red-eared sliders that have perished after being dumped in saltwater pools where they cannot survive.
This species have been spotted in the polluted Pembroke Canal and are also found on golf courses.
Alison Copeland, bio diversity officer, said: “Most of the red-eared sliders in Bermuda’s parks and nature reserves were dumped their by pet owners who no longer wanted them.
“One slider added to a pond may not upset the ecology, but people have been adding their ‘one slider’ to Bermuda’s ponds for decades and now most ponds contain several hundred.
“If you release your pet, it will find a mate and be producing clutches of eggs in no time.
“If you no longer want your terrapin, make the responsible choice and have it put down by your veterinarian.”
The red-eared slider is listed as one of the world’s top 100 worst invasive species.
Ms Copeland added: “Red-eared sliders have devastating impacts on pond ecosystems because they eat almost anything including water plants, molluscs, insects and small fish.
“In Bermuda they eat the killifish and the mosquito fish (Gambusia) which keep the mosquito numbers down.
“This has serious implications for human health because of mosquito-bourne disease and general wellbeing.
“The killifish are also endemic to Bermuda and endangered.”
Anyone who no longer wants their terrapin can bring it to the Department at Shorelands, across the road from the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo in Flatts.
Ecosystem threatened by invasive species
Simon Jones
The Bermuda Sun
FRIDAY, JUNE 15:
Taking over: An invasive Indian Laurel tree engulfs a house. The huge root system of this plant can be extremely damaging to buildings and stonework and it is considered a threat to Bermuda's buildings as well as the natural environment. Bermuda’s delicate ecosystem is being threatened by rising numbers of invasive species, conservationists have warned.
Rabbits and guinea pigs are ‘running amok’ in some national parks because irresponsible pet owners have simply released the creatures instead of trying to re-home them.
While the feral chicken population continues to rocket and has barely been dented by the culling of 3,200 animals in the last six months.
Drew Pettit, director of Conservation Services, told the Bermuda Sun that non-native plants were also displacing endemic species and dramatically impacting the island’s bio diversity.
He said: “More and more the Department of Conservation Services is receiving calls or seeing dumped pets running wild in our nature reserves and parks.
“They range from guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, chickens and red-eared slider terrapins.
Barely surviving
“None of these animals have any predators and as such are either breeding and feeding uncontrollably or are barely surviving.”
Bermuda is home to nearly a quarter of the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s top 100 worst invasive alien species, including the red-eared slider terrapin, Kudzu vine, and Brazilian pepper tree.
And the island is reported to be the worst Overseas Territory when it comes to invasive species.
Mr Pettit added: “Invasive species are the greatest threat to Bermuda’s biodiversity, especially protected native and endemic species.
“Bermuda’s habitats have become increasingly impacted by a number of aggressive invasive species that were originally imported for horticultural or agricultural reasons or for the pet trade
“They have since escaped their intended locations and begun breeding or self seeding rapidly in the wild.
“With no natural predators and the ability to reproduce quickly invasive species prey on endemic and native animals and compete for food and habitat.
“This further decreases the already low numbers of indigenous species and diminishes their chances for survival.”
Conservationists and government officials are currently looking at new policies as well as legislation to tackle the rising tide of invasive plants and animals on the island.
Bio diversity officer Alison Copeland added: “Where eradication is not possible, control and management are attempted.
“To make the recovery of protected native and endemic species possible, the threat posed by invasive species must be addressed.
“Bermuda is particularly vulnerable to the introduction of invasive species through our importation of food and other consumer products.
“These shipments can inadvertently introduce dangerous species into our environment.
“Additionally, people smuggling plants, animals, seeds or fruit back from their vacations could accidentally introduce an invasive species that will seriously damage Bermuda’s environment.
“Irresponsible pet ownership is also ensuring that an ever increasing variety of animals are making their way into Bermuda’s habitats.”
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Our invasive species Bermuda is home to 24 species from the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s list of the world’s top 100 worst invasive species. They include:
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