Curious onlookers, students and teachers gathered at Constitution Park in Castries on Monday, eager to view the island’s rich fauna and flora, as the Ministry of Agriculture hosted an inclusive interactive mini-exhibition to highlight Saint Lucia’s unique wildlife as part of the commemoration of World Wildlife Day, which is held on March 3.
Employees from the Department of Agriculture took the initiative to emphasise the crucial need of protecting the country’s wildlife, which provides habitat for some of the world’s rarest creatures.
Pius Haynes, Assistant Chief Forestry Officer, gave THE VOICE an update on the exhibition’s purpose. He noted that on December 20, 2013, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly declared March 3 as World Animal Day, an important day dedicated to animal protection.
“Our aim is clear: raise awareness about the essential role our wildlife plays in innovating our landscape, supporting our well-being, and sustaining our livelihoods,” he said.
This year’s theme for World Wildlife Day is ‘Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and the Planet.’
Haynes emphasised the importance of seeking creative financial alternatives for animal conservation programs. “We lack sufficient funds to meet our biodiversity targets, so we must find creative ways to secure the necessary financing for our communities and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to conserve and manage our wildlife.”
The exhibition was organised by the ministry in collaboration with key conservation partners such as the Saint Lucia National Trust (SLNT), Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, and the Fauna and Flora Group.
Haynes emphasised the exhibition’s goal: to introduce “our local species of plants and animals to our people.” He claimed that the event gave the people a unique opportunity to learn about the numerous species on display, which included the Saint Lucian parrot, iguana, fer de lance, and boa.
The Forestry Officer described the key differences between the two-snake species displayed, helping the audience understand. “We exhibited several plants indigenous to Saint Lucia. Although we are a Small Island Developing State, we boast a remarkable diversity of plant and animal species,” he stated.
Saint Lucia is home to 32 bird species, seven of which are endemic—that is, they only exist on the island. Furthermore, the island is teeming with reptiles, notably on Maria Island, which serves as a magnet for these creatures.
Saint Lucia has 13 indigenous reptiles, seven of which are endemic. “Saint Lucia’s biodiversity is a treasure that we must cherish. It is crucial not only for ecological balance but also for economic stability, natural processes, and essential ecosystem services,” Haynes stated.
“This biodiversity has direct implications for our livelihoods. Many derive their existence on fishing, honey production, and other sustainable wildlife options that provide food, clothing, medicine, and shelter.”
He highlighted the colourful Saint Lucia parrot (Amazona versicolour), saying, “This charismatic species can only thrive in our rainforests and can be spotted foraging in communities like Micoud and Soufriere before returning to sleep in the forest.”
The Saint Lucia amazon, sometimes known as the St. Lucia parrot, is a vulnerable species and the country’s official bird.
The Saint Lucian iguana is regarded as the “flagship species for the dry forest” along the northeast coast, stretching from Cas en Bas to Fond d’Or.
Haynes emphasised the ongoing need for wildlife protection, stating, “Wildlife conservation transcends one day; it is a year-long commitment that requires priority and urgency. A concerted effort—an all hands approach from policymakers to community members—is essential for the conservation of our wildlife on the island.”