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Global Insular Conservation Society
Preserving species and habitat through
education, conservation and research
GICS Spotlight: The Endangered Bimini Island Boa
Edgar Fortune, Founder and CEO of GICS has entered into a partnership with Loma Linda University, Lead Scientist William Hayes to conduct a field based research project aimed at benefiting the endangered Bimini Boa (Epicrates striatus fosteri). The planned date for the project is 2010. One of our goals in this partnership is to help raise additional funds for equiptment, and other expenses. The destruction of the native mangrove forests and sea grass in the name of development has catastrophic potential for the future of many species of animals; sharks, shell fish, birds, reptiles etc. that rely on these forests (both above and below the water) for their survival and very existence. A short film documenting the threats to the sawfish, native to the waters off of Bimini does an excellent job of summing up the impacts and threats to this ecosystem. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOptwatDWQ0 Before we can help a species like the Bimini Boa we must first do our best to understand them; know their habitat, range, population numbers, sensitivities, adaptability and susceptibilities. Only through sound research can we give such a species an effective voice in the face of progress. One that will speak confidently, eloquently, and accurately to the impacts further development will have on their species survival. Animals are being counted, populations estimated, individuals are weighed, measured and fitted with transponders to better understand their range and territories. Snakes in general present a unique challenge to researchers in that they do not feed daily like most other animals and reptiles. A snake can go weeks and in some cases months in-between feedings making it very difficult to conduct a census and making radio telemetry studies on those that you do find all that much more important. In partnering with Loma Linda University, they offer extensive expertise in conservation research working with snakes and other Bahamian species. To help further this project and help in the efforts to save this and other species threatened by the ever expanding foot print of man. We are asking for donations that will benefit the Bimini Island Boa through conservation related activities that include:
Your contribution will help support our efforts in raising $25,000 to fund this project. Without donations the Bimini Boa will most likely fall to extinction without so much as a footnote in history. All donations are appreciated. If you would like to make a donation or more information about the Endangered Bimini Island Boa please contact: Edgar Fortune (206) 293-1766 |
 A 501(C)3 Non Profit Organization
 Bimini Boa The largest islands are North and South Bimini. This species most likely inhabits subtropical dry forests and mangrove forests of North Bimini, South Bimini, East Bimini and Easter Cay. Once common on all the Islands, populations have evidently declined due to habitat destruction, over collection for the pet trade, and introduction of feral animals such as cats and rats, Recently, the habitat has been altered due to the major construction of the Bimini Bay resort and Phase II of this resort has destroyed essential habitat for many species. The Bimini Boa is protected by Bahamian law and is currently listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Animals |