The Sombrero ground lizard, once on the brink of extinction with fewer than 100 individuals in 2018, is experiencing a remarkable resurgence thanks to dedicated conservation efforts. Organizations such as Fauna & Flora, Anguilla National Trust, and Re:wild have collaborated to increase the lizard population on Sombrero Island, located in the Lesser Antilles near Anguilla.
Following a devastating hurricane in 2018, fears arose that the species might vanish forever. However, conservation initiatives launched in 2021 have led to a significant recovery, with the population now estimated at over 1,600 lizards. This effort not only focused on increasing the lizard count but also aimed to restore the island's native plant life.
Sombrero Island is unique, hosting various endemic species, including seabirds, the Sombrero Island wind scorpion, and a currently unnamed pygmy gecko. The eradication of invasive mice and the replanting of native flora such as seagrape and prickly pear have been pivotal in these conservation efforts.
This project highlights the broader importance of conservation in combating the effects of climate change. As human activities continue to threaten habitats and species, initiatives like those on Sombrero Island serve as a vital reminder of our responsibility to protect the planet's biodiversity.
Experts like botanist Leigh Fulghum emphasize the impact of focused, community-driven conservation efforts, suggesting that such initiatives can yield significant results despite their small scale. The success on Sombrero Island not only revives a rare lizard species but also inspires hope for similar conservation projects worldwide.