Conservation and Management of the Endemic Fer De Lance (Bothrops caribbeaus) on the small island of Saint Lucia.
This project has emerged from a Planning Grant with which a major output was a conservation plan for the endemic Saint Lucia viper - Bothrops caribbaeus. The project objectives are to: (i) To significantly reduce the risk and consequences from snake bites by disseminating factual information in communities and to workers with a high probability of encountering the viper; (ii) To design and establish a standardized system for managing snake bites which is resourced with trained professionals who are able to treat, research and learn from incidents; (iii) To develop, implement and monitor a zero-kill policy for the Fer de Lance within all Forest Reserves in Saint Lucia; (iv) To design and implement a knowledge transfer programme in which 80% of Saint Lucians in snake areas understand and know how to behave in snake areas and what to do in case of envenomation; (v) To undertake field research on the Fer De Lance which will lead to a better understanding of the species which includes habitat preference, genetic status etc.; (vi) To establish a management structure to oversee research, develop an information data base, monitor and evaluate various interventions and ensure that the species is effectively managed to avoid extinction.
Project Snapshot
Grantee:
Saint Lucia National Trust
Country:
Saint Lucia
Area Of Work:
Biodiversity
Grant Amount:
US$ 45,037.00
Co-Financing Cash:
US$ 4,451.00
Co-Financing in-Kind:
US$ 38,684.00
Project Number:
STL/SGP/OP5/Y4/STAR/BD/14/14
Status:
Satisfactorily Completed
Project Characteristics and Results
Policy Influence
This project has caused the Forestry Division to relook at its policy on the poisonous endemic viper (Bothrops caribbaeus) in Forest Reserve. The Division has now incorporated a management protocol for the endemic viper in its strategic plan.
Project sustainability
This project is sustainable because of the following: (i) Though led by a CSO, the major national Government Agency responsible for wildlife protection in Saint Lucia was kept fully engaged throughout the planning process; (ii) Training took place at the community level and at the medical public service levels. There is now a cadre of skilled persons trained in caring for victims of snake bites; and (iii) External assistance was sought and received for skills development among forestry and extension officers from various ministries.
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SGP Country office contact
Mr. Giles Romulus
Phone:
(758) 452-4900
Fax:
(758) 452-4900
Email:
Address
CARILEC Building, Desir Avenue, Sans Souci
Castries, The Caribbean, P.O. Box 8206 Choc
Castries, The Caribbean, P.O. Box 8206 Choc
Visit the Saint Lucia Country Page