Shanna Challenger, OICP Coordinator, holding an Antiguan Racer (Photo by Tarsier Strategy)

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​By Aabigayle McIntosh

Officials at the Environmental Awareness Group (EAG) are concerned about the most recent census of the indigenous racer snake population.

Executive Director Arica Hill explained that the population is not doing so fantastic.

According to Hill, a part of the challenge is that Green Island has been re-invaded by rats which means the population will decrease further.

“So, we have to now think about now that we’ve done the census. Now that we have an idea of how the population is doing. We know that the next step for us is how are we going to make a difference for this population”.

The Offshore Island Conservation Program by the EAG recently undertook a survey of racer snakes inhabiting four offshore islands.

Hill emphasizes the significance of racer snakes in the ecosystem, highlighting their role in contributing not only to environmental well-being but also to fostering economic advancements.

“Once you take care of one species, other species do very well. So, the lizards do very well the vegetation does well. And once those things do well, we as humans do well because our tourism product then does well. So, there are benefits to taking care of our racer,” Hill said.

The Antiguan racer is a harmless rear-fanged grey-brown snake that was until recently found only on Great Bird Island off the coast of Antigua. It is among the rarest snakes in the world.