It was on the verge of extinction, but there was a 'remarkable twist'

Pholidoscelis corvinus is a species of small lizard from the Teidae family, found only on the small Caribbean island of Sombrero. Although it is currently uninhabited, it was once a phosphate mining center and the area has been completely deforested and the soil degraded.

Along with people, mice and rats appeared on the island, decimating local animal populations. The situation was made more difficult by hurricanes that frequently passed through the northern Caribbean. Over the years, the lizard population has been shrinking, dropping below one hundred individuals in 2018.

In 2021, specialists from the Fauna & Flora organization dealing with nature conservation began the process of rebuilding the island's natural environment. Their efforts focused on removing invasive rodents and planting native plant species to provide the animals with safe shelters and a food source. The actions brought the first results after just three years – the population in 2024 P. corvinus is estimated at over 1,600 individuals.

“This is a remarkable turnaround for this bold and charismatic species,” said Jenny Daltry of Fauna & Flora. “We celebrate this recovery of the population, but we recognize that there is much more to do to secure its future and that of other Caribbean wildlife.

Researchers explained that the island's restoration and recovery of animal populations are not only important in the short term. It is also important for building the resilience of ecosystems to the effects of climate change, ensuring nature can develop in the long term.

“Protecting and restoring healthy, natural ecosystems is key to resilience in the face of a changing climate,” said Arica Hill of Fauna & Flora's Caribbean branch.