Although the true conservation status of Chilabothrus subflavus is unknown, it is currently listed as a Protected Animal under the Wild Life Protection Act of Jamaica, as Vulnerable by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, and as an Endangered Foreign Species by the U.S. Habitat loss and fragmentation, invasive species, and human persecution have led to population declines, and therefore produced a need for an up-to-date assessment of the conservation status of the species. Jamaican Boas, Chilabothrus subflavus (synonym Epicrates subflavus), comprise one of 13 endemic species of boas distributed throughout the Greater Antillean Islands and Lucayan Archipelago with many of these snake species facing an uncertain future in the wild. With greater environmental awareness and a minimum of tolerance, snakes and humans could co-exist. Pesticides and herbicides may also have a deleterious impact on fossorial (e.g., Typhlops spp.) and anuran-eating species (Antillophis spp., Chironius vincenti, Darlingtonia haetiana). Alterations in the prey base, commercial exploitation, and habitat destruction are likely responsible for declines in Epicrates populations, whereas predation by mongooses, cats, and rats have taken their toll on species of Alsophis and Liophis. Species that appear especially vulnerable to extirpations and extinctions are boids (Epicrates spp.) and diurnal, ground-dwelling colubrids (Alsophis spp. Factors contributing to the decline of Antillean snake populations are complex, but nearly all are human-mediated and involve the introduction of exotic species, including predators (e.g., cats, black and Norway rats, mongooses) and ungulates (goats, pigs) that degrade habitats. Except for ± 30 taxa, we do not know the true conservation status of West Indian snakes the herpetofauna is in a state of flux, as are the islands. Bring some fresh fish strips and try hand feeding them.Įagle Ray Run – Where dozens of eagle rays swim in formations like jet fighters.No fewer than 120 snake species representing six families and 20 genera inhabit the West Indies 115 (95.8%) are endemic to the region. Stingray Hole – Lots of stingrays swirl around your fins. Round Rock - A shallow snorkel dive over a series of rocks and corals. Healing Hole – Thought to be the site of the “Fountain of Youth”. Rainbow Reef – A coral ridge, one of the most fishiest reefs in The Bahamas.īimini Shoreline – Lots of corals and rock formations with sponges covering the reefside. LaChance Rocks – Huge rocks with plenty of small marine critters and fuzzy sea whips. Turtle Rocks – Three different areas with lots of big corals and plenty of fish. Sapona – Interesting snorkel-dive through a concrete ship. Bimini Snorkeling Sitesīimini Road – Stone monoliths believed to be part of the lost city of Atlantis. The shallow lagoons and nearby reefs are full of colorful and oddly shaped fish with domes of brain corals and acres of seafans. Part of the adventure to getting to the Bimini, is like stepping back into history or jumping into an “Indiana Jones” movie. The main town called Alice Town, is a quaint village with lots of character and colorful strawmarkets, excellent resorts and friendly residents. Bimini’s past is also linked to the lost city of Atlantis, where many scientists have searched for clues of the ancient stone monoliths called the “Bimini Road.” Barely seven miles long and only 700 feet wide, Bimini lies along the warm currents of the Gulfstream forming a remarkably diverse preserve of coral reefs, white sand beaches and fascinating marine life.īimini’s most famous visitor was Ernest Hemingway, whose “Islands in the Stream” is based upon his island exploits. On the most western shores of The Bahamas archipelago, the clear turquoise waters of the southern Atlantic Ocean break against a tiny island named Bimini.
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