Status and Range of Introduced Mammals on St. Martin, Lesser Antilles

Abstract

The introduction of mammals to islands is one of the leading causes of extirpation of native biota worldwide. Data gaps in the introduction of mammals to islands have led to inadequate management practices which do not take into consideration the potential destruction caused by those mammals. Herein, we report the current status of introduced mammals on the island of St. Martin within the Lesser Antilles region of the Caribbean. We surveyed the island for introduced mammals and interviewed residents on their observations, from 2000 - 2007. In addition to recording domesticated mammals (i.e. dogs, Canis familiaris), we recorded six species of feral introduced mammals including raccoons (Procyon lotor) and African green vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops).