Jamaican Iguana(Cyclura collei) These magnificent reptiles are found only in the remotest sections of the Hellshire Hills where the forest remains in good condition. It feeds on leaves, fruits, and flowers of a wide variety of plant species, supplemented occasionally by animal matter, including snails and insects. The Jamaican Iguana is threatened by habitat loss and invasive alien species.

International Day for Biological Diversity 2014

To celebrate this year’s theme of Island Biodiversity, this week’s Amazing Species is the Mayotte Drongo (Dicrurus waldenii). This attractive bird is native to the French overseas department of Mayotte in the Comoro island group, and occurs in mangroves along the coast and at the margins of evergreen forest. Increasing deforestation for timber and traditional food cultivation are reducing the availability of suitable habitat for this species, it is therefore listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened SpeciesRead more

Cretan Orchid (Orchis sitiaca) The species is endemic to the Greek island of Crete. Digging and consumption by animals, tourism and plant collection are all contributing to the decline of this species. All orchid species are included under Annex B of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Read more

Mangrove Finch (Camarhynchus heliobates) Thanks to funding from IUCN’s partnership initiative SOS - Save Our Species, the species is benefiting from a head-starting programme implemented by the Charles Darwin Foundation and Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust. Read more

Slender Loris (Loris tardigradus) This species is endemic to central and south-western Sri Lanka, and is found in wet lowland, tropical rain, swampy coastal and evergreen forests. It is listed as Endangered because its population size is estimated to number fewer than 2,500 mature individuals. The Slender Loris is threatened by habitat loss, road kill, hunting for the pet trade, traditional “medicine” and superstitious killing. Read more

Sardinian Long-eared Bat (Plecotus sardus) This species is restricted to the island of Sardinia, Italy. It occurs in the most wooded areas of Sardinia and roosts in natural caves. Roost disturbance as a result of tourism, and habitat loss caused by forestry management are the main threats to this species.

Read more

Coconut Crab (Birgus latro) This species occurs throughout the Indian and western Pacific oceans. They are solitary and usually nocturnal, especially where human activity is frequent. They are omnivorous, commonly eating the fallen fruit of Pandanus and the Coconut Palm. This crab is a popular food and is threatened by over-harvesting, and coastal development on many islands also reduces the natural habitat of this species.

Read more