The island of Saint Barthélemy is home to a particularly well-adapted fauna and flora. Whether in urban or natural areas, you're likely to come across them. Fragile, these species must be preserved. There are a few simple steps you can take.
On your walks, be careful not to pick or gather any plants, as many are protected and others can be dangerous, such as the mancenilla. To make the most of your time outdoors, take photos to immortalize your encounters with flora and fauna. Don't hesitate to share your observations on the dedicated Facebook page or on the iNaturalist app.
Your walk is also an opportunity to take part in our daily participative scientific monitoring and to keep an eye out for rare or invasive exotic species, so that you can report them to us.
We all know that driving kills. But not necessarily the ones you think. As elsewhere, roads on Saint-Barthélemy fragment natural environments and are one of the causes of the decline in biodiversity. Iguanas, for example, have to cross the island during the breeding season or to lay their eggs, and are regularly mowed down.
Stay alert and keep your foot on the gas!
If you come across an injured wild animal, call 0690 31 70 73 immediately.
Native species have not developed the capacity to defend themselves against our pets, which are new predators introduced to the island by man. So it's a good idea to adopt a few precautions to limit their impact on local fauna.
Authorization is required to import animals other than dogs and cats ;
Since January 1, 2022, all cats must be sterilized before entering Saint-Barthélemy (Art. 32-1 of the Saint-Barthélemy Environment Code);
As part of the campaign to sterilize stray cats, traps are made available to private individuals free of charge. Once a stray cat has been caught, any vet on the island can sterilize it free of charge. This gesture is entirely paid for by the Collectivité de Saint Barthélemy.
Waste management on the island is handled by the Paprec waste management company on Public area. Daily waste is sorted into two garbage cans: organic waste, paper and cardboard in the black bag garbage can, and glass and cans in the transparent bag. For all other waste, please contact the waste disposal site directly.
We strongly advise against feeding wildlife. Feeding must be reserved exclusively for pets identified in your name.
Some of the wild animals are exogenous (imported by man to the island), such as tortoises, goats, stray cats, hens and roosters. Feeding them contributes to their proliferation, which in turn damages the local flora and fauna. Of course, only fenced-in goats and hens should be fed.
Local wildlife, such as birds and iguanas, are largely protected. Feeding them is strictly forbidden. Feeding can cause disease or deficiency. They may also lose the habit of feeding themselves and become more easily exposed to predators (cats and dogs in particular).
Remember also to place your pets' food indoors, to avoid unintentional feeding by wildlife.
A garden for birds: to attract birds to your garden, plant flowerbeds, hedges, trees or shrubs, preferably of local origin. By providing them with a source of food, you'll be inviting them back into your garden and offering them nesting sites.
To find out more: For your garden - Choose local
A sanctuary for iguanas: To preserve this emblematic and endangered animal on the island in your green spaces, choose to encourage native plants to provide food and shelter.
