Re-introduction of St. Croix Ground Lizard to Buck Island Reef NM

The purpose of this Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) is to evaluate impacts from undertaking the collection and re-introduction of the endangered St. Croix Ground Lizard from Green Cay NWR to Buck Island Reef NM. This project is being undertaken as a measure to mitigate the potential for catastrophic loss of remaining St. Croix Ground Lizard populations from fire, flood, hurricane, tsunami, and non-native predation. Translocation and re-introduction will establish a "self-sustaining population (500 or more individuals) on Buck Island increasing the species range into a high quality habitat in a federally protected natural area and obtain an adequate population dispersion so the species can be considered for reclassification from endangered to threatened. Returning the native St. Croix Ground Lizard to Buck Island will improve the native biodiversity in the park and enrich visitor experience.

Contact Information

Zandy Hillis-Starr, Chief of Resource Management, at 340-773-1460 x 235

Michael Evans, USFWS Refuge Manager, Sandy Point NWR/Green Cay NWR, at 340-773-4554