Protecting the Bermuda Skink
December 6, 2016 – The Bermuda Audubon Society and the Bermuda National Trust have condemned the recent practice of prising rocks from the natural formations and piling them into rock-life formations.
The practice, which has occurred on several occasions in Spittal Pond, is disturbing some of the few remaining habitats for the Bermuda Skink, which is considered to be critically endangered and is protected under the Bermuda Protected Species Act 2003.
Apart from disturbing the habitats of endangered species, prising up and moving rocks can also cause erosion and can disturb plants and ferns.
Audubon Society president Mr Andrew Dobson said: “While we understand that the creation of these rock formations or cairns is sometimes considered to be art, people may not be aware that interfering with nature in this way can have catastrophic effects on other species and can cause major disturbances to the natural environment.”
Bermuda National Trust President Lt Col William White added: “Thousands of people every year enjoy Bermuda’s parks, nature reserves and open spaces, but users need to respect the safety of the species which rely on these areas for their very survival.”
Lt Col White added: “The saying ‘Take nothing but memories, leave nothing but footprints”, is appropriate here. Nature takes thousands of years to evolve and we must take enormous care not to disturb that evolution while we enjoy these areas.”
Parks around the world are dealing with similar problems. The US National Parks Service recently launched an effort in the Southwest states of discouraging cairn-building.
The Audubon Society and the Trust are urging people to desist from this practice, Anyone with information, or who is interested in learning more about the problem, can contact info@audubon.bm or palmetto@bnt.bm