The National Trust for the Cayman Islands is warning that any surviving wildlife on Little Cayman and Cayman Brac could face starvation.
Birds are especially vulnerable, including the endangered endemic Cayman Brac Parrot and Red-legged Thrush, the White-winged Dove, Baldpates, Warblers and more.
Damaged vegetation has left little shelter or food for wildlife on the Sister Islands. Photo: Submitted |
Many have been sighted foraging and competing at ground level for what little food remains.
As a result, the National Trust’s Cayman Wildlife Rescue programme has begun a post-Paloma initiative to offer immediate relief to wildlife.
Around 300 pounds of bird food, feeders and water trays recently arrived on Cayman Brac, as part of a the initiative, which was kick-started by an anonymous $1,000 donation.
National Trust staff will travel to Cayman Brac to assess the hurricane’s impact on local wildlife.
The staff will also assess the Eldemire House, the Cayman Brac Trust House, the Splits Reserve and the Brac Parrot Reserve.
‘Brac residents are very concerned and are indeed eager to help the situation,’ said Wildlife Rescue Project Manager, Alison Corbett.
‘Many have expressed deep concern and have volunteered to help their wildlife.’
National Trust General Manager, Frank Roulstone, said: ‘We are encouraged that, even under very difficult conditions, people in the Brac are concerned for the well-being of these other residents who also have lost homes, food and water,’ he said.
Cayman Wildlife Rescue plans to continue supplying both Cayman Brac and Little Cayman wildlife with food for as long as necessary.
Ms. Corbett highlighted donations of bruised or over-ripe fruit as especially important.
‘Food suppliers and distributors may contact the Trust to donate fruit they cannot sell,’ she said.
Residents can also help by putting out food and water in elevated places.
To offer assistance, learn more about Cayman Wildlife Rescue, or volunteer with the programme, contact Ms. Corbett at 926-6474 or [email protected]
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