Description

The St. Lucia Racer, also known as the Couresse of Saint Lucia, is a snake endemic to Saint Lucia, with only 20 individuals known in the world today, making it the rarest snake on Earth. This oviparous species primarily feeds on lizards and other small vertebrates. Despite its name, it is not particularly fast, preferring to ambush its prey rather than chase it.

The snake was declared extinct and rediscovered three times: first in 1800, then in 1973, and finally rediscovered in 2012 on Maria Major Island.

Habitat

The species is now found only on Maria Major Island, part of the Maria Island Nature Reserve. It is mainly observed in forests and shrublands on the island.

Threats

This terrestrial snake evolved without natural predators and, as a result, has no defense mechanisms, making it extremely vulnerable to invasive exotic species, such as the black rat. It was eliminated from mainland Saint Lucia by the Indian mongoose, introduced in the late 19th century.

To conserve the species, organizations such as Fauna & Flora International, in partnership with the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust and national agencies, are working to protect the remaining snakes and expand their range beyond a single islet. Efforts include establishing a captive breeding program to ensure the species’ long-term survival.

Sources

Saint Lucia racer | Fauna & Flora (fauna-flora.org)

Erythrolamprus ornatus – Facts, Diet, Habitat & Pictures on Animalia.bio

Saint Lucia racer conservation | Durrell