By Ron Rocky Coloma
In a significant boost to efforts to enhance the habitat for the endangered Slevin’s Skink on Cocos Island, the Guam Department of Agriculture’s Division of Aquatic and Wildlife Resources has been awarded nearly $500,000 through the Fish and Wildlife Service Competitive State Wildlife Grants program.
Guam Del. James Moylan announced the grant, emphasizing its importance in preserving Guam’s unique biodiversity.
The grant, amounting to $494,277, is part of a larger $7.4 million fund distributed by the Fish and Wildlife Service to 15 selected proposals from a national pool of applications.
The Slevin’s skink, a species native to Guam, is federally listed as endangered and is recognized in Guam’s Wildlife Action Plan as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need.
The habitat enhancement project aims to increase the detection probability, resiliency, and occupancy of the Slevin’s skink through targeted habitat enhancements. The focus will be on creating and evaluating new habitat structures designed to expand the total area occupied by the skink. This initiative is crucial as the Slevin’s skink has faced significant threats from habitat loss and invasive species.
“The project doesn't just address the issues concerning the Slevin’s skink being an endangered species, but allows both the Department and Guam in general to enhance our ability of being a hub for research and other data collection," Moylan said. “This, in turn, would create additional funding and other opportunities for Guam and our residents."
The project on Cocos Island involves collaboration with various conservation partners, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The data collected through this initiative will be shared with these partners, contributing to ongoing joint recovery efforts.
The goal is to implement effective recovery actions for the skink and assess the effectiveness of various management methods and habitat improvements.
One significant aspect of this grant is that it does not require a federal match, as an exemption was provided. This allows the Department of Agriculture to use the entire grant amount for conservation activities without the need for additional local funding.
The Slevin’s skink, scientifically known as “Emoia slevini,” is a small lizard species that is endemic to Guam. It was first described in 1918 by herpetologist John Van Denburgh.
The skink's population has been declining due to habitat destruction, primarily caused by urban development and the introduction of non-native species such as the brown tree snake. Conservation efforts have been ongoing, but the species remains critically endangered.
This grant is a continuation of efforts to preserve Guam’s natural heritage. Previous conservation projects have focused on protecting other endangered species, such as the Guam rail and the Mariana crow.
The success of these initiatives has been vital in maintaining the island's ecological balance.
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