🦎 Iguanas, Tarantulas, Snakes… Unveiling 6 Hidden Natural Wonders of the Antilles!

These incredible animals hidden in the heart of the Antilles

When you think of Martinique and Guadeloupe, you probably imagine paradise beaches and postcard landscapes. But did you know that these islands also host rare, sometimes surprising animals that you won’t find anywhere else on the planet?

Between endemic iguanas, brightly colored tarantulas, and fascinating snakes, discover with me the little-known natural treasures that make the richness of these island territories! 🦜✨

🦎 The Lesser Antilles Iguana: a miniature dragon under threat

The Lesser Antilles Iguana (Iguana delicatissima) is one of the most iconic reptiles of the French Caribbean. Unfortunately, this natural wonder is critically endangered.

🔍 Key characteristics:

• Adult size: up to 1.5 m
• Very discreet dorsal crest, tail without black rings (unlike its common cousin)
• Diet: herbivore (leaves, fruits)

📍 Where to observe it?
Head to Îlet Chancel in Martinique, a protected sanctuary where you can easily observe it in its natural habitat.

🕷️ The matoutou falaise: the star tarantula of Martinique’s forests

Imagine a tarantula with incredible colors, blues, pinks, and purples. This unique tarantula (Caribena versicolor), the Matoutou falaise, is completely harmless despite its impressive appearance.

🔍 What you should know:

• Adult size: up to 20 cm
• Construction: tunnel web in trees
• Protected since 1995

👉 Good to know:
Don’t worry, this tarantula prefers to stay away from humans. It effectively regulates harmful insects!

🐍 The Fer-de-Lance: dangerous, but essential!

The famous Fer-de-Lance (Bothrops lanceolatus) is the only venomous snake in Martinique. While its venom can be potentially fatal, this snake is very discreet and rarely observed.

🔍 Key information:

• Length: up to 2 meters
• Diet: carnivore (mainly rodents)
• Habitat: remote areas, dense forests

🚑 Safety advice:
When hiking, stay vigilant. In case of a bite, quick hospital care is essential!

🦜 The Guadeloupe Woodpecker: the discreet musician of the forests

Locally nicknamed “toto bwa”, the Guadeloupe Woodpecker (Melanerpes herminieri) is unique in the world. This fascinating bird is essential to the local ecosystem due to its role in insect regulation.

🔍 Key points:

• Intense black plumage, red and blue highlights
• Characteristic sound: drumming by males during the mating season

📷 Easy observation:
Look up in the humid forests and mangroves of Basse-Terre to see it in action.

🦎 The Mabouya: a little gecko watching over you

The Mabouya (Thecadactylus rapicauda) is a small nocturnal gecko that often lives very close to humans, especially in Caribbean homes. This discreet lizard is completely harmless, despite its nickname meaning “bad spirit”.

🔍 Quick characteristics:

• Size: just a few centimeters
• Very discreet nocturnal vocalizations
• Eats mosquitoes and other annoying insects

💡 Fun fact:
Think of it as your ally against mosquitoes, and leave it alone; it is totally beneficial!

🐦 The Martinique Oriole: the climbing bird with rare colors

Endemic to Martinique, the Oriole (Icterus bonana) has a rare plumage that combines deep black, mahogany, and bluish highlights. This amazing bird often moves upside down to search for its food.

🔍 Information to know:

• Status: vulnerable (IUCN)
• Size: about 20 cm
• Habitat: humid tropical forests

📸 Ideal observation spot:
Regional Natural Park of Martinique, a paradise for observing this rare bird.

🌟 It’s your turn to protect these treasures!

Now that you know about these incredible endemic species of the Antilles, I have a question for you: which one surprised or intrigued you the most? 😍 Don’t hesitate to share this article with your friends to raise awareness about the exceptional richness of these islands!

🌿 Let’s spread the word together about the hidden treasures of the French Antilles!