Nevis / Special Interests / Eco/Nature

There are not many large wild animals on land on Nevis. You may see a mongoose skittering across the road, but the largest animal in the wild is the Vervet monkey, which lives in family troupes up in the forest but comes down into the lower country. They are regarded as a something of a pest by farmers as they pinch their crops, but they are fun to watch because of their cheeky faces. A good place to find them is around tea time (between 4-6 pm) on the Nature Trail from Golden Rock.

One of the best ways to experience the fauna of the island is through the guided hikes (hiking). The guides are immensely knowledgeable about the plant life and history of the island, but they will also tell you about the animals (which includes extraordinary insect life for instance, not just mammals). See here for Nevis Birdwatching section.

Four species of turtle come to nest on Nevis and during the main season between June and October it is possible to arrange to see them laying, by going through the hiking guides or with the Fisheries Officer and volunteers, t 469 5521. If you are lucky you will find that you get the opportunity to swim with turtles on the day sailing trips. The Fisheries Department is committed to the protection of turtles for instance and sends out patrols for their protection during nesting.

A series of articles about Caribbean flora and fauna on Nevis by the late Jim Johnson including:

Counting Creatures - How many different creatures are there on Nevis?
Sulphur Searches - Sulphur butterflies on Nevis
Natural Spread - the rich variety of species found on Nevis
Whale Tales! - a whale of a time on Nevis
Confusing Crabs - Setting the record straight!
Stoney Shores - definitely worth a visit
Talking Tiny - Take some time to appreciate the wonders of Nevis, but look closely to see it all!
Looking at Leaves - A leaf is not just a leaf!
Land of the Living - Nevis is quiet and relaxed but packed full of life... check it out!

See here for a listing of Birds, reptiles and mammals spotted on Nevis