Animals in Virgin Islands

Dividing the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean, the Virgin Islands are rich with unique wildlife including iguana, mongoose, hermit crab, wild donkey, wild goat and bats, which are said to be the only native animal of the virgin islands. There are also several species of birds and amphibians that inhabit the islands. The subtropical climate of the Virgin Islands offers little variation, allowing the animal species the ability to thrive.

The iguana is a reptile that can grow up to 6 feet long and usually feeds on leaves in tree tops. Tourism is a major part of the economy in the Virgin Islands and many of the animals have become accustomed to being fed by the visitors. Iguanas that live in the resort areas often enjoy being fed flowers or leaves by visitors although, their spiny tails can be used in defense if the animal feels threatened and people should be cautious whenever interacting with wild animals. The mongoose was introduced to the islands to control rat populations however, as with most cases of humans tampering with nature the attempt was unsuccessful. The mongoose instead reeked havoc on the native bird and snake populations. The Ghost Crab is one of the types of hermit crabs found in the Virgin Islands and can be seen on many of the beaches scouring for food or new shells to inhabit. The wild donkeys and goats can be found in groups and are descendants of domesticated animals that escaped or were released into the wild. Bats can be found throughout the islands' caves and most feed on fruits and insects however the Virgin Islands have unique bats capable of fishing with the use of their sonar. Pelicans, herons, egrets and flamingos are some of the 243 bird species that can be found in the Virgin Island chain. There are also many varieties of frogs and toads that thrive in the subtropical climate of the Virgin Islands. Because of the steady climate, the Virgin Islands have and abundance beautifully exotic wildlife.