Rediscovering the Caribbean long-forgotten island

Shanna Challenger is a 2019 Chevening Alumna hailing from Antigua and Barbuda in the Caribbean. After completing her MSc with a distinction in Conservation Biology from the University of Kent, she is now working as an Offshore Islands Conservation Programme Coordinator with the Environmental Awareness Group. She was recently named as the recipient of the Euan P. McFarlane Environmental Leadership Award.

When applying for the Chevening Scholarship in 2018, I was employed by the Environmental Awareness Group (EAG), Antigua & Barbuda’s oldest environmental NGO, and has been at the forefront of conservation work for over 30 years, working for the benefit of people and wildlife.

For 3 years, I worked on a world-renown biodiversity project – tackling climate change by restoring habitats and preventing extinctions by removing invasive species on Redonda, the smallest island in the tripartite state of Antigua & Barbuda. Only 1 mile long, and surrounded by unstable cliffs, the island seemed like it could not sustain life. Remarkably, Redonda’s entire reptile fauna are critically endangered endemics and supports significant populations of nesting seabirds leading to its designation as a Key Biodiversity Area. Using ground and aerial baiting techniques, I spearheaded the eradication of a herd of feral goats and over 6,000 black rats that were causing a catastrophic decline in the island’s habitats and native wildlife as coordinator of the Redonda Restoration Programme. The island was declared rat-free in 2018, and biosecurity checks are conducted to ensure this status is not compromised.

Shanna with critically endangered Antiguan Racer – (Photo by Chaso Media)

Within 2 years of invasive species removal, populations of two lizard species have increased by more than three-fold and, species of land birds and invertebrates, not seen in decades, have returned. The habitat has been completely transformed from a moonscape to a greener haven, with an increase from 17 to 88 species of plants.

Redonda’s remote location means that few people have visited especially as the island was considered a mysterious sister with nothing but goats living on it. When I first stepped foot on the island in 2016, it took my breath away. Redonda was simultaneously the epitome of life and death – seabirds and lizards in every direction, but rats and dead goats everywhere between.

The last time I visited in 2020, I started tearing up as the helicopter began its descent. Seeing the island bursting with life, with new trees all over and thriving wildlife populations was everything we ever hoped for when we began, and it was a humbling feeling seeing our dreams come true.

Conserving and restoring ecosystems is key to tackling the climate crisis.

Eradicating invasive species can build resilience against future introductions, especially in vulnerable tropical islands like ours in the Caribbean.

Shanna Challenger exploring the Redonda island in Antigua & Barbuda (Photo by Chaso Media)

Before starting my Chevening journey, I had been able to get the message out about the importance of conserving species and ecosystems. I longed to be able to tackle issues of weak protected area management and unsustainable development for tourism. During my MSc, I was keen to learn more about demonstrating the mutual economic and ecological benefits that could be derived from protected areas.

Although my time in England was cut short due to the pandemic, during my Chevening year, I had the opportunity to visit important institutions for wildlife, such as the Slimbridge Wetland Centre and the Jersey Zoo. At the Durrell Institute of Conservation Ecology (DICE) annual talk, I had the chance to meet Jane Goodall, who answered my question on whether she finds the continuous engagement of society regarding conservation to be daunting.

Jane [Goodall] advised me to focus on changing the mind of one person at a time – words that resonated with me.

Now whether presenting to decision-makers, engaging with community members, or taking students on a mangrove field trip, I aim to change at least one heart or mind to become more environmentally conscious.

Since returning home, I’ve been fortunate to re-join the EAG as an Offshore Islands Conservation Programme Coordinator, responsible for saving the world’s rarest snake, the Antigua Racer, from extinction, and rewilding 16 offshore islands. With the skills gained during my Chevening year, I am now developing a ridge-to-reef programme, conserving species and habitats, and working with communities to reduce their vulnerabilities to climate change.

There is no doubt that the Caribbean needs more home-grown activists in the conservation field – I was recently named as the recipient of the Euan P. McFarlane Environmental Leadership Award and hope to use this to inspire the next generation of conservationists and change agents to safeguard our biodiversity-rich Caribbean.