Bahamian Hutia (Geocapromys ingrahami)

Mohamed bin Zayed Species project number 242536130

Safeguarding the future of Critically Endangered Bahaman Hutia within the Bahaman archipelago through evidenced based management and reintroductions

1) Conduct ecological surveys and monitoring on known hutia islands to establish a baseline on population size and status.

2) Conduct additional field surveys to investigate possible hutia sightings on other small islands.

3) Quantify hutia-vegetation interactions and plant composition on islands, to understand hutia trophic ecology and determine vegetation changes under varying levels of hutia density/interaction and ecological conditions.

4) Monitor introduced mammals on islands and record any other potential threats to surviving hutia populations. Record birds of prey.

5) Understand the genetic health and viability of surviving populations, to inform optimal in-situ management, translocation plans, and ex-situ breeding programmes.

6) Determine the feasibility of (re)introducing hutias to appropriate new islands by working with local stakeholders, consulting literature, and conducting primary data collection of social and ecological baselines.

7) If Objective 6 concludes that (re)introductions are feasible, work with key stakeholders to develop an appropriate best-practice plan with timelines for implementing reintroduction(s), and with roles and responsibilities identified for all key activities and milestones.

8) Provide a robust scientific evidence-base to assist decision-making surrounding the planned management of hutia populations by local stakeholders, while working with them to produce a long-term Species Action Plan and peer-reviewed publications.