Loss and degradation of dry forest habitat combined with negative impacts of non-native predators have resulted in the decline of the Saint Lucia White-breasted Thrasher.

Addressing these threats form the objectives of our project as we focus on improving habitat quality through community-based forest restoration and reducing invasive predators during the thrasher breeding season.

The objectives of this project contribute directly towards two of the Objectives in the White-breasted Thrasher Species Action Plan (Felix et al, 2014):

Objective 1: develop a participatory habitat management plan for key thrasher sites in the Mandelé range. This framework will enable community-involved sustainable management and protection of key sites for the benefit of both the White-breasted thrasher and the community (through sustainable extraction). Activities will include (1) establishing a schools-based community nursery and (2) developing and implementing a restoration planting plan.

Objective 2: design and implement an invasive mammal control program that reduces the impact of predators on White-breasted Thrasher nesting success. Activities will include (1) implementing the control program, (2) monitoring abundance of invasive predators and thrasher nesting success using a camera trap network, and (3) analyzing camera trap images in a series of participatory exercises with schools-based Environmental Clubs.

Learn more about the White-breasted Thrasher and its conservation here:

https://www.birdscaribbean.org/2020/05/from-the-nest-day-33/ 

https://www.birdscaribbean.org/2020/11/first-encounters-with-the-elusive-white-breasted-thrasher-in-saint-lucia/