Allen Cay, located in the Allen Cay’s of the Exuma Island Chain supports a breeding population of Audubon’s Shearwaters (Puffinus lherminieri lherminieri) and is home to the endangered Allen Cay Rock Iguana (Cyclura cychlura inornata). Currently the recovery of both of these species on Allen Cay is limited by the presence of introduced house mice (Mus musculus) and the shearwaters are suffering high rates of predation by Barn Owls (Tyto alba).
This proposal recommends a strategy for the restoration of Allen Cay. Removing mice and discouraging barn owls from using Allen Cay will permit the recovery of the shearwater population which has decreased dramatically in the last two decades and should benefit other native species present. Subsequent plans to enhance breeding habitat will increase the chance of recruitment and increase of the iguana population.
Read more: Alifano, Aurora (Island Conservation) – 2012 – Restoration Feasibility Eradication in Allen Cay, Bahamas (PDF)