Aruba Island rattlesnake  (Crotalus unicolor)

This species is threatened because it only occurs on one small island, where just ten square kilometres of habitat remains undisturbed. In past centuries much of the island's trees were cut down for charcoal and firewood, removing this snake's shelter and prey (6). Recent threats include resort development on the island and other forms of human encroachment. Goats have been introduced and have wreaked havoc on the vegetation. This species is also caught and illegally exported for the pet trade (4).

The Government and people of Aruba do recognise this endemic species as important, and have set aside a large area of interior land as protected habitat for this and other species (2). The American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) Aruba Island rattlesnake Species Survival Plan (SSP) is currently building on the island's conservation efforts. Field research is being carried out to determine population size, natural history traits and factors affecting the survival of the Aruba Island rattlesnake in order to best inform conservation efforts. There is also an ongoing public relations campaign to change local people's perceptions of this venomous snake (6). Captive breeding has also been initiated in zoos associated with the SSP program, to increase population numbers and the genetic health of this threatened snake (4) (6).