University of the Virgin Islands researchers are contributing to a landmark study that is reshaping scientific understanding of how coastal wetlands support wildlife and how those benefits may be threatened by rising sea levels.
The new study, led by the National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) in collaboration with UVI’s Center for Marine & Environmental Studies researchers Dr. Kristin Wilson Grimes and Allie Durdall, examined wildlife use of coastal wetlands at 32 sites across North America, from Alaska and Hawaiʻi to Mexico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The research was funded by the NERRS Science Collaborative.
Using 109 motion-activated cameras, scientists documented 146 species of mammals, birds and reptiles, many of which are active at night or rarely observed by people. The standardized use of camera traps across all sites allowed researchers, for the first time, to directly compare wildlife use of coastal wetlands across diverse regions and ecosystems.
Magens Bay, St. Thomas, was one of three island locations included in the study. At the site, UVI researchers documented six species, including non-native animals such as the Javan mongoose, black rat and green iguana, as well as native bird species like the Pearly-eyed Thrasher and Yellow Warbler. Only 12 of the 32 sites recorded non-native species, with the USVI accounting for 60 percent of observations.
“This study shows how important it is to understand our local ecosystems and how they are being used,” said Miranda Goad, a UVI Master’s student who assisted with the research. “Our coastal ecosystems are our most valuable natural resource and deserve our utmost care and stewardship.”
The findings challenge the idea that wetlands primarily benefit fish and birds, documenting use by large predators and other terrestrial species, like mountain lions, black bears, and wolves. Wildlife activity declined sharply during high tides, raising concerns that sea level rise and increased flooding could reduce the value of wetlands that cannot migrate inland.
“These results highlight why it is so important to protect our islands’ wetlands. USVI mangroves support a variety of wildlife. Understanding what’s there and how these animals are using these environments informs our local management and restoration practices,” said Grimes.