Guadeloupe is rich in biodiversity, boasting a wide variety of wildlife due to its tropical climate, volcanic origins, and mix of mainland and island ecosystems. It’s home to numerous endemic species found nowhere else in the world.
Wildlife in Guadeloupe
Land Animals
| Animal Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Mammals | – Guadeloupe raccoon (endangered) – Bats (only native land mammals) |
| Reptiles | – Anoles (Guadeloupean lizards) – Iguanas (e.g., Iguana delicatissima) – Geckos |
| Amphibians | – Eleutherodactylus martinicensis (a small frog) |
| Insects | – Butterflies, beetles, fireflies, mosquitoes, dragonflies |
| Spiders & Others | – Tarantulas, scorpions, millipedes (mostly harmless) |
Birds
Guadeloupe is a paradise for bird watchers with over 270 species recorded.
| Type | Notable Species |
|---|---|
| Endemic birds | – Guadeloupe Woodpecker (Melanerpes herminieri) – only found in Guadeloupe |
| Migratory birds | – Egrets, herons, sandpipers, ospreys |
| Forest birds | – Bananaquits, hummingbirds, black-whiskered vireos |
| Wetland birds | – Snipes, plovers, whistling ducks |
Marine Life
Guadeloupe’s coastal waters and coral reefs are home to hundreds of marine species.
| Marine Creatures | Examples |
|---|---|
| Fish | – Parrotfish, lionfish, groupers, barracudas |
| Corals | – Brain coral, elkhorn coral |
| Crustaceans | – Lobsters, crabs, shrimp |
| Mollusks | – Octopus, squid, sea snails |
| Marine mammals | – Dolphins (esp. spinner dolphins), pilot whales |
| Sea turtles | – Green, hawksbill, and leatherback (all endangered) |
Butterflies & Pollinators
Guadeloupe is home to:
- Monarchs
- Swallowtails
- Bees, wasps, and moths
Protected Areas & Reserves
- Parc National de la Guadeloupe
- UNESCO biosphere reserve
- Covers rainforests, waterfalls, mountains (La Soufrière), and mangroves
- Habitat for endemic and endangered species
- Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin Nature Reserve
- Marine protected area
- Coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds
- Îlets Pigeon / Cousteau Reserve
- Famous dive site
- Rich marine biodiversity
Environmental Threats
- Invasive species (e.g., green iguana, mongoose)
- Deforestation and urbanization
- Climate change and coral bleaching
- Plastic and marine pollution
