Satellite view of the Leeward Islands Photograph by USGS   Islands of the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean Tropical and Subtropical Dry Broadleaf Forests   50 square miles (100 square kilometers) -- about the size of Washington DC Critical/Endangered

· Delights and Dangers in the Dry Forest
· Special Features
· Did You Know?
· Wild Side
· Cause for Concern
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Delights and Dangers in the Dry Forest

Sail a boat east from Puerto Rico and you'll soon come across the Leeward Islands. These islands contain scattered patches of dry forest. Wander through these forests and you'll come across a variety of species adapted to the dry terrain, including iguanas, butterflies, and hummingbirds. But watch out! The machineel tree thrives in areas close to the shore. The sap of this tree is so toxic that native populations used it to coat the tips of their poison arrows. And even rainwater that passes over the tree’s leaves can irritate the skin!

Special Features

The Leeward Islands consist of two parallel island chains. The coral limestone islands in the outer arc are older, with flat, low-lying profiles. By contrast, the inner arc is made up of younger volcanic islands that have high, rugged profiles. You'll find scattered patches of dry forest growing in Anguilla, the Netherlands Antilles, Antigua, Barbuda, and Montserrat. Dry forests grow on arid lowlands where soils are often poor. Here, wild lantana trees mix with fast-growing gliricidia and stately tamarind trees.

	The common iguana and Lesser Antilles iguana use an elaborate repertoire of social behavior, including head bobbing and threat displays, to defend their turf.

Wild Side

Anoles and geckos are abundant on these islands, providing ample food for American kestrels. Endangered snakes called red bellied racers, found only in Netherlands Antilles, bask contentedly by the roadside. The critically endangered Antiguan racer spends its days hunting for lizards and mice. Zebra butterflies flutter through the forests, while a group of malachite butterflies feast on rotting fruit. Colorful green and yellow birds called Antillean euphonias perch high up in the canopy, while zenaida doves feed on the forest floor. The green throated carib, a stunning little hummingbird, occasionally makes its way down to dry forests from the higher moist forests. Two species of iguana can be found here foraging for fruit, flowers, and leaves in the dry forest. The common iguana, which can reach up to 6 feet (2 m) from head to tail, is found on Montserrat and Anguilla. The smaller Lesser Antillean iguana is found only on Anguilla and St. Eustatius (an island in the Netherlands Antilles).

Cause for Concern

Dry forests have been extensively cleared for urban development and agriculture in the past. Forest clearing continues to make way for tourist developments. Seasonal burning and heavy recreational use cause additional damage. Introduced animals, especially mongooses, prey on native animals. These threats have already affected parts of the ecoregion. As one example, the population of Lesser Antilles iguanas on Antigua and Barbuda has been eradicated by habitat loss and introduced predators.

For more information on this ecoregion, go to the World Wildlife Fund Scientific Report.