Sombrero, Anguilla | Idyllic Caribbean Island Dedicated Exclusively to Protect Rare Fauna Species and Thousands of Seabirds

Sombrero, also kown as Hat Island for its peculiar, hat  shaped rock formation, part of the British Overseas Overseas Terrritory of Anguilla, the northermost island of the Lesser Antilles, located 54 kilometres north - west of Anguilla across the Dog and Prickly Pear Passage, a hidden diving gem on the quite site of Anilao boasting spectacular, unspoiled reefs with beautiful soft and hard corals is also an idyllic Caribbean island dedicated exclusively to protect rare fauna species and thousands of seabirds.

The island  is 1.67 kilometres long north - south and 0.38 kilometres wide accessible only by boat and with prior authorization from the ANT, the Anguilla National Trust, a 90 - minute boat ride from the main island, Sombrero is almost a third of the way between Anguilla and Anegada in the British Virgin Islands. 

Access to Sombrero is challenging, the boat approaches a steel ladder fixed to the rock, and visitors must climb to the of the cliff. Only the most determined and with good mobility should venture out.

A structure with an authomated lighthouse marks the eastern end of Sombrero, at the transition point between the Caribbean and the Atlantic, the landscape is reminiscent of the lunar surface, with little vegetation, ruins of ancient buildings, and thousands of seabirds making up the scenery.

Anguilla National Trust conservation agents always accompany the visits top ensure the ecosystem remains intact, nothing is taken to the island and nothing is left behind, a perfect example of sustainable tourism with an unforgettable and unique experience.

Totally inhabited, the 94 - acre island is a flat rock formation that was named "Sombrero" Spanish word meaning hat because it was it was overgrown in vegetation in the past and reminiscent of the shape of a hat.

The island was of relevant importance during the second half of the 19th century for its guano reserves; it has been estimated that from 1870 onwards about 3000 tons of phosphate were extracted per year, but around 1890 the reserves of this small Caribbean island were exhausted and it lost its importance.

Nowadays Sombrero is dedicated exclusively to the preservation of seabirds and unique species, including the Sombrero island bee, the Sombrero Island wind scorpion and critically endangered Sombrero ground lizard, a rare reptile identified as Pholidoscelis Corvinus found nowhere else in the world.

In 2018 it was estimated that fewer than 100 individuals of Sombrero ground lizards were left in the wild, it was on the very brink of extinction.

In 2021 Fauna & Flora, Anguillas National Trust and Re: wild stepped in to help the Sombrero ground lizard and its island habitat to recover. Fast forward three years and results are already promising.

A recent survey has revealed the population of the Sombrero ground lizard is now estimated at more than 1.600, a rapid recovery and an encouraging sign of hope for the future of the rare reptile.

For birdwatchers, this secluded corner is a true paradise, with no beaches or easy landing points, the visit is infrequent, and the few visitors who do arrive are greeted by surprisingly calm wildlife, which allows for great closeness, even during the nesting period.

The island is home to impressive bird colonies of regional and global importance, such as the Sooty Terns, Brown Noddi and Brown Booby.

Anguilla National Trust conservation has been working on removing invasive species, reintroducing native plants to restore soil and sustain local wildlife.

Species such as sea beans, beach grapes, and cacti are being reintroduced, although they face the voracious appetite of local birds, who find the seedling quite appetizing.

In addition, Sombrero is the first place in Anguilla to be recognized as a Ramsar Site, an international title awarded to wetlands of great ecological importance and it has also been declared an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International.

Beyond Sombrero, Anguilla National Trust organizes excursions to other islets and wetlands on the time of the year.

The presence of migratory birds is a highlight in Anguilla and one of the most popular destinations to observe them is Prickly Pear Cay located 9.6 kilometres from the Anguillan mainland, also popular among swimmers and snorkelers looking for a less crowded experience.

Privately owned and surrounded by a marine park, it offers a restaurant, snorkeling areas and, inland is home to birds such as magpies, seagulls and terns. As in Sombrero in this place, the ANT has also combated invasive species and has reintroduced native iguanas threatened by exotic green iguanas.

At the East Pond Conservation Area, it is possible to observe curlews, herons, sandpipers, and other waterfowl feeding in shallow, brackish waters. The Anguilla National Trust has also developed a native forest there to further enrich the habitat.

Another preserved site of importance is Big Spring, which contains more than 100 petroglyphs carved by the island's first inhabitants, offering a direct connection to millenia of history.

For all those who enjoy gentle hikes, the Anguilla National Trust also promote short, educational trails. One of them, lasting 1 1/2 hours, is focused on Anguilla's pollinators and include a visit to Pitch Apple Cave, where participants learn about the role of bats in local agriculture.

Anguilla offers a multitude of attractions and hidden gems and the ANT is on the front lines of protecting the island's wildlife and natural resources, essential work for everyone's future.

Link 
https://infoturlatam.com/anguilla-protege-especie-rara-de-lagarto-y-miles-de-aves-marinas/