Wild Orchids
There are more than 104 km2 (40 sq mi) of subtropical forests and the swamps are inhabited by more than 50 species of wild orchids on Andros, many of which are endemic, including three native species of the climbing orchid vanilla. Commercial flower collectors have been known to set fire to the pineland coppices to collect purple flowered orchids (Bletia puperea) that flourish in ashy soil. The orchid genus epidendrum has nine species endemic to the Bahamas, all of which can be found on Andros.
Birds
Over 120 species of birds are known to live in or migrate to The Bahamas. Some of these birds are very rare and are protected by laws creating natural sanctuaries for habitation and breeding. Numerous birds are attracted by the many lagoons and mangrove swamps throughout the islands. A wide variety of herons, egrets and hummingbirds abound with many sea birds and waders along the coasts. The magnificent frigate bird is sometimes encountered at 8,000 feet by pilots. As of 1994 a new National Park was established in southern Abaco as a shelter for the rare Bahama Parrot.
The island of Inagua is ornithologically the richest in The Bahamas with one of the largest natural reserves for the rare West Indian flamingos, currently a rookery of over 60,000 birds. The island is also home to roseate spoonbills and a large proportion of the world’s reddish egrets. These birds are under the protection of The Bahamas National Trust which administers the 287-square-mile Inagua National Park
Fauna
Many species of fauna and flora exist in The Bahamas. Much of the fauna is indigenous, but a significant number of animals were introduced to the islands by settlers. Local fauna consists of an abundance of invertebrates, including among them a variety of ants, spiders, centipedes, termites, paper wasps, honey bees, mosquitoes, butterflies and the giant bat moth.
The islands are also home to 13 species of indigenous mammals including a variety of bats and the hutia, an endangered rodent-like creature found only in The Bahamas. Many animals were introduced to the islands by settlers over the centuries, among them are the domesticated and wild dogs, cats, donkeys, horses and common farm animals.
Snakes
Tourists have absolutely nothing to worry about in the Bahamas if they dislike snakes. They are unlikely to even see one, let alone get bitten! The Bahamas has very few snakes and certainly none that are really poisonous.
Lizards
There are a few different types of lizards in the Bahamas and none of them being harmful. There is the regular Brown Anole approximately 3-4 inches in length, they are very common and afraid of humans. There is also the small house geko. It is approximately 2 inches in length. Curly tails are found around beaches (however we have yet to see one). They are very curious and will come up to you on occasion. They get about six inches long.
Frogs
There is only one species of frog on Andros. It is the Cuban tree frog. It has a toxic coat on its skin, but it is not very harmful to humans. The males croak loudly after a rain. Just don’t pick them up
Spiders
As in any climate, Andros has spiders. Black Widow, Brown and Banana Spiders are commonly found around woodpiles and cinder blocks.
Prevention
To avoid spiders, avoid keeping clothing on the floor. Store clothing and shoes inside plastic containers, or keep them hung up, and shake out all clothing that has been in a hamper before wearing or washing.
Threats
Spiders bite in defense and do not bite humans instinctively. They will bite humans when the clothing they are hiding in is worn.
Butterflies
Bahamas is home to 7 different species of butterflies.
There are more than 104 km2 (40 sq mi) of subtropical forests and the swamps are inhabited by more than 50 species of wild orchids on Andros, many of which are endemic, including three native species of the climbing orchid vanilla. Commercial flower collectors have been known to set fire to the pineland coppices to collect purple flowered orchids (Bletia puperea) that flourish in ashy soil. The orchid genus epidendrum has nine species endemic to the Bahamas, all of which can be found on Andros.
Birds
Over 120 species of birds are known to live in or migrate to The Bahamas. Some of these birds are very rare and are protected by laws creating natural sanctuaries for habitation and breeding. Numerous birds are attracted by the many lagoons and mangrove swamps throughout the islands. A wide variety of herons, egrets and hummingbirds abound with many sea birds and waders along the coasts. The magnificent frigate bird is sometimes encountered at 8,000 feet by pilots. As of 1994 a new National Park was established in southern Abaco as a shelter for the rare Bahama Parrot.
The island of Inagua is ornithologically the richest in The Bahamas with one of the largest natural reserves for the rare West Indian flamingos, currently a rookery of over 60,000 birds. The island is also home to roseate spoonbills and a large proportion of the world’s reddish egrets. These birds are under the protection of The Bahamas National Trust which administers the 287-square-mile Inagua National Park
Fauna
Many species of fauna and flora exist in The Bahamas. Much of the fauna is indigenous, but a significant number of animals were introduced to the islands by settlers. Local fauna consists of an abundance of invertebrates, including among them a variety of ants, spiders, centipedes, termites, paper wasps, honey bees, mosquitoes, butterflies and the giant bat moth.
The islands are also home to 13 species of indigenous mammals including a variety of bats and the hutia, an endangered rodent-like creature found only in The Bahamas. Many animals were introduced to the islands by settlers over the centuries, among them are the domesticated and wild dogs, cats, donkeys, horses and common farm animals.
Snakes
Tourists have absolutely nothing to worry about in the Bahamas if they dislike snakes. They are unlikely to even see one, let alone get bitten! The Bahamas has very few snakes and certainly none that are really poisonous.
Lizards
There are a few different types of lizards in the Bahamas and none of them being harmful. There is the regular Brown Anole approximately 3-4 inches in length, they are very common and afraid of humans. There is also the small house geko. It is approximately 2 inches in length. Curly tails are found around beaches (however we have yet to see one). They are very curious and will come up to you on occasion. They get about six inches long.
Frogs
There is only one species of frog on Andros. It is the Cuban tree frog. It has a toxic coat on its skin, but it is not very harmful to humans. The males croak loudly after a rain. Just don’t pick them up
Spiders
As in any climate, Andros has spiders. Black Widow, Brown and Banana Spiders are commonly found around woodpiles and cinder blocks.
Prevention
To avoid spiders, avoid keeping clothing on the floor. Store clothing and shoes inside plastic containers, or keep them hung up, and shake out all clothing that has been in a hamper before wearing or washing.
Threats
Spiders bite in defense and do not bite humans instinctively. They will bite humans when the clothing they are hiding in is worn.
Butterflies
Bahamas is home to 7 different species of butterflies.