Restoring Alto Velo in the Dominican Republic

Alto Velo Island, located 27 km off the southern coast of the Dominican Republic, is part of the internationally recognized Jaragua-Enriquillo-Bahoruco Biosphere Reserve and Jaragua National Park. Although small in size (1.5 km²), its remote location makes it a critical site for biodiversity. The island is home to two species of reptiles found nowhere else, the Alto Velo Curlytail and the Alto Velo Anole, along with important breeding habitats for seabirds.
However, introduced species such as rats, feral cats, and goats have severely impacted the island, disrupting vital ecological processes and threatening native species. Both the Curlytail and the Anole are now critically endangered, and several seabird species have disappeared, including a significant decline in the Sooty Tern population.
In 2026, plans are in place to eradicate invasive mammal species on Alto Velo, with the exciting introduction of drone-based rat eradication. This innovative method will help restore native wildlife and rebuild the ecosystem. After the removal of invasive species, efforts will focus on using social attraction techniques to encourage the return of seabirds like the Brown Pelican and Roseate Tern. Additionally, the research teams hope to reintroduce the Endangered Black-capped Petrel, which would be the first invasive predator-free colony.
The restoration of Alto Velo will also be studied for its impact on the surrounding marine environment. Recent research highlights the vital role seabirds play in maintaining healthy coastal ecosystems through nutrient deposition. By establishing a baseline assessment of the nearshore environment, the project will track how the island’s recovery helps improve coral and fish populations over time.