Barbados is an island nation in the Caribbean Sea and is home to a diverse array of wildlife. The green monkey is a common sight on the island, and these monkeys are native to Barbados. Other wildlife that can be found in Barbados includes the European hare, the red-footed tortoise, sandpipers, and more.
The wildlife of Barbados is truly diverse and unique, and there is something for everyone to enjoy on this beautiful island nation. Let’s learn more about this wildlife and what makes them so special.
Green Monkeys in Barbados
The green monkey on Barbados is a member of the New World monkey family. They were from West Africa and were brought to Barbados about 350 years ago. These monkeys are a popular tourist attraction on the island and can be found in many different habitats on Barbados. However, they are most commonly seen in the forests and woodlands of the island.
This type of primate typically weighs between 3.4 and 8 kilograms, with a body length of between 30 and 60 centimeters. They have a lifespan of about 27 years in the wild, but can live up to 30 years in captivity.
These monkeys have slender and long tails that can be used to grab things. The green monkeys have dark blue faces with white outlines and no hair on them. Green monkeys are very social and typically live in groups of 20–50 individuals. They are omnivorous, and their diet consists of fruits, leaves, small reptiles, insects, and more.
Red-footed Tortoises in Barbados
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The red-footed tortoise is small in size and has red or orange feet. Young tortoises have small, clear patches of yellow or tan around or on top of the bumps.
The red-footed tortoise is a popular pet on the island of Barbados, and they are often seen in people’s yards and gardens. These tortoises can live 50 years or more and weigh up to 9 kilograms. They can grow to be up to 13.5 inches long for males and 11 inches for females.
These tortoises are herbivorous, and their diet consists of grass, fruits, vegetables, leaves, and more. They are diurnal and don’t seem to move very far. As most tortoise species don’t do much during the day, red-footed tortoises usually spend more than half of their daytime hours sleeping or resting. After a big meal, they may sleep for even longer, usually between 5 and 10 days. They look for a place to live where they will be safe from predators and where they can maintain their core internal temperature.
European Hares on Barbados
Photo by Mathias Elle on Unsplash
The European hare is one of the biggest rabbits in the world with eyes high on the sides of their heads, long ears, and powerful hind legs. They weigh between 3 and 5 kilograms and grow up to 60-75 cm in length. These hares are brown and are fast-running mammals with a top speed of 70km/h.
European hares are nocturnal animals and are most active at night. They spend their days in the form of a small ball, resting in areas with long grass. When they are disturbed, they will run away in a zigzag pattern to escape predators. These hares can live up to 12 years.
The European hares are nocturnal, typically live in fields and forests in groups, and as herbivores eat grass and vegetables.
Spotted sandpipers on Barbados
Photo by Ryk Naves on Unsplash
The spotted sandpipers are small shorebirds with brown on top and white with black spots underneath. These sandpipers typically weigh between 34 and 50 grams. They have a body length of 18–20 centimeters and a wingspan of 37–40 centimeters. Their lifespan is about 12 years.
Spotted sandpipers don’t like to hang out with other birds, so you don’t often see them in groups. They are active during the day and spend time bathing, preening, and looking for food. Spotted sandpipers are easy to spot because they constantly tilt and nod as they look for food. You can find them near bodies of water, and they are often seen on beaches.
These birds are carnivores, and their diet consists of small fish, insects, invertebrates, and crustaceans. Spotted sandpipers find food by sight on the ground or in shallow water. They might also catch insects in the air.
When it comes to spotted sandpipers, gender roles are reversed. Males incubate the eggs and take care of the chicks after they hatch, while females attract males, set up their territories, and protect them.
Staying in Barbados
If you’re looking for a place with animals that will fascinate and surprise you, this Caribbean island will not disappoint you. When you visit to see the wildlife in Barbados, we recommend staying at a local place like one of these Barbados vacation rentals. This will help local businesses and support the people who work hard to preserve the wildlife and natural habitats that make this island so special.
