A. oculatus (male).

Anolis cristatellus, a Puerto Rican species of lizard, has established itself in Dominica near the port and airport. A preliminary survey in summer 2002 revealed that it had reached high densities in some areas, and appeared to be replacing the native endemic species. The situation needs to be monitored to establish the rate of spread and to study the interactions between species, especially in more natural and closed habitats.

This project will monitor the spread of the invading species. It will allow the team to train personnel in anole identification, establish a methodology for further regular monitoring and measure further spread. It is not easy to distinguish the invader and native species in all parts of the island but this study will help predict whether the rate of invasion is likely to slow down once the species are competing in more natural habitats.