A Snake Mystery Resolved

A few weeks ago, in A Snake Mystery, I described the desperate plight of the Virgin Islands Tree Boa, a federally-listed endangered species found in the United States Virgin Islands. I noted then that "its last stronghold, in the dry, coastal forest of eastern Saint Thomas, is now the site of a planned major subdivision of luxury vacation homes." That was on Thursday, October 19, 2006.

I just received confirmation from several independent sources on Saint Thomas that on Friday, October 20, 2006, the developers, Dolphin Cove Development LLC, announced they would scale back their development considerably to set aside the core of the Virgin Island Tree Boa's habitat. What's more, after several years of singing a very different tune to those of us interested in the snake's survival, the developers appear to be sincere in their newfound desire to help save the snake. I applaud the folks at Dolphin Cove Development, and hope to meet with them soon to discuss their revised plans.

Although I do not for a moment suggest that the timing of Dolphin Cove Development's decision was more than a coincidence, I am delighted with the difference a single day has made for the future survival of this wonderful little snake.