Phyllanthus anderssonii or Broom is a shrub endemic to Barbados, commonly found in gullies, with green leaves, zigzag stems, and distinctive 3-lobed fruit. It thrives in rocky, low-soil environments and shows ecological plasticity, growing under both open and closed canopies. The species has limited genetic information and evolutionary study but is adapted to local alkaline soils. Reproduction peaks in wetter months, with seed dispersal likely by gravity or small animals. Habitat degradation, especially gully destruction, threatens its survival despite recent reports of local abundance. Read full article.



The Barbados Bullfinch, often called "Sparrow" or "Sparky", is the island's only truly endemic bird – meaning you won't find it anywhere else in the world. These small, dark olive-grey birds have stout, conical black beaks and are incredibly common and adaptable. You'll often spot them hopping around gardens, hotel grounds, and even inside buildings looking for food, snacks or even drinks! Sparkys are known for being quite bold and clever, sometimes even figuring out how to open sugar packets. Read full article.

The Barbados leaf-toed gecko, a Critically Endangered species, is found nowhere else in the world but here in Barbados! These small, nocturnal geckos, about the size of a finger, are masters of camouflage, blending into rocky vegetation. If you spot one, look out for their distinctive "leaf-toed" feet, which help them to grip surfaces, and their brown to cream-colored bodies marked with unique patterns of darker spots. This Critically Endangered endemic gecko faces significant threats because of habitat loss, degradation, and invasive alien predators.
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