Fire alarm
The vegetation of Great Bird Island is often very dry, particularly during the winter. Long periods of drought increase the danger of fire, which is a serious threat to snakes and their habitat. Careless visitors make the situation worse by dropping cigarettes or leaving their barbeques burning.

Dirty genes
An endangered species can be its own worst enemy and the Antiguan racer has become a danger to itself. During the last century, the racer population shrank rapidly, like a huge lake that dries up until only a tiny pool of water is left. The surviving population, known to scientists as the 'gene pool', is very small. Because the snakes no longer have much of a choice when it comes to finding a mate, there is a high risk that they will accidentally breed with their close relatives. This 'inbreeding' often produces weak or sickly offspring that are less likely to survive. The most recent survey found that one in every five snakes had a genetic defect such as a crooked mouth, a bent tail, or uneven scales. The Antiguan racer is in danger of being spoilt for LACK OF choice!