First Things First

Right from the start, the project team was faced with a dilemma. On the one hand, the partners needed to marshal their forces, discuss tactics and work out the best plan of attack. On the other hand, the results of the first six-week survey (see Fact Finding) told them that time was running out for the Antiguan racer. Every second of every day that they delayed brought the snake closer to extinction.

It was tempting to jump straight in and rescue the racer. But how?

Drawing up an action plan (above)

It's no good trying to complete a complicated jigsaw puzzle by just grabbing a handful of pieces at random and forcing them to fit together. A conservation project is no different. Planning the best way to tackle the problem before you actually start helps to avoid making big mistakes once the work has begun. In the long run, trying to cut corners is a waste of time.


	The project team discusses the day's activities

The project partners sat down together to agree on a strategy, discuss their key objectives and draw up a timetable. It seemed obvious to everyone that the most immediate threat to the future of the Antiguan racer was black rats. The project's most urgent priority was to clear these rats from Great Bird Island (see Removal Service).

Before work could begin, though, they needed government permission, expert advice and, most importantly, money (see Show Me The Money).