Dwarf-keeled Tegus - Barbados

Barbados, meaning “bearded men,” was named by Portugese sailors arriving on the islands during the early 1600’s. The lush tropical trees gave the island a “bearded” appearance. Britain gained control of Barbados in 1627 and held the area until Barbados became independent in 1966.

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Kentropyx borckianus - The Barbados dwarf-keeled tegus is an unusual animal. It is an animal able to reproduce through a process known as parthenogenesis. There are no males existing within this species; each individual is a female. Parthenogenesis is of Greek origin and translates as “virgin birth.” This form of reproduction does not require a male for the fertilization of the embryo. It is a common trait found in plant reproduction and there are some invertebrate using the same process, but it is rarely found in vertebrates.

Pride of Barbados - Barbados

Caesalpinia pulcherrima - The pride of Barbados is a large evergreen shrub growing, on average, to 4 meters in height. This plant puts out striking flowers of red, yellow or orange petals. The fruit is contained in a long greenish pod. Upon maturity, the pod turns brown and bursts open for seed dispersal. Each pod contains 5 or 6 seeds and they are poisonous. The pride of Barbados is native to the West Indies and Mexico, but is cultivated throughout the world as an ornamental plant.

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In 1492, the Spanish became the first Europeans to visit Barbados. They were followed by the Portuguese who arrived in 1536. Both groups claimed the island for their respective country, but neither made any efforts to establish a settlement on Barbados. William Courten, an English merchant and trader, was granted letters-patent to Barbados in 1627 and began sending colonists to the island for the purpose of setting up tobacco plantations. England held Barbados until it became independent in 1966.