Some initial effects of Hurricane Hugo on endangered and endemic species of West Indian birds

Abstract

HURRICANE HUGO, A CATEGORY 4 hurricane with sustained winds of 140-150 miles per hour and gusts over 180 miles per hour, was perhaps the most violent storm ever to hit islands of the eastern Caribbean. The hurricane passedirectly over or near Puerto Rico, Montserrat, Guadeloupe, and Dominica. Each of these islands harbor endangered, threatened, or otherwise vulnerable species of endemic forest birds. We report on Hurricane Hugo's initial impacts to and consequences for some West Indian birds following the storm's landfalls during mid-September 1989 in the eastern Caribbean. We summarize damage to each island, contrast Hugo's impacts on birds with other historical hurricanes, and briefly evaluate these catastrophic events with respect to future conservation strategies for island birds.

Citation

Haney, J Christopher; Wunderle, Jr., Joseph M.; Arendt, Wayne J. 1991. Some initial effects of Hurricane Hugo on endangered and endemic species of West Indian birds. American Birds 45:234–236.