Lizards' future dependent on rats

The St Lucia whiptail lizard is in fear of becoming extinct

Conservationists from Jersey's Durrell Wildlife Trust are trying to clear an island of rats, in an effort to save an endangered reptile.

The rodents live on Rat Island, off St Lucia, and workers want to reclaim the island to establish a breeding ground for the rare whiptail lizard.

Poison is being put down to free the site of rats so the area can be used to bring the reptiles back to strength.

The Durrell Trust has successfully done similar work on a nearby island.

The lizard is facing extinction and this area of the Caribbean is one of the last places that it can be found.