Tiny Creatures, Big Discoveries

Critter Quest 2026: Discovering Saba’s Hidden Biodiversity

Following the success of Critter Quest 2025, the Sea & Learn Foundation ran the next chapter of exploration with Critter Quest 2026, bringing scientists and the community together to uncover Saba’s hidden biodiversity. During the 2026 field season, 15 visiting scientists continued building a baseline understanding of Saba’s insects, arachnids, and other invertebrates—key players in healthy forests, soils, and sustainable farming. Their research took them across Saba’s diverse terrain, from misty cloud forests to dry coastal scrub, increasing the chances of discovering species new to the island—or even new to science.

Exploring the Small Wonders

Critter Quest 2026 featured five presentations and field projects that got participants up close and personal with some of Saba’s tiniest residents:

• Pollinating Insects: Participants observed bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, learning how they keep plants and crops thriving.

• Life in the Litter: Mushrooms, beetles, and other soil-dwelling critters revealed the hidden work of nutrient recycling.

• Creepy Critters: Hidden spiders, millipedes, and beetles delighted (and sometimes creeped out!) participants as they explored leaf litter and under bark.

• Recognizing Insect Orders: Scientists demonstrated how to identify insects by wings, body shapes, and other key traits.

• Fascinating Growth Forms of Lichens: Participants learned how these colorful fungi-algae partnerships indicate environmental health.

Grade 6 students from our Science SEAkers program joined the field activities, getting hands-on experience with real scientific research—and maybe discovering a few critters along the way!

Why It Mattered

Saba faces a critical shortage of data on insects and other invertebrates, which are essential for pollination, nutrient cycling, pest control, and soil health. Critter Quest 2026 helped fill that gap, providing knowledge that will guide reforestation efforts, sustainable farming, and long-term food security on the island.

Highlights & Discoveries

Early analyses suggested that some of the species collected had never been recorded on Saba before, and a few could even be new to science! BioBlitz events, citizen science opportunities, and interactive talks gave the community a chance to join in the excitement of real-world discoveries. Critter Quest 2026 proved that sometimes, the smallest creatures tell the biggest stories—and that exploring Saba’s tiny residents can have a big impact on the island’s environment and future.

Supported by NEPP: protecting nature, reviving resources, sustaining our islands.