Conservation
In 1996, the Guadeloupe raccoon was classified as endangered by the IUCN because its population number of less than 2,500 mature individuals has continued to decline. Considering its small range, the Guadeloupe raccoon was most likely never numerous, just as well as the four other island raccoons (Cozumel raccoon, Tres Marias raccoon, Bahaman raccoon and the extinct Barbados raccoon).
The Guadeloupe raccoon suffers from the destruction of its habitat on Guadeloupe, mangrove forests and the rainforest. Furthermore, it is still hunted by the islanders for food and is threatened by the reported introduction of the crab-eating raccoon. The Guadeloupe raccoon has been chosen as emblematic species for the Guadeloupe National Park, but it may face extinction without additional conservation efforts.
On the other hand, Helgen and Wilson are of the opinion that the Guadeloupe raccoon itself could be considered to be an invasive species which poses a threat to the insular ecosystem.
Read more about this topic: Guadeloupe Raccoon
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