Environmental groups have urged walkers to stop piling rocks on top of each other in the island’s national parks.

The Bermuda Audubon Society and the Bermuda National Trust say the practice of prising rocks from the natural formations and creating tower formations is disturbing the habitat of the critically endangered Bermuda skink.

“While we understand that the creation of these rock formations or cairns is sometimes considered to be art, people may not be aware that interfering with nature in this way can have catastrophic effects on other species and can cause major disturbances to the natural environment,” Andrew Dobson, the Audubon Society president, said.

Several rock piles have appeared at Spittal Pond, and the conservation groups say prising up and moving rocks can also cause erosion and can disturb plants and ferns.

Bermuda National Trust president William White added: “Thousands of people every year enjoy Bermuda’s parks, nature reserves and open spaces, but users need to respect the safety of the species which rely on these areas for their very survival.

“The saying ‘Take nothing but memories, leave nothing but footprints’, is appropriate here. Nature takes thousands of years to evolve and we must take enormous care not to disturb that evolution while we enjoy these areas.”

Anyone with information, or who is interested in learning more about the problem, can contact info@audubon.bm or palmetto@bnt.bm