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The large, spectacular Rock Iguanas of the genus Cyclura are among the earth’s most endangered reptiles. Their numbers have been reduced drastically by human encroachment on their habitat and predation by introduced animals such as rats, cats, and dogs. All nine species are currently protected under CITES, with six of these considered to be critically endangered by the World Conservation Union.

The International Reptile Conservation Foundation (IRCF) is a 501 c (3) not for profit corporation whose mission is to conserve reptiles and the natural habitats and ecosystems that support them. The 2005 National Reptile Breeders Expo Auction proceeds will be awarded directly to conservation programs for Anegada, Bahamaian, Jamaican, iguanas. Other ongoing projects seeking to conserve West Indian Rock Iguanas will be funded as proceeds permit.

The Anegada Iguana

Genetic studies have shown that the Anegada or Stout Iguana (Cyclura pinguis) represents the oldest lineage of the surviving West Indian Rock Iguanas. Fewer than 400 of these animals remain in a fragment of their original range. Habitat destruction, competition for food from feral livestock, and predation by non-native predators, mostly feral cats, are the major threats. As a hedge against extinction, a combined effort of the National Parks Trust of the British Virgin Islands and IUCN Iguana Specialist Group initiated a headstart program in 1997 to augment the declining population until livestock containment and predator-control programs can be instituted. To date, 44 headstarted animals have been released into the wild. Funding for this program is through the International Iguana Foundation. Proceeds from the auction will be applied to the purchase of a small truck to facilitate research and headstarting activities.

The Bahamian Iguana

Seven iguana species are native to the Bahamas, four of them are critically endangered. The San Salvador Iguana (Cyclura rileyi rileyi) population numbers fewer than 600 individuals on four tiny cays and two islets. The quality of their remaining habitat is poor, especially following Hurricane Frances in 2004, and the best conservation strategy for this species is translocation to other cays with more abundant vegetation. Five adult pairs have already been translocated from Green Cay to Cut Cay in a project supported by the IIF. Fewer than 500 individuals of the Sandy Cay Iguana (Cyclura rileyi cristata) survive on a single cay. This species is threatened by predation from introduced rats and habitat devastation by the introduced Australian Pines, which displace local vegetation and render critical nesting substrate unusable with their extensive root systems. Translocation to predator-free cays has been recommended by the ISG.

The Jamaican Iguana

The Jamaican Iguana (Cyclura collei) was thought to be extinct from around the turn of the century until 1990, when a small remnant population was rediscovered in the remote and rugged Hellshire Hills. Since that time, the species has been the focus of an intensive IUCN Iguana Specialist Group conservation effort involving the protection of habitat, especially nesting areas, a headstart program at Kingston’s Hope Zoo to restock the wild population, and the elimination of introduced predators such as dogs, cats, and mongooses.

Funding for the program is through the International Iguana Foundation. To date 76 headstarted Jamaican Iguanas have been released into the Hellshire Hills, yet this species remains one of the most critically endangered lizards in the world. To ensure the long-term survival of this unique reptile and its habitat, the IRCF is soliciting contributions to support the recovery effort.
 

We invite you to help save these magnificent animals by:

Donating  your art, products, services, and other items to be auctioned on August 20, 2005  at the Ocean Center Convention Hall in Daytona Beach, Florida to help raise funds for the Rock Iguanas of the West Indies.  To see some of the items already donated click here.

Serve as a volunteer either before or during the auction.

Cash donations are always welcome.

Become a Member of the IRCF.