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Blue Iguana Recovery Program Makes Waves in Preserving the Endangered Species |
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The Blue Iguana is Grand Cayman’s largest native land animal. The dragon-like blue lizard grows to over 5 feet long, and over 25 lbs weight. It has permanently red eyes and clawed toes, which bend in three directions, for climbing and digging. Other distinctive features include: it lays leathery-shelled eggs, is a life-long vegetarian, communicates by head-bobbing, sunbathes to keep a core body temperature of 100 degrees F, and sleeps in rock holes and soil burrows. It is native only to the island of Grand Cayman and is the most endangered iguana on Earth. With a wide variety of successful special effort projects, the Program has reached new heights in the last couple of years and is now preparing to extend an outreach geared for US support. Blue Iguana Conservation Program Special Projects: The Cayman Island’s National Trust's Captive Breeding Program is working to pull the Blue Iguana back from the brink of extinction. With only 10-25 left in the wild, it is difficult to overstate the achievement of the Breeding Program this year (2003), with its successful hatching of some 86 youngsters. Given the ongoing success of this Program, the establishment of a protected area of suitable iguana habitat is being planned to ensure the survival of these unique, colorful and charismatic creatures. Blue Dragon, an arts and environmental partnership between the National Trust and the Cayman Island’s National Gallery, places the Grand Cayman Blue Iguana center stage as the inspiration for a variety of exciting arts and educational projects. The centerpiece is the forthcoming "release" of seventeen giant-sized Blue Iguana sculptures around Cayman. Local artists with themes and colors limited only by their own imaginations paint each sculpture. Once in place, these permanent attractions will be accompanied by interpretative signs featuring information on the real Blue Iguana, and a quote from the artist on the nature of their work. The Blue Dragons will form the basis of a mapped trail around Cayman - for the enjoyment of visitors and locals alike. Sponsor a Blue Iguana has commenced with valiant efforts. For $600, sponsors have the unique opportunity to sponsor or name their very own Iguana. The naming and/or sponsorship program is designed to directly fund the efforts of the Captive Breeding Program. When sponsoring a Blue Iguana, the sponsor will be covering, one-on-one, the full costs of keeping a Blue Iguana in the Program. Sponsors can chose from a variety of individual Blues, some in captivity, some roaming free in the Botanic Park. Those who choose to name an iguana can ‘adopt’ an iguana and choose its name as news and updates on its progress are sent out monthly- all sponsors will receive a variety of iguana goodies, along with quarterly postings on the adventures and misadventures of their iguana. For $750, sponsors can participate in both aspects of the program. “The Blue Iguana Conservation Program has achieved real success over the last few years, but much remains to be done to secure the future of these unique creatures. Although on-island support has been very positive, it is now with the utmost importance that the program’s initiatives extend to our US audience” states Dr. Mat Cottam, Environmental Programs Manager, National Trust for the Cayman Islands. “Saving this species is within our grasp, if enough people lend their support. The Blue Iguana is a treasure of Cayman's natural heritage… the key to its survival is in the hands of everyone,” adds Cottam. |
‘Grand Cayman’s biggest native land animal is on the verge
of extinction’---Says the battle cry of the Blue Iguana Recovery Program.
Dedicated to preserving the world’s most endangered iguana, the Grand
Cayman Blue Iguana, the program combines education, fundraising, and
habitat enhancement to improve breeding success.