World’s Most Endangered Reptile Species

Further Threatened by Hurricane Ivan

In 2002, when barely a handful of Grand Cayman Blue Iguanas were found in the wild, the species was all too clearly the most endangered reptile on earth. That same year, the Blue Iguana Recovery Program was designed to establish a self-sustaining population of 1,000 Blue Iguanas in natural habitat. While the iguanas are the “flagship” species, other species, such as snakes, turtles, parrots, and a variety of plants, would also share the protected areas the program is working to establish. With substantial refurbishment of the small captive-breeding facility, and dietary improvements leading to increased fertility, the Program was making decent headway producing and headstarting hatchlings for eventual release. Releases into a protected reserve adjacent to the Captive Breeding Facility had actually been scheduled for September. 

September 12^th’s Category 5 Hurricane Ivan, with winds of 200+ mph, rainfall in excess of the average yearly precipitation of the island, and a storm surge of 15 – 20 feet, which left parts of the island completely submerged at times, has dealt the Blue Iguanas a severe blow. The extent to which the species has been pushed back towards extinction has yet to be revealed.

The program operates on a shoestring budget where all funds are used to prevent the extinction of this species; there are no reserves. Support for the Blue Iguanas is urgently needed to assist with relief efforts at this time. Donations can be made to the Blue Iguana website (www.BlueIguana.ky); go to the section marked “You Can Help”.  The “Donations In Kind” option allows individuals to donate any amount. Donors may also send checks made out to the International Reptile Conservation Foundation (IRCF), with a notation designating funds for Blue Iguana relief, and send these to John and Sandy Binns, 3010 Magnum Drive, San Jose CA, 95135.