Cayman Net News Online
News about the Cayman Islands in the Foreign Press

Monday, September 19, 2005

LONDON, England: New Scientist, September 15, 2005 ‘ There are only 25 wild-born blue iguanas left on Grand Cayman, but can conservationists pull off one of the greatest rescues of all time?

You might think the blue rock iguana has got it all. Good looks – a mythical dragon-like physique coupled with a complexion that changes from grey to azure at will; prime real estate – it hails from the idyllic Caribbean island of Grand Cayman; and no financial worries – after all, its home is a notorious tax haven. But the beast is in big trouble. There are only around 25 wild individuals left, making the blue iguana one of the most endangered reptiles in the world. Without help, extinction is certain.

Enter BIRP, the Blue Iguana Recovery Program. For the past decade this partnership of local and international conservation groups has been scrutinising every detail of the iguanas’ psychology and behaviour to work out what has gone wrong, and running a captive breeding programme to bring the species back from the brink.

http://caymannetnews.com/2005/09/926/foreign.shtml

For complete New Scientist article:
http://www.newscientist.com/channel/life/mg18725172.400