Brackers get busy counting endangered iguanas

(CNS): Despite being an endangered species, there has never been a survey of the rock iguanas on Cayman Brac until now. Usually in the shadow of its blue cousin on Grand Cayman, this month the Brac iguanas have become the centre of intense focus as the Department of Environment began an in depth population survey of this unique sub-species of Cuban rock iguanas, found only on the Brac and Little Cayman. Some twenty researchers and volunteers are involved and the current total is 63 is climbing as a result of the help coming from Brackers, in particular school children who have become involved in the spotting process.

Experts working on the project said that as the Sister Islands iguana is an endangered species, means of conservation can only come through education and habitat preservation. The informaiton gathered during the survey will better inform conservation efforts aimed at ensuring a healthy population of iguanas on Cayman Brac in future years.

The rock iguana faces many of the same problems of its famous blue relative, including the impact of development such as more roads and sub-divisions as well as feral dogs and cats, plus speeding cars, which have all taken their toll.

Researchers were suprised by the number so far however, and iguana reports continue to flow into the hotline: 917-7744. Once a call is made a team of researchers are swiftly dispatched to the location where the iguana in question – which is hopefully still close by – is caught and then a comprehensive data collection process is carried out.

First the iguana is measured and weighed. Then it is scanned to see if it has an identification microchip already implanted. If not, one is inserted. The gender of the reptile is then checked, and this is followed by the attachment of an external tag. Finally, a number is painted using whiteout on its side. The whiteout will eventually disappear, but the microchip will remain active for life, allowing the life span of the iguana to be monitored on a regular basis. When the processing has been completed, the iguana is released back into the habitat where it was found. Photographs of the habitat are taken and added to the data file which is being completed on each animal.

The first part of the survey is expected to be completed by the end of January but volunteers will return later in the year to observe and record both the mating and the birthing of future populations.  Reports of new finds or any mortalities will all be added to the data collected

Volunteers comprise many Brackers, especially members of the Brac National Trust, as well as volunteers from throughout the US under the auspices of the International Reptile Conservation Foundation (IRCF), which has also been supporting the program.

For some who have been involved for several years with the blue iguana programme on Grand Cayman, this is their first visit to the Brac. Several young Brackers are also being trained in the survey techniques and will be able to carry on the process when the overseas volunteers have returned home. One young Caymanian, Jerrica Wood (pictured right) from Bodden Town, also took part in the study as part of her practicum for her studies in Integrated Wildlife Conservation at University of the West of England.

(Photo by Martin Keeley)