From our floating research station, the R/V Coral Reef II, we are studying the Bahamian Andros iguana. Finding iguanas can be difficult, and today was our first day scrambling over rocky, brush-choked terrain searching for these large, endangerd lizards.
Adrenaline surges through you when an iguana is spotted and it takes a lot of teamwork to surround and capture each animal. We spotted ten animals and were able to capture and release four of them. Dr. Knapp has captured and released many of the animals before and over time, with the help of volunteers, he is gathering a wealth of data which he hopes will lead to a National Park set up specifically to protect the Andros iguanas.
West Indian Rock Iguanas are one of the most endangered groups of lizards in the world, which is one of the main reasons Dr. Charles Knapp, and a group of volunteers organized by the John G. Shedd Aquarium have been studying the Bahamian Iguanas since 1995.
Habitat loss, hunting pressure, and dogs, cats, pigs, and other non-native animals are the main threats the iguanas face. Headed by Dr. Charles Knapp, Shedd Aquarium has been studying West Indian Rock Iguanas since 1995. Each year Dr. Knapp leads a team of scientists and volunteers on a week long research project to collect data about iguana populations.
One of Dr. Knapp's main goals is to use information we are collecting to educate Bahamians about the iguana and help facilitate the formation of a National Park on South Andros Island. After one day in this wild place it is easy to see the importance of protecting these endangered animals.
Keep Exploring!
Dave
References
Communique - American Zoo and Aquarium Association - July 1999
Iguana - volume 12, number 1 - March 2005
We have several questions for the team. How big do the iguanas get? What types of measurements are you collecting when you capture them? Do you have use a tranquilizer on the iguanas?
do the iguanas bite?
Do you have to track the iguanas, or do you just set out looking for them? When you find them, do you have to surround them and use a net, or do you just use your hands?
My old teacher had an iguana for a pet. Do these make good pets. Hers was a green one.
How did the iguanas escape after you spotted it? Are they really fast? Do you name the iguanas you capture and how do you relese them?
Write back,
Peter From SJC
What's the longest iguana you've found?
How do iguanas talk to each other?