We have been working hard to collect and study as many iguanas as we can over the past few days, and each day we look forward to returning to the R/V Coral Reef II so that we can hook up our satellite terminal and download all of your questions and comments. It feels great to know students across the United States are learning along with us, and we really enjoy answering your questions. At night we are busy processing all of the blood samples that are collected from the iguanas we captured, but we are doing our best to answer as many questions as we can each night. We have answered some of your questions below, and we look forward to answering more tomorrow.
Keep Exploring!
Dave
What is the longest iguana you've ever found?
Head to tail iguanas can be as long as 52 inches (132 centimeters)
How do iguanas talk to each other?
Iguanas don't exactly talk to each other like people do, but they do communicate with one another through bobbing their heads, puffing up their bodies and other movements.
What do we need to do to become a scientist?
Start exploring and asking questions about the world around you! In school, take as many science, math and computer classes as you are able. When you're old enough, consider volunteering at local scientific organizations like zoos, aquariums, nature centers, labs and science museums.
How old do the iguanas in the Bahamas get?
We know that Andros iguanas can live to be at least 50 years old, but some scientists think they can live up to 80 years.
What's it like to live on a boat? Where do you sleep and how do you eat?
Living on a boat is like living in a floating house with 16 people. Two people share each bedroom, or cabin. We have 3 tiny bathrooms, which are called heads on a boat, and a large common area called a salon. For breakfast and dinner we eat in the salon at two big tables like a family. But lunch is usually eaten in the field. We have two Captains that are in charge of driving the research vessel and the small boats we use to go to shore. We also have a chef on board.
Do they ever bite you or do the gloves help?
We know how to handle the iguanas so they aren't easily able to bite us, but we wear gloves to be safe because they have been known to bite.
What types of information do you collect from the iguanas?
We collect a lot of different information about the iguanas. For example we weigh and measure them, take blood samples, determine whether they're male or female, and take pictures before we release them. This information helps scientists learn how many male and female iguanas live in the area, and how much they've grown since the last time we saw them. Just like the doctor taking your weight and measurements at a physical. The blood samples can tell scientists about the health of the iguanas.
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