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ISG News 9(1).Indd

ISG News 9(1).Indd

Specialist Group Newsletter Volume 9 • Number 1 • Summer 2006

The Iguana Specialist Group News & Comments prioritizes and facilitates conservation, science, and onservation Centers for Survival Formed j spp. were awareness programs that help Cselected as a taxa of mutual concern under a new agreement between a select ensure the survival of wild group of American zoos and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The zoos - under and their . the banner of Conservation Centers for Species Survival (C2S2) - and USFWS have pledged to work cooperatively to advance conservation of the selected spe- cies by identifying specific research projects, actions, and opportunities that will significantly and clearly support conservation efforts. Cyclura are the only selected under the joint program. The zoos participating in the program include the San Diego Wild Park, Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, The Wilds, White Oak Conservation Center and the National Zoo’s Conservation and Research Center. USFWS participation will be coordinated by Bruce Weissgold in the Division of Management Authority (bruce_weissgold @fws.gov). IN THIS ISSUE News & Comments ...... 1 RCC Facility at Fort Worth j The Fort Worth Zoo recently opened their Animal Outreach and Conservation Center (ARCC) in an off-exhibit Iguanas in the News ...... 3 A area of the zoo. The $1 million facility actually consists of three separate units. Reports ...... 7 The primary facility houses the zoo’s outreach collection, while a state-of-the-art B. vitiensis ...... 7 conservation greenhouse will highlight the zoo’s work with endangered C. pinguis ...... 9 iguanas and chelonians. The greenhouse is a 20 x 45 foot facility utilizing UV transmitting acrylic roof panels. One side is devoted to rock iguanas and C. cychlura inornata ...... 10 has ten indoor units and five adjacent outdoor units; the indoor units have C. cychlura figginsi ...... 12 removable panels such that they can be expanded or enlarged depending on Recent Literature ...... 14 need. Species targeted include , Jamaican and Anegada Island ISG contact information ...... 14 iguanas. The ARCC opened with a pair of Cyclura lewisi recently received from St. Catherines Island. The zoo’s resident pair of C. collei will move in after the 2006 breeding season and 2.2 C. pinguis are expected soon from the . The rock iguana program will help showcase the zoo’s involvement with iguana conservation and the IIF and ISG. An iguana research unit is located ISG Newsletter 9(1) • Summer 2006 2 [email protected] Fort Worth Zoo Rick Hudson water filtration,andaUVsterilizer. of types two beach, nesting a with pool foot 5 x 16 a pens with outdoor access. The aquatic indoor turtles have will share tortoises The Turtles”list. Endangered including seven taxa listed on the “Top 25 World’sThree Mosttortoise and designed six is aquaticgreenhouse the turtle of speciesside other are The targeted, to turtle conservation and the Turtle Survival Alliance. for chelonians and will highlight the zoo’s commitment for thisarea. targeted projects research anticipated the of two are growth on groupings social of effects the and studies outdoor units for rearing juvenile adjacent to the greenhouse and has ten indoor and ten gin November 13 in San Juan. Contact Juan. San in 13 November gin be will meeting Directors of Board IIF November.12 The on follow will island Muertos de Caja to trip field A nubila. site of the abundant introduced Rico, on the off-shore island of Magueyes, ing will be held 10-11 November in Puerto The annual Iguana Specialist Group meet 2006 AnnualISGMeeting Miguel Garcia formore information. Cyclura. Nutritional C. nubila - - N [email protected] Fort Worth Zoo Rick Hudson to payfortheproject. from the International Iguana Foundation (IIF) helped pay for construction projects. An additional donation help to specifically programs conservation worldwide who passed away in 2000, provides money to local and for an AZFA member and Kansas City Zoo employee Clark Waldram Conservation Fund. (AZFA) The Association’s fund, named Facilities Zoo and Aquarium the from grant a by funded was trip The purposes. these for used was canopy tent open-sided 10’ x 10’ a construction, to Prior pad. foundation cement a to downbolted was entirestructure the and throughout the front screened area. Hurricane straps were installed a pitched shingled roof and an attic storage area above will be used as a secure storage area. The building has and enclosed fully is area back area.The preparation separate areas. The front area is a 16’ x 8’ screened diet volunteers. The 16’ x 16’ building is divided into two and staff facility by preparation diet and storage for used be will building new the and days, eight took Elizabeth II Botanic Park. Construction of the shelter Queen the in Facility Headstart Iguana Blue the for building new a constructed they which during man Mike Fouraker recently returned from member a trip to Grand Cay Board IIF and Director Zoo by led ew Shelter Constructed in Grandin Cayman ShelterConstructed ew A construction team from the Fort WorthFortZoo the from team construction A

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ISG Newsletter 9(1) • Summer 2006 3 -

FLASH !! EWS N Photos by Richard Reams. For Press Release see: Reams. For Press Photos by Richard http://www.indyzoo.com/pdf/JamaicanIguanasHatched.htm trating our efforts on just one age group for now so that we The can club build has already a foundation. 40 members and the reputation of the club as a well more and more so growing, is organization structured he added. flocking to join the club,” persons are Andros High School, said he believes the club was a long time coming for the island, and it now provides Johnson, who teaches Biology at the Central the youth with a constructive extra curricular activity to participate in. Assisting him in the training of the youngsters is his wife Michele’ Helene Brown. Johnson, Darvin and and Coakley, Shantol Coaches Assistant soccer of sport the in involved been always has Johnson and first dealt with youths as an assistant coach with of eye watchful the under Club Football Dynamos the Coach Carl Lynch. Head students to enjoy the game of soccer and marries the need of conservation of the iguana. are We concen - The The j

Cyclura Cyclura collei in the U.S. Iguanas in the News first successful hatching of occurred on 29 August 2006. Indianapolis is one of six zoos housing Jamaican iguanas since the 1990s. Captive reproduction has occurred only twice before at the Hope Zoo in in 2001 and 2004 when Two cage. headstarting a in discovered were hatchlings more eggs clutch, from as this well female’s as several incubating. still are female, second zoo’s the from eggs Congratulations, Indy! Jamaican Iguanas Hatch at Indianapolis at Hatch Iguanas Jamaican tween tween the ages of 5-10, but that is just a starting age age to up out branch to plan we September By group. 13, and within the next year be able to offer it teach to to all is club the of goal “The Johnson. said youth,” Soccer Growing in Andros Growing Soccer 23, 2006 - March Guardian The Nassau Smith Renaldo By NEW PROVIDENCE, headlines making been has BAHAMAS.soccer of sport the months, In recent in here popular increasingly become to continues it as Providence. New Head Coach of the Central Andros Iguanas Football also. Andros of island the on growing is sport the Club, and Founder Johnson, Ricardo to thanks Now October in ago months six just started which club The of last year, is focused on both teaching the game of soccer and educating Bahamians on the value of the species. as an endangered Iguana “Presently the club is open to all students be ISG Newsletter 9(1) • Summer 2006 4 the upandcomingclubonlocalscene. vancy, and the Bahamas National Trust has supported vation Foundation. While the Andros Nature Conser great Iguana a the received Specialist have Group, Aquarium, and Iguanas Shedd the International the Chicago far,Reptile Conser the Thus as such organizations international from support of amount from theoldergroups ontheisland,”saidJohnson. interest strong a is there so organization, the join to High school students have bombarded me with requests dros and for the youth with some wholesome activity. has just begun and the future looks promising for An Ithere. invitationals eventuallyhost wecan then and “We hope to multiple beteams in ableAndros that to will diversifyplay amongst them, what is happen We encourage island. to the want on soccer with ing ever first the is club the that fact the Despite for thenearfuture. of its kind on the island, Johnson says he has big plans added. roster hasabout130kidssoitshouldbeexciting,” he my now right and coming them to forward looking the work that Johnson and his wife are doing. We are on light positive some shine and island the on sport the of awareness the increase will club them. The for good be would it off-season the in kids the with and play to here coming teams about excited always are Lynch.said wecan,” providethat assistance any “We to continue will and States the in or locally contacts We continue to mentor him as far as putting I and him job onto fantastic a doing is he that think “I chance to mentor him and help him out along the way.a had coaches other the and myself that glad just am Johnson and the Iguanas, the Dynamosfrom the7-9ofApril.will get their first real face Providenceto New to here travel they when test Andros IguanasteamlogobyJoelFriesch. - - - - provides the biggest funding followed by that of inter followedof providesfunding that bybiggest the support corporate Local going. But is a fresh look needs to be taken at the where grants, charitable the programme, which is dependent on donations and 23 have beenreleased intotheSalina Reserve. ParkBotanic the and in Iguanasfree-roamingBlue 30 now over 80 iguanas a year are hatching. There are now Park has resulted in tremendous success in breeding and tive breeding facility at the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic ingly, there were only 10 to 25 left. The improved cap- “Back then we didn’tHowever, evena knowpopulation how surveymany soonBlue disclosed that shock Iguanas were left in the wild,” commented Mr. Burton. . This planhasnow beenaccomplished. the save to up written was plan strategic first the 2001 in Back Friday. on group the for scheduled was trip The team spent field WednesdayA years. coming and the over iguanas the Thursday put conserving for plan a with up come to together heads their ting “These people are friends and allies that bring in resources toourprogramme,” explainedMr. Burton. Reptile Foundation.Conservation International and Group, Specialist Iguana Trust, Wild Conservation Union Projects Officer Mat Cottam; representatives of Durrell DoE’sEbanks–PetrieSpecialand Gina Director ment Carr and Samantha Addinall; Department of Environ Nationalof: consisted Trustgroup The Chair Chris members staff with along FredBurton Director Programme Recovery Iguana Blue Reid; Carla person Burton. Fred Director “TheresaProgramme Recoveryand Iguana the BlueGrand said Caymanian are hosting this to a ridiculous extent. We can’t thank her enough,” and space, refreshments thinkinggroup. fortheforward meeting accommodation, And helping free the team along the way provided was Grand who Foster Theresa Director Managing Caymanian Cayman’s own Blue Iguana from . saving continue to how out figure orderto in together representatives got together last week to put their heads government and experts Iguana Blue conservationists, most endangered on earth. Concerned scientists, the still is IguanaBlue Cayman the years, five past the achieved by the Blue Iguana Recovery Programme over work wonderful the all CAYMAN.Despite GRAND By CliodhnaMcGowan Caymanian Compass-October 4,2005 Blue Iguana Still Needs Man’s Help - - - - - ISG Newsletter 9(1) • Summer 2006 5 - - - - - ing the iguanas, which he described as plague,” “a in Interna Marin roughly two weeks at the Luis Muñoz Juan. tional Airport near the capital of San under said consideration, at Velez a news conference. But authorities An also effortwere discussingto captureother flooding options: burrows where the lay the their iguana’s eggs or iguanas alive was sending teams armed with .22-calibre rifles to shoot the adult , which can grow to be more than a long. metre because of the reptiles, which are sold in Puerto Rico as delayed been exotic have takeoffs and pets. landings Flight The cold-blooded lizards also create Puerto Rico Prepares to Rid Airport Runways Iguanas Basking of 2, 2006 - June Associated Press basking iguanas Green RICO. PUERTO JUAN, SAN airport international largest Rico’s Puerto at runways on have become such a hazard that this U.S. Caribbean territory plans to rid the area of the invasive reptile species, an official said Friday. Resources, Environmental and Natural of Department said he hopes that teams can begin Javier killing or Velez captur Arocho, secretary of the island’s servation Trust describescon quality thehigh and Blue run best Iguana the of Recovery one as Programme the saving that out pointed He programmes. servation size reasonable a of acquisition requires species in the Eastern district. This would also help save the forest of type endangered most the is which forest, dry would system biodiversity a way, this In world. the in be saved. The issue of wild dogs and cats attacking iguanas also needs to be addressed, as does confusion Iguana. Blue the rare iguanas and green between supports the National Blue Trust’s Iguana Recovery by giving information Programme about this work to The Grand Caymanian’s Blue Iguanatourists and Grillthe placement of fund–raising boxes on teaches also resort the at Club Kid’s The premises. the native is which species endangered this about children “Sponsor commented, Foster Theresa Ms Cayman. to important is Programme Recovery Iguana Blue the ing important is it so species indigenous an are they because to keep it think an the indigenous species and I don’t issues.” on this is as big as for other local awareness Con Wildlife Durrell of Bloxam Quentin Mr. - - Blue Iguana Recovery Programme Director Fred Fred Director Blue Iguana Recovery Programme Burton, and National Trust Chairperson Carla Reid. Chairperson Carla Reid. Burton, and National Trust Grand Caymanian Managing Director Theresa Foster, Foster, Theresa Grand Caymanian Managing Director man Blue Iguana as her favourite species. “Theyenvironment are their to adapted highly and complex more contribute also They for, credit them give people than to a healthier forest environment, as important seed dispersers,” she said. the supported has who Group, Specialist Iguana Union pointed outset, the from Cayman in programme iguana Conservation Wild the of Alberts, Allison Ms. out that the same themes keep coming up. One of these is the need to educate people that this animal is else on earth. Another is the fact that found nowhere keep to management intensive requires population the it The growing. conservation biologist the Cay tive is just how much work is still left to do, asserted Mr. Mr. asserted do, to left still is work much how just is tive is Iguana Blue Cayman the that explained who Burton, still the most endangered lizard on earth. One of the to habitat protected enough getting is challenges biggest population live viable a restore to programme the allow into the wild. Iguanas of Blue cannot support enough iguanas to have a viable live population looking so at we’re additional areas. This “The Salina Reserve and could mean the finding Botanica new Park area or the management of existing areas,” he said. Another element need looked money more on at now is funding. “We being looking a at grant sustainable basis funding and we’re opportunities and at tours how iguana-related tourism passenger can Cruise said. he us,” for income an make May, in started Park Botanic the at facility iguana the at but so far bookings have not been great. It is hoped will improve. that coming into high season these national national conservation groups including The perspec in Darwin put have meetings the thing One Initiative. ISG Newsletter 9(1) • Summer 2006 6 security danger,” Capallisaid. “I understand that they have become a plague, from the area, but . . . 22-calibre rifles are also a public danger,a removedbe must they that threat and a and suggested toeradicatethem. Velezmethods Carlathe of Capalli, some ofquestioned but the problems Humane Society of Puerto Rico, said she recognized that the iguanas posed safety the airport. near roads on sun the up soak they as hazards traffic know that the was once believed to be Did shrimp? youand river fish of your supply affects Do you realize that the encroachment on their habitats that crocodiles play an integral role in the environment? Jamaican snake outside of the zoo? Do you understand a see pig? youlast Whereguinea did a like looks that rodent large Coney,Indiana the seen ever you Have don’tI JohnAnd Crowlike? look spouse. your mean Our national birdone? isAnd for thethose who have, doctorwhen last? birdWhat does ora streamer- tailed hummingbird. How many of you have ever seen the diversity ofplantsandanimalsthatlived here. preservation of Jamaican culture she may not know of child is able fully to appreciate his contribution to the and legacy. Be warned! By the time Edward Seaga’sunderstand that we are destroying loveour natural heritage for Arawaks. It is taking an even longer time for us to mistaken were they that realized we before years 500 the TainosJamaica.call Itmoreto than us used took what is water,” and wood of land XAYMACA:“The by Orville W. Taylor Jamaica Gleaner -May 7,2006 Editorial: Environmental andLizards ‘Tales’ The PiratesoftheCaribbean,starringJohnnyDepp. protecting iguanahabitatduringthefilming of ISG memberJoeWasilewski (left)wason-hand siduously to save this species and have received much receivedhave and species this save to siduously as worked have scientists UWI The development. hotel and sale for viewed being is captivity of outside place where Jamaican iguanas are known to still breed gov the made has that fear this perhaps is It only the that rumour a is habitats. Therereptilian of ernmental agencies less than vigilant in the protection bite you willfrightenyou todeath!” “All snakes and lizards are dangerous. Those who don’t cable phobia is best expressed by my elderly neighbor: Neither are boas. any of Jamaican our lizards harmful. nine-foot Yet, our the inexpli including dangerous, are Jamaicansnakes our of none Still, snakes. female of swallowing amanwhole.Anabilitynotlimitedto Our fear ofcapable pythons long snakesfoot 20-odd and is vipers, cobras, understandable because in thereareoriginate, us of Indiawheremost and Africa and discourage othermales. females woo to serves it and dewlap a called is their tongues. That brightly-coloured sac they display out stick not do lizards our because right, So silent. keep should she or he then interpret, to there is one no and tongues in speaking is one if Biblesays, the as that, understood truly pastor Poor tongue’. his out ‘long and push-ups did anole,) Jamaican (the lizard green defiant a as terror mortal in cowered but doers evil rebuked and demons out chased successfully has JamaicanAmazonian the Yet,that phobia the police, macho males, and even pastors. Many a pastor revealed is not unique. It pervades the ranks of badmen, than me!” chasing away a 10-inch croaking lizard. “Lizard smaller declaredshe flatfooted, completely obvious,the while me left that statement a In nails. acrylic poorly-done barely ‘Pollytiny a her of than afraid smaller lizard’was that woman, little a was roommate friend, female Surinamese feminine A slightly eleven, foot ‘condensedfive a her than that amazedtaller was tin,’ them. cannot possiblyhurt Jalizards,of petrified totally evenwhich is those maican average the that aware quite am I Nevertheless, hamster,dog, fowl,puss, her.Especially woman. and common parakeet, your However,will so bite. nasty a deliver can it held or harassed if because, harmless Bite. Nasty A (UWI) andHope Zoo? and determination of the University of the West Indies extinct and would have been so except for the vigilance I won’t pretend that the shy iguana is iguana shy won’tthe I that pretend - - - - ISG Newsletter 9(1) • Summer 2006 7 crested iguana. Photo by Zachary Pierce. crested Taxon Reports Taxon Suzie Morrison and Peter Harlow measure up with a Fijian Suzie Morrison and Peter Harlow measure ) vitiensis iguana ( crested Fijian important research projects on iguanas Two continue Yadua of Island Sanctuary Iguana Crested Fijian the on Taba by unrelated researchers, both by the name of ‘Morrison’! Australian National University (Canberra),first Her has Taba. just Yadua on season second her completed Suzie season, dry Morrison,the of days sunny a idyllic the Ph.D. during was trip student from wet the very the during was trip February-May the whereas again, dried never February in soaked Clothes season. study main Her back! her on rotted just eventually and is area a quarter dryhectare quadrat forest containing 591 trees, where she has captured, measured and PIT 43 including iguanas, crested arboreal the of 270 tagged of density higher much a suggest results Her hatchlings. estimated previously hectare per 200 the than iguanas by transect surveys in this same forest. This mark-recapture site will be the basis for her long term forest project to collect data on growth rates, movement, diet, and social structure. survivorship, reproduction, - - - - - Anyway, how Anyway, many have ever seen the international international recognition for the effort. It would be a damned shame if such a sell out were to take place. occur to this allow should government responsible No and no Opposition should let it go unnoticed. Let’s it is untrue.hope that scrutiny governmental less even is there wildlife our of like ackee, the fruit, national The life. plant regarding treatment wanton the from apart Nonetheless, most of us is a from ‘deportee’ Africa. It is the only national plant that is policed to any extent and that is because it is fraught with export challenges. More the indigenous lignum pathetic is the national flower, stimulants any without Grown life.’ of ‘wood the vitae, it is the hardest wood around. there Yet, are appar Endangered. Ameri African an like sounding Despite mahoe? blue Depart the in lecturer senior is Taylor Orville Dr. ently no protective measures to prevent the ‘rape’ of this national treasure. Outside of protected forestry of down cutting wanton the prevents nothing reserves, carica- idiotic and trinkets tourist make to plants these Fern in road the into out jut which those as such tures that decimated so been had icon national This Gully. trees remove to Trelawny as far as from travel poachers next to prime iguana nesting sites in Hellshire. Why we can’t stick signs in the airports buy saying, ‘don’t lignum vitae!’ Most of our children will never know by protected is plant the Ironically, is. plant this what international law but no local statute. the Like tree. national the is it star, pornographic can lignum vitae it is also endangered and poorly moni tored. Which laws restrict or outlaw the possession of the wood from these must trees? hasten We to the point of criminalizing the abuse of these plants because as my female environmentalist to replace.” wood is hard laments, “hard What menu. his on shellfish illegal had taurateur res Asian non-native a bothered note, me was similar not a that On being too expensive it was he appropriately Rather, called ‘robster.’ was selling it out of season. ment of Sociology, Psychology at and Work Social Mona. Indies, West of the the University ISG Newsletter 9(1) • Summer 2006 8 The invasive plant and weed ary managementranger Pitaplan Biciloa and men from the nearby village for Yadua Taba, being carried out by the Iguana Sanctu of transectsearched! meter 4.2 every for iguana crested one of sighting age Overrepresentsthis transects, and seasons all averan analyses. diet for feces obtain to hours 24 for bagged and a random subset of these iguanas were captured and on 1425 iguana sightings during these four survey trips, diet. in Tree-usechanges seasonal werecollected data analyses of fecal material will give a detailed picture of data from six permanent 250 metre transects, as well as in crested iguana diet on Yadua Taba. Iguana tree-use last of four field trips to investigate the seasonal changes National Trust for Fiji Islands, recently completedthe Unithe the from from ‘Morrison’,Clare,staff second and The students biology post-graduate of versity of the South Pacific, Suva, assisted by her team www.fijiancrestediguana.com at: website project Suzie’sthe on visit updates project in food resources. For variations more information and continuing seasonal to reacts population the how and structure population their island, the on of begun a mark-recapture study to determine the density Suzie conjecture.has bysurrounded unknownand is introduced species and their effect on Fijian ecosystems or Melanesian people, Pacific rats are often classed as an Though arriving about 3000 years ago with Polynesian The only terrestrial mammal on Yadua Taba a is great impact on reptile populations in New Zealand. the Pacific (Rattus exulans), a species which has had to seasonalchangesinfoodavailability. have these relation the preferencesand habitat iguana on information supply to seasons all across tree each the island. Phenological information is recorded from in the mark-recapture plot) are being monitored across known to be eaten by iguanas (in addition to the of trees diet the in variations seasonal Toidentify plant species, several hundred within trees from the and 15 species between iguana crested herbivorous the nests. in November to record the hatching of the monitored return will They habitat. natural their in species this of habits nesting the on ever data and first the recorded females, nesting many located Pierce Zachary The wet season is also forestthe floor.on the constructed Suzie partner her and nesting season, when burrows in eggs large five to three lay iguanas female - - - vegetation structure. what effect the rats have on the iguana population and determine to us allow will which vegetation), the on study a with (associated future the in program cation eradi rat a for possibility a is island verified.This be ( Rat Norway larger the of ist with the confirmed IslandMacuata on surveys Rat this the first crested iguana population known to co-ex both of presence two populationsare yet tobecompleted. DNA analyses to show the relationship between these YaduaTaba,however on those and iguanas Macuata between observed been have temperament iguana in Differences transects. permanent for selected been From these surveys, three areas of different habitat have PIT-tagged between September 2005 and April 2006. of Macuata. Over 40 crested iguanas Phillip Trevand MorleyCraigwere 2006 April In captured and sistance, completed the last of the rapid iguana surveys as local with Pacific), South the of (University enen Taba ofthisspecies. forthelong-termconservation nowis after and it 2004, importance second in Yadua in island this on re-discovered were iguanas Crested island. Fiji’sbiggest Levu, Viti of coast north the off kilometer one is which Macuata, of island hectare 40 a few years. Crested iguana research continues on the least at for removal hand further and visits follow-up regularrequire infestations removalthese initial After re-grown. had 2004 November in hand by removed trilobata the of several unfortunately but poisoned, ( trees rain large more year this on YaduaFebruary-MarchDuring Island,continues. R. rattus. An additional unconfirmed sighting or ‘trailing daisy’ infestations which were were which infestations daisy’ ‘trailing or and exulans Rattus ) have still to still have ) norvegicus R. [email protected] ) were saman) Samanea Peter Harlow, Ph.D. R. rattusmaking R. , Taronga Zoo Wedelia - - - - ISG Newsletter 9(1) • Summer 2006 9 Glenn Gerber Glenn San Diego Zoo Diego San [email protected] Fellowship at CRES. Fellowship and Applied Conservation Divisions of CRES of the offspring were excluded at 7 out of 23 loci. loci. 23 of out 7 at excluded were offspring the of of the six adult founders was also used to correctly correctly to used also was founders adult six the of allele data that revealed only one male and female approach approach used requires more markers to estimate tant information about the genetic diversity of the of diversity genetic the about information tant eum and Library Services and with a Van Ness Research Research Ness Van a with and Services Library and eum qualified as parents of the offspring at all 23 loci. of qualified as parents por im- provided also have data microsatellite The assign parents to a captive offspring with a questionable questionable a with offspring captive a to parents assign par- the be to believed were that adults The pedigree. ents microsatel- candidates, adult possible other four the Of lite wild population on Anegada. Although less contains population population wild the that suggest estimates than 300 individuals, the microsatellite data suggest that the population is genetically not are healthysubpopulations that and (observed 0.53) is heterozygosity significantly subdivided (FST is 0.153). seasons field multiple across relationships sibling partial for hatchlings captured on the tiny islet of Windberg of presence supportsthe also data genetic The Cay (0.26 ha) in Red Pond, suggesting that females to lay their eggs. after year to this cay year return netics This work was jointly undertaken by the Ge- and was funded by a grant from the for Institute Mu- s specific relationships, such as determining whether two two whether determining as such relationships, specific iguanas are likely to be siblings, half-siblings, parent- offspring, etc. For this reason, we can only generally not. or likely to be related each pair is state whether ness The molecular data compiled to infer related- cal Anegada iguana microsatellite genotype data. The green and blue genotype data. The green Anegada iguana microsatellite Anegada iguana PCR products. To the left are 100 base pair ladders. 100 base pair ladders. the left are To Anegada iguana PCR products. Example of Gel image of Lower right: Gel image of genomic DNAs extracted from Anegada iguanas. The multi-band lanes on the left are 1000 base pair Anegada iguanas. The multi-band lanes on the left are Gel image of genomic DNAs extracted from Cyclura DNA microsatellite library the genetic suitability of the San Diego Zoo’s the genetic suitability of the San Diego Zoo’s to that observed for two groups of wild Anegada 12 captives at the San Diego Zoo (the six adult of alleles observed across the 23 loci in the captive captive the in loci 23 the observed alleles of across (68 haphazardly captured assumed to be viduals sampled, was used to infer relatedness among among relatedness infer to used was sampled, viduals In order to de- to order In Iguanas. Anegada of Analysis enetic termine Upper right: ladders used for size comparison. Above left: G Cyclura pinguis ) (Cyclura iguana Island Anegada randomly related, and 98 hatchlings from eight nests Genotypes groups). sibling eight represent to assumed num- average the and individuals all for obtained were ber and wild populations was 2.8 and 4.3 respectively, with with respectively, 4.3 and 2.8 was populations wild and observed heterozygosity determined to be 0.61 in the and 0.53 in the wild population. group captive in- wild the of most and founders captive six the using di A maximum likelihood statistical approach, the captive adults. Results of this analysis suggest the six captive adults contain three related pairs (one pair male one and females, of pair one males, of and female pair) and that each pair related statisti- The pairs. other the to unrelated is six adult (3.3) Anegada iguanas for a captive breeding program, relatedness within the captive population varia- microsatellite their comparing by examined was tion (clutchmates to be closely related iguanas, one known randomly be to presumed one and nests) marked from and juveniles). adults captured (haphazardly related screened loci candidate 48 of 23 using constructed was analysis. for useful be to found and polymorphism for A igua- Anegada 178 of total a from extracted was DNA nas: individu- wild 166 and offspring) six their and founders als peaks represent alleles generated by a number of different microsatellite primer sets. An individual inherits two alleles at each sets. primer microsatellite alleles generated by a number of different peaks represent and only one major peak is displayed, The two alleles can be the same size (homozygous individual), each parent. locus, one from Images by Maggie Reinbold. produced. peaks are individual), in which case two sizes (heterozygous or they can be two different The four rows of single-band PCR products are roughly 250 base pairs in size, and were generated via amplification of genomic generated via amplification 250 base pairs in size, and were roughly are of single-band PCR products The four rows is of good of single bands show that the DNA The two rows primers and the polymerase chain reaction. microsatellite using DNA quality and high molecular weight. 10 ISG Newsletter 9(1) • Summer 2006 Photo byKirsten Hines. John IversonexhumesCycluracychlurainornata blood samplesforfuture DNAwork. collect to and islands survey to area Cays Allen the in 2006 March in days six spent associates and alumni Earlham 13 issue, the understand better to order In had yielded no sign of iguanas when surveyed in 2001. that Cay Leaf of north just islet tiny a on discovered iguanas and a carcass, none of which were marked, were was that people were assumption relocating iguanas. Our In 2005, two Cays. U or Leaf on marked ously Leaf Cay), both of which contained individuals previ of NE km 1 (ca. FRRC and Cay Allen on confirmed been had been populations 2001, By observed. not previously had they where Cays U and Leaf around began hearing reports that iguanas were(author) seen JBI on 1995, islands as early As Trip. Survey March capacity.be atornearcarrying to presumed are populations where Cays U and Leaf and 2002on in2001 observed population withthose to compare nesting parameters in this rapidly growing Reef Cay (FRRC) just northeast of Leaf Cay. We The Julyhoped trip focused on nesting activity on Flat Rock Cays. U and Leaf on work mark-recapture intensive involves that students Earlham current for trip May normal the replaced expedition This samples. blood for potential migrant iguanas and for the collection of Harbour Allens the around and in cays surveyed that July 2006. The March trip 16-21 consistedfrom one of and an 2006 Marchalumni 18-26 team from one – the Allen Cays area in the northern Exumas, Bahamas Allen Cays. Allen Cays iguana(Cyclura) cychlura inornata

Two separate research trips were made to eggs. - frequency (40-50% on FRRC; ~33% on Leaf and U and Leaf on ~33% FRRC; on (40-50% frequency clutch higher a are cays U and Leaf on populations it defense, nest strong of lack a to addition In between the young population on FRRC and the older tentatively appears that the most important differences may have beenincorrect forthosesites. identification nest initial our that indicating females, Two of the identified sites yieldedobserved. was female no no eggs but found, norwere eggs associatedwhere the eggs were never uncovered. There was also one nest One female was associated with a potential nest site, but identified and six were matched with precise clutches. ated females. Nonetheless, seven nesting females were it took some time to determine which nests had associ- Leaf and U Cays, female nest defense was minimal and clutches were uncovered at seven of the sites. Unlike on female attendance. All ten sites were excavated and egg presence, soil and vegetation disturbance patterns, mound and on based identified were sites nest potential Juneten of total mid-JulyA to Cays). U and Leaf on (mid- season nesting presumed the after days five for July Nesting Study. JBI and KNH returned to FRRC that year. from Cay U on study nesting our in included been had it since relocated2001 thereafter sometime been clearly had that Cay U from originally female a One of these iguanas was unmarked and the other was two were captured and blood was collected from each. had iguana scat and tail drags. Of the observed island fourth iguanas,a and islands these of three on seen was iguanas seven of total A trip. this during visited also were before, surveyed been never had which of most Cays and Robert’s Cay just south of Ship Channel Cay, 30 elusive juveniles. in iguanas Eight of other evidence caysno betweenhad which the FRRC, Allen estimate of 100 iguanas includes a subjective count of 1994, now has a thriving, growing population and the onAllenCay.nesting siteshave beenobserved adequate nor juveniles neither Torespectively.date, island, the for marked 45 of total a and recaptures) and 100 (based on 38 captures this trip (including five tion estimates for each now stand at 20 (total marked) and blood was collected at each location. Total popula there. Allen Cay and FRRC were extensively sampled A total of 12 cays were visited during this trip. conducted was work other no but samples, blood lect col to enough long werevisited Cay Leaf and Cay U - - ISG Newsletter 9(1) • Summer 2006 11 and John B. Iverson John Earlham College Kirsten N. Hines [email protected] . Photo by Kirsten Hines. [email protected] The Institute for Regional Conservation for Regional The Institute Cyclura cychlura inornata Female island. Launchingisland. an educational includes campaigninformational kiosks on Leaf and U Cays thatis Cays Allen the of well-being long-term the to essential iguana. Leaf Cay and its iguanas support a booming vulnerable a on depends latter the but industry, tourist human increased by so more even made is that species involvement. tourists Well-meaning may be creating some of these biologically dead populations. There are too many islands nesting which may sufficient either have support not only may or individuals, sex single soil. Furthermore, preliminary observations suggest that tourist feeding has dramatic impacts on a subset of the populations. We have yet individuals of to health understand the on the have may this implications combined Education, whole. a as population the and with a cooperative agreement among the owners of could government, Bahamas the and Cays U and Leaf Allen the of existence long-term the ensuring in far go Cays iguana, the indigenous endangered Audubon’s shearwater, and other flora and fauna in that area of the Exumas. - - - - Our research this year leads us to wonder wonder to us leads year this research Our Cays) and more rapid growth rate (32cm (32cm rate growth rapid more and Cays) SVL = 10 years on FRRC; 32cm SVL = 18-23 years on Leaf and U cays) on FRRC. The latter apparently results in in attained being maturity sexual female than rather FRRC on decade a than less on the other taken years the 12 or more includ parameters, nesting Other cays. Conclusions. ing clutch size, egg size, and distance between closest nests, do not appear to differ significantly between FRRC and Leaf and U Cays. survey, JBI and KNH revisited one of the cays where As four a iguanas follow-uphad been toobserved and thethe previously unmarked March individual had been observed captured.a total of five individuals and We two. captured As with these the capture, were March dem- females captured The females. adult unmarked, digging and nesting, of suggestive fidelity site onstrated for soil little too be to appeared there but observed, was observed, were juveniles No construction. nest actual reinforcing the notion that these individuals may be unable to nest on this island. whether this might be an optimal time for the Baha mas government to formally protect the Allen Cays iguana area. The discovery of a U Cay female as far Cay (6 km to the north) that verifies away as Robert’s Leaf from iguanas relocating are persons unauthorized iguanas adult unmarked of presence The Cays. U and on at least two new cays also suggests a wider natural distribution than previously known. For example, at least three of the five iguanas on the newly surveyed Aside inhabitants. natural long-term be to appear cay the other cays U, and FRR Leaf, Cays, from however, the rendering potentially habitat, nesting lack to appear biologically dead. iguana populations there and future survey work should help clarify relation ships among blood collected from theseanalyses DNA of Results island-separated populations. In FRRC from results nesting preliminary meantime, the ap given quickly establish can populations that verify with island the addition, In habitat. nesting propriate study to site experimental potential a offers iguanas five the demographic effects of adding nesting soils to an 12 ISG Newsletter 9(1) • Summer 2006 ter Guana Cay was surveyed by CK and L. Roth on 27 because of small sample sizes. The southern end of Bit and Bitter Guana Cays also were excluded from analyses densities and thus exceptional large body sizes. Noddy because they represent translocated populations with low and Pasture Cays were excluded from statistical analyses and Gaulin Cay iguana populations (all P > 0.05). Leaf ectoparasite load between the North Adderly,or length, snout-vent Whitemass, body in difference Bay,no was recaptures dating back to as far as 1998 (Table 1). There from Gaulin Cay. Of the 51 Gaulin captures, 27 were iguanas 51 and Guana, Bitter from iguana one Cay, captured an additional two founder iguanas from Pasture During identification. term May/Junethe we surveys, long- for Cay) Pasture (except cays these on tags PIT This was the first year that iguanas were all marked with 33; Noddy, n = 14; White Bay, n = 51, Pasture, n = 6). iguanas from five cays (Leaf, n = 19; North Adderly, n = April surveys, we captured and processed a total of 123 morphometrics. and surveys General Cay, andthree hoursonBitter Guana Cay. 2.5 days were spent on Gaulin Cay, one day on Pasture Approximately 1998. in initiated project monitoring annual an of part is Cays GuanaBitter and Gaulin on Research June). 3 2, and May 26 PastureMay;- 27 - Guana Bitter June; 4 and May 28 27, - (Gaulin each cay from data collect help to students dergraduate un- included that course Ecology Bahamas a of part were surveys In addition to the The April Gaulin,surveys, Bitter 2006. June 4 and May 26 between (author) CK by visited were PastureCays and Guana, visited by touristsversus un-visitedcays. cays Exuma inhabiting populations iguana of studies diet liminary and body condition data for comparative colony that was translocated in 2002, and 3) collect pre Seaand Land ParkExumaCays initial the augment to Cay [northeast of Normans Pond] to Pasture Cay in the been visited since 1998, 2) translocate iguanas fromnot have Leaf they because chain Exuma south-central the in populations iguana survey 1) wereto 2006 for tives Bay, North Adderly, Noddy, and Pasture Cays. Objec the islands of Leaf [northeast of Normans Pond], White included researchiguana and citizen-scientistprogram The surveys were part of the John G. Shedd Aquarium’s IslandApril11 2006. wereto chain from6 conducted Iguana(Cyclura cychlura figginsi Exuma Island iguana(Cyclura cychlura figginsi) ) surveys in the Exumathe in surveys ) During the the During - - - observed butnotcaptured. observed Two2004. in werecaptured subadults last other was it since 19.6cm) = SVL 420g; = (BM 5.9cm by SVL and 302g by mass body its increased and recaptured captured. One subadult that hatched on the island was remain additional iguanas founder iguanas founder (1.1) the were observed of but not (5.2) Seven healthy and gained body mass since last capture. Two appeared all and Cay Pasture on recaptured were ing the islandfrom adistantiguana-inhabitedcay. originate from Pasture Cay, they were purposely put on not did iguanas the if so area the in islands inhabited came from Pasture Cay. However, there are no iguana- island so we were unable to determine if those iguanas tion). We were not granted permission to land on the of Pasture Cay (Tom Barbernitz, personal communica- of a private cay (Little Halls Pond) located 1.5 km north iguanas have been spotted this year on the north beach Pastureof south km Cay.five Interestingly, large two approximately located Cay Compass on up washed 2002 December in discovered was carcasses male the of One uncertain. remains iguanas (2.2) four of fate the while recovered been have carcasses iguana male initial loss of large males. Since December 2002, three an in resulting (11.5) male-biased heavily was colony translocated The details). for newsletters IUCN past removal of as many lizards as possible in two days (see necessity because of a land sale dispute that required the the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park was conducted as a in Cay Pasture to Pond]Normans of [northeast Cay Translocation. forrats. still needtobesurveyed Adderly, Noddy, and Guana Cay (not visited in 2006) North PastureCays. and Guana, Bay,Bitter Gaulin, White from confirmed been have rats ToCay. date, on traps rat Shermanlive set April, we 10 On We trapped six rats from White Bay and none from White LeafBay (n = 28 traps) and Leaf Cays (n = 30 traps). tive signspostedontheislandin1998. informative/protec the with coincide observations in past nine years. Although speculative, annual increases tions represent an increase in recorded iguanas over the observed foraging on the north beach. These - observa on 26 May off of Bitter Guana Cay, four iguanas were short time on the island. Additionally, while at anchor because of the extreme wariness of the iguanas and our captured was male large one only but observed were May. Twelve iguanas representing multiple age classes The original translocation from Leaf from translocation original The - - ISG Newsletter 9(1) • Summer 2006 13 - - - and 11 Kirsten Hines Charles Knapp cknapp@ufl.edu 45.9 [email protected] 810 The Institute for Regional Conservation for Regional The Institute M (g) M (cm) SVL Ticks 800 ± 290800 ± 27.65 ± 3.98 380620 ± 5.81 ± 4.9 25.04 ± 4.14 300820 ± 13.5 ± 13.5 28.02 ± 3.93 5.63 ± 7.5 520970 ± 27.26 ± 5.81 8.37 ± 5.9 [190-1480] [17.2-36.0][220-1770] [18.5-35.9][300-1600] [0-21] ± 7001550 [19.9-38.2][710-3320] [3-53] 31.54 ± 4.78 [24.8-39.8][130-2550] [0-49] 9.9 ±8.8 [14.7-37.5][420-4980] [2-31] [19.6-48.1] [0-26] [5-54] 3570 ± 16303570 40.94 ± 10.0 26.7 ± 18.4 San Diego Zoo and John G. Shedd Aquarium G. Shedd and John Zoo Diego San 8 51 33 14 51 19 the longest history and greatest rate of food provision food of rate greatest and history longest the ing by tourists. Scat samples from the main tourist beach on Leaf Cay contained high levels of ooid sand grains (six of 19 samples), remnants of grapes (seven of 19) and fresh samples with more of a loose/liquid of parts other on found samples fresh than consistency of one in grapes samples; 17 of two in (sand island the extent, lesser much a To samples). loose/liquid no 17; other sampled iguana populations experience foodprovisioning by tourists (e.g., South White Bay Cay, differences distinct no were there but Cay) Allens west from samples and islands these from samples between by provisioning food no or minimal with populations tourists. More data are needed to make meaningful for hypothesis working a have now we but conclusions future studies. Future work will also focus on blood chemistry comparisons. and behavioral visiting tourists in year this increase an documented we for need the stressing thereby Cays work, Pasture and this Gaulin of timeliness the reinforcing Further signs advertising the protective status of the iguanas. prohibit to initiated be to needs dialogue Additionally, the feeding of iguanas on selected cays to prevent po “natural” selected preserve and/or perturbations tential populations. 4 5.9 5.9 4.6 12.4 13.6 - - - Noddy Bay White Leaf Gaulin Pasture Guana Bitter ~76 1 3 IslandAdderly North (ha) Area N B WAAS enabled, Garmin eTrex Legend® GPS unit with the capability to calculate area. enabled, Garmin eTrex WAAS load of iguanas captured during the 2006 iguana surveys in the Exumas, Bahamas. Island during the 2006 iguana surveys in the Exumas, Bahamas. load of iguanas captured areas (except Bitter Guana) were calculated by walking island perimeters with a handheld, calculated by walking island perimeters with (except Bitter Guana) were areas 1. Island size, sample sizes, body mass (BM), snout-vent length (SVL), and tick Table from seven Alsophis Alsophis vudii) was captured on Visitor Visitor traffic in the Exuma Cays C.c. inornata served on the north beach and two iguanas appeared to have nested. One female was aggressive towards male and female conspecifics in her nesting area and if they approached the area chased iguanas away from too A closely. snake ( Diet Diet comparisons. the island in April. High rates of iguana hatchings by these snakes on Andros Island warrants future investigations concerning predation effects on Cay. Pasture has been the significantly increasing past over decade. igua by inhabited cays on land tourists these of Many nas. For example, the Allens Cays in the Exumas northernexperience up to 600 people each week from southern the in islands The excursions. Nassau one-day Exumas also receive high-impact visitors from Great one-day Exuma aboard tourist excursion trips. Previ ously undisturbed populations in the more remote central Exumas are also becoming frequentdestinations because visitorof increased traffic from Staniel Club. Cay there Yacht are Consequently, few iguana from free are that Exumas the in remaining populations visitor impacts. Visitors their purposely feed potentially the and iguanas, behavior natural their altering thus on feeding tourist of impacts assess to order In health. diet general Exumas, the in iguanas rock of populations data were collected for comparative analyses between disturbed collected and 131 undisturbed islands. We scat samples six from cays in the central and southern Noddy, Pasture, Exumas North (WhiteAdderly, Bay, Leaf [northeast of Normans Pond] and Guana). In March 2006, (with John KH Iverson) collected 84 scat samples of cays in northern Exumas (Leaf [east of [east (Leaf Exumas northern in cays Allens], Southwest Allens, Flat Rock cays unnamed three and Roberts, Reef, collected was Scat Allens). of north just including areas and habitats different in beach and areas, rocky interior, wooded habitat. Preliminary results indicate that prolonged, high rates of feeding do alter iguana diet. Of the islands sampled, Leaf Cay (Allens) has by far Evidence of exploratory dig activity was ob 14 ISG Newsletter 9(1) • Summer 2006 (Grand Cayman blue iguana) hatchlings. Herp Rev. Rev. Herp 36(2):176. hatchlings. iguana) blue Cayman (Grand 2005. F.J. Burton. and R.M. Goodman, Iguana tribute. a Pharaoh: 12(3):175-176. 2005. J. Ehrenberger, Entomology Vet. 19:326-328. Med. Bahamas. the parasit in Ticks reptiles 2005. izing Knapp. C.R. and L.A. Durden, Cayman. Iguana 12(3):166-174. Grand Reserve, Salina the in (Cycluralewisi) iguanas blue of population wild new a Restoring Iguana 2005. F.J. Burton, update. iguana Blue 12(2):98-99. 2005. F.J. Burton, Nacional Isla Cabritos.Iguana 12(4):256-261. Banbury, B.L. and Y.M. Ramos. The rock iguanas of Parque Guantánamo Bay. Iguana 13(1):8-15. Alberts, A.C. 2005. Conserving the remarkable reptiles of ainlTutfrteCya sad DepartmentofNaturalandEnvironmental Email: [email protected] National TrustfortheCaymanIslands Fredric Burton,DeputyChair Email: [email protected] Zoological SocietyofSanDiego Allison Alberts,Co-Chair Recent Literature 15600 SanPasqualValleyRoad, Applied AnimalEcologyDivision Zoological SocietyofSanDiego ISG ContactInformation Escondido, CA92027 lewisi Cyclura http://www.iucn-isg.org Published bythe ISG Newsletter USA -

12(4): 222-233. Iguana Jaragua. Grupo the of history brief a and public Conservation of Arias. Y. and Incháustegui, S. E., Rupp, Reptiles (811):1-14. delicatissima Powell.2006. R. and Breuil, M. Pasachnik,S.A., AnimalCons.8:269-278. conservation. habitat associations of a Bahamian iguana: implications for and range Home 2005. Owens. A.K. and C.R. Knapp, Iguana 12(1):9-13. iguana. Andros the save Working to 2005. C.R. Knapp, Amphibians andReptiles (810):1-8. S.D. and Knapp, C.R. Buckner.2006. Pasachnik, S.A. J.B., Iverson, 39(3):402-408. iguana, Herp. J. Cayman. Grand on setting disturbed a endangered in lewisi, of ecology Burton. Spatial F.J. and 2005. Echternacht, A.C. R.M., Goodman,

Email: [email protected] Resources, PuertoRico Miguel Garcia,DeputyChair Email: [email protected] Fort WorthZoo Richard Hudson,Co-Chair ylr ricordii Cyclura Allison Alberts Tandora Grant Editors: . Catalogue of American Amphibians and and Amphibians American of Catalogue . . Catalogue of American of Catalogue Cyclura cychlura. n h suhetr Dmncn Re Dominican southwestern the in Zoological SocietyofSanDiego Applied AnimalEcology Cyclura Cyclura Iguana -

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