IUCN SSC Iguana Specialist Group

2016-2017 Report

Chuck Knapp Stesha Pasachnik

Co-Chairs Mission statement iii. We updated and circulated our invasive Chuck Knapp (1) The mission of the IUCN SSC Iguana Specialist iguana position statement. (KSR #28) Stesha Pasachnik (2) Group (ISG) is to prioritize and facilitate iv. We used our listserv to share news, conservation, science, and awareness publications and opportunities with our Red List Authority Coordinator programs that help ensure the survival of wild members. Tandora Grant (3) iguanas and their habitats. To achieve this, we v. We added 175 publications to the virtual implement, advise and fundraise for programs library and our site was viewed by 6,500 people Location/Affiliation that include population surveys, protected in 2017. (1) Shedd Aquarium, Chicago, Illinois, US areas management, invasive species control, L Research activities field research, genetic studies, education and (2) Fort Worth Zoo, Fort Worth, Texas, US i. We organized, edited and published a third (3) San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation captive breeding/headstarting initiatives. monograph focusing on iguana research and Research, San Diego, California, US Headstarting, in which hatchling iguanas are conservation. (KSR #43) raised in a safe, captive environment until they L Scientific meetings Number of members reach a larger, less vulnerable size, is proving i. We successfully organized our annual invaluable in rescuing several Critically 85 meeting in Fiji, that included a species recovery Endangered iguanid taxa from the brink of planning workshop. (KSR #28) extinction. Social networks ii. We successfully organized our annual Website: Main activities by Key Priority Area meeting in Cuba. (KSR #28) http://www.iucn-isg.org/ (2016 & 2017) Acknowledgements Barometer of life We thank the International Iguana Foundation, L Red List and their donors, for the financial support of i. Red List assessments for 25% of recognized nine projects conducted in 2016, totalling iguana taxa. In addition to those published, we $83,053, and eight projects in 2017, totalling are in final review stages for 15 assessments, $65,471, focused on iguana conservation in 22 are in draft. (KSR #1) Central America, Mexico, the Caribbean and Fiji. Communications We also acknowledge the efforts of Ty Park for L Communication organizing the first IguanaFest - a fundraiser to i. We published our annual ISG newsletter support iguana conservation in 2017. We also (years 2016 and 2017) to share and record thank those members who made donations to information about group activities, research, our annual meeting travel fund in 2016 and 2017, and conservation needs of iguana species. contributed to Red List assessments, contribut- (KSR #28) ed to our Herpetological Conservation and ii. We created and circulated a position Biology monograph “Iguanas: Biology, Sys- statement concerning invasive iguanas. (KSR tematics, and Conservation”, developed the #28) Invasive Iguana Position Statement and participated in other ISG activities. Galapagos Marine Iguana (Amblyrhynchus cristatus venustissimus), Vulnerable Photo: Floerana Paquita Hoeck

Fiji Crested Iguana (Brachylophus vitiensis), Critically Endangered Photo: Peter Harlow

Central Bahamian Rock Iguana Motagua Spiny-tailed Iguana (Cyclura rileyi rileyi), Endangered (Ctenosaura palearis), Endangered Photo: Charles Knapp Photo: Daniel Ariano

Targets for the quadrennium 2017-2020 Projected impact for the quadrennium Summary of activities (2016-2017)

Barometer of life 2017-2020 Key Priority Area ratio: 2/7 Red List: complete Red List assessments for 40 By the end of 2020, we envision greater collec- Key Priority Areas addressed: tive and collaborative efforts among ISG mem- species of iguanas. • Barometer of life (1 activity) bers to advance a holistic approach to iguana Communications • Communication (8 activities) conservation. Our annual meetings will contin- Communication: (1) publish four annual ISG ue to drive collaborative research endeavours Main KSRs addressed: 1, 28, 43 newsletters; (2) increase publications in virtual and we envision welcoming 4-6 new members. KSR: Key Species Result library by 50 articles. We will maximize the use of a new curated, out- Membership: maintain and increase the use of reach-asset library to facilitate, at least, 5 new the membership listserv by 50%. public outreach and stakeholder training oppor- Scientific meetings: convene four annual tunities. We expect 90% of all iguana species meetings. will have been evaluated using Red List crite- Conservation action ria. As a group, we expect high scholarly out- Conservation activities: (1) complete or update puts from member research totalling at least 30 action plans for 22 species of iguana; (2) com- publications. As global climate continues on an pile and curate public outreach assets that unpredictable and violent path, we expect to can be modified and used by group members; develop rapid response protocols to help bring (3) develop a rapid response protocol for assist- assistance to partners in countries impacted ing partners impacted by hurricanes. by hurricanes, given that many of our species live on islands in the Caribbean that are often Policy impacted by these severe events. We will help Communication: update Invasive Iguana draft, or update, succinct and effective conser- Position Statement. vation action plans for 22 iguana species that will provide an outline for action and means to evaluate success. By adopting new transition protocols, we expect an increase in the number of members outside of North America that will serve in positions of leadership for the group.