Grand Cayman Iguana

Grand Cayman blue iguanas (Cyclura lewisi) are one of the most endangered reptiles in the world with an estimated population of less than 100 in the wild at the start of this massive project. We are now several years further and it can rightly be said that projects like these are bearing fruit.

Genetic research has created strong breeding pairs and has allowed the natural population of Grand Cayman, the largest of the Cayman Islands in the Caribbean, to grow to more than 200 breeding pairs in the wild within a period of 10 years, which is a tripling of the number that started. The knowledge gained from this project serves as a model for many projects, including a large number of projects with other Cyclura species.

The donated funds were mainly used for the construction of the breeding center and the construction of security to prevent poaching in and around the center. This project was started by The Blue Iguana Recovery Program and is supported by the IRCF.