The National Trust’s Blue Iguana Conservation programme is marking a special milestone with the birth of twins during the recent breeding season, a rare occurrence in reptiles.
When they were born six months ago they weighed less than 15g and were therefore extremely vulnerable, but now they have grown steadily, surviving hurricane season and the heavy rains that the season brings.
Iguana Warden, Peri Smalldon, said those working at the Blue Iguana Conservation facility had not expected the twins, which arrived as hatchlings from the same egg.
“The survival of the twins given their small size was against the odds, particularly during the 2020 hurricane season, however, we are very proud of this achievement by the BIC team and it is a positive news story to share during what has been a tough year for everyone,” Peri said.
The Blue Iguana Conservation programme works hard to protect Cayman’s native species and the habitats in which they live, and includes the endemic Blue Iguana of Grand Cayman, the Sister Islands Rock Iguana and Cayman’s native bat species.
Anyone wishing to see this rare sighting of the twins can book a guided tour at the Blue Iguana Conservation facility, which includes special access to the Blue Nursery. Those who visit the facility independent of the guided tour are not allowed into the nursery.
Guided tours cost CI$20.00 for adults and CI$10.00 for children and this money goes directly to benefit Blue Iguana conservation. If you buy a tour pass this includes access to the QEII Botanic Park.
The Blue Iguana Recovery Programme has been a huge success story, beginning in 1990 with only 30 dedicated Blue Iguanas, with the goal to restore the wild population to 1,000 Blue Iguanas, encouraging viable population in the long term. They met this goal in 2018 and then transitioned to the Blue Iguana Conservation Programme in 2019 with the aim of sustainably conserving the native species of Grand Cayman.
Stay connected with all things Blue Iguana Conservation and for updates on the twins by following Blue Iguana Conservation on Facebook and Instagram: @blueiguanaconservation. If you are interested in supporting our Blue Iguana Conservation work whether through a monetary donation or as a volunteer please email Luke Harding at bic@nationaltrust.org.ky
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