As I mentioned in some of my previous posts about Little Cayman, the island currently has very little development on it, only about 4% of the total area. Most of the human population there is the staff of the resorts, although there are concerns about it increasing. That leaves quite a bit of natural habitat for native species to count on. Perhaps the one that counts on it the most is the Sister Island Rock Iguana, which is found only on Little Cayman, and its sister island, Cayman Brac. This land iguana is listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List.
This rating on the IUCN list means that 90% or more of the population may be lost in the next 60 years. The population is viewed as being in rapid decline. Cayman Brac is seeing more development and habitat loss. On Little Cayman, despite the current low development state, there is still a road that results in many road kills. Predation by feral cats is also an issue on Little Cayman.
Feeding of the iguanas by humans is also contributing to the problem. By feeding them, the iguanas will congregate closer to the human populations. The closer they are to human populations, the more road kills and conflicts with domesticated animals occur. This is one thing I wish Little Cayman Beach Resort made more clear on their grounds. While they had a small sign that stated “Please do not feed the iguanas,” many people were observed feeding them. With a little more education to their guests about why they shouldn’t feed them, it would probably help that situation greatly. Fortunately, the resort did promote an “iguana tour” on the last day where a researcher talked about these things. It would be better to have information on site for everyone.
There are growing concerns that Little Cayman doesn’t have a controlled development plan. This little island could still be considered in its “infancy” states for development as it has only had municipal power generation since the 1990s. There is still a lot of opportunities to sculpt its path forward. Drastic iguana population declines on Cayman Brac should be enough of a warning sign. It wouldn’t take much for this little tropical island to become overwhelmed with more visitors, more traffic, and more development. Such things certainly will not fare well for these prehistoric-looking animals.
There is a preservation plan that was proposed in 2011 for actions they need to take in the coming years. To make it happen, they will need the cooperation of the government, businesses, and visitors to the Sister Islands. As with all things, they will need money. The International Reptile Conservation Foundation has established a special fund (tax-deductible for US citizens) specifically for helping the Sister Island Rock Iguanas:
Sister Islands Rock Iguana Habitat Fund
If you are a diver who enjoys visiting these two lesser-known islands of the Caymans, a tourist, or simply someone concerned about this species and habitat preservation, I encourage you to please visit the site above to donate. Please pass this post along if you also think it helps encourage others. Humans are directly responsible for the decline of this species, but only with human help will they survive.
Thanks!
Two fine captures of a wonderful creature. Sorry to read about their prospects for survival.
I just went to a conservation lecture about bird populations in Massachusetts – some success stories (bald eagles and turkeys) and lots of other species that are sadly in decline. Feral cats are a surprisingly large factor in bird deaths, accounting for millions of birds killed a year. The speaker mentioned that feral cats are a real problem in island areas…
Thanks Tom. The Feral cat issue seems to be quite widespread. I wish people would take more personal responsibility with them with spaying/neutering.
Great details on both photos, especially on the second one, and you managed the the separation from the background very well.
Thanks Tomas.
Really lovely images, Mark. As the others have said, there is a ton of detail here.
Thanks too for sharing the story of these iguanas; as you said, this is the plight of not only these creatures, but many other species like them. The problem is compounded by the fact that islands (especially small ones) harbor special ecological and evolutionary speed bumps that can hinder the ability of a species to flourish.
Cheers,
Greg
Yeah, for every iguana I am sure there are many more species around the world with the same plight. It is hard to keep up with it all such that it can be quite discouraging. Thanks for the comments Greg.
I love reptiles and like Earl and Monte said, the detail is fantastic. You’re using the D800 to good advantage. I’ll bet that these would make fantastic prints!
Unfortunately, the animals usually lose to the money, unless somebody with lots of money can buy the island and make it a conservation area. I hope that happens here. I’m very thankful for our national and state park systems!
I agree Paul, buying the land is going to be best. There is still hope, they plan on trying a lot of different things.
the story remaind me to komodo in komodo’s island. great pic too 😀
Dieng – probably the story of a great many species. So many face the same consequences as a result of our desire for “growth and prosperity.” Thanks for the comment.
My gosh, the details in these images are awesome and I’m looking at them on 13″ Macbook. I always enjoy your informational posts as they keep my updated on things I would not otherwise know. I am so against feeding the animals, even the Canadian Geese in City Park.
I am glad the details are coming through on your end Monte. These animals have incredible details in their skin, so I am glad that is represented well.
Mark the details captured in these two Rock Iguana photos are fantastic. I not a big reptile fan, but these impart a sense of an impressive bearing I appreciate. Nice!
It would be good if there could be a temporary development freeze placed upon Little Cayman until a responsible environmental plan could be approved. But I’ve become a skeptic with age and it seems money usually wins out…which is why I appreciate and will make use of the Habitat Fund donation link you so kindly provided.
As usual, good post!
Thanks for that Earl. I am glad the photos help illustrate what unique animals these are. (Some of the details courtesy of the D800! 😉 The second photo is actually cropped in a bit from full frame)
I wish they would keep the island as it is also, but I am a skeptic like you as I know money tends to rule all things. However, like they have done here in Michigan – the best way to fight money is with money to buy the prime habitats. If the preservation organizations own the land, that is a great start.