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Grants Awarded 2010
Last modified:
December 22, 2009, 12:11 AM
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IIF Announces 2010 Grants
The Board of Directors of the International Iguana Foundation held their annual Board meeting on 26 October 2009 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The following grants were awarded for 2010:
(1) Maintaining the Anegada iguana (Cyclura pinguis) headstart program in 2010, Kelly Bradley and Glenn Gerber, $11,500.
Abstract: Supports the continuation of the successful Anegada iguana headstart and release program in 2010, currently in it’s 13th year. The PIs will build upon the progress made in previous years by (1) restoring the iguana field vehicle to lower future field costs (vehicle rental fees), (2) searching for nests in July and collecting a hatchlings for the headstart facility in October, and (3) conducting annual burrow and retreat surveys to quantify activity as a secondary means of population monitoring. These activities are listed in the Anegada iguana Species Recovery Plan.
(2) Investigating Intra-Island Translocation as a Conservation Strategy for the Turks and Caicos Iguana (Cyclura carinata), Tarren Wagener and Glenn Gerber, $10,369.
Abstract: The Turks sand Caicos Iguana, Cyclura carinata, is listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List due to introduced mammals and habitat alteration from human development. Inter-island translocations are a key conservation strategy for the species, and while resource intensive, have been successful to date. However suitable islands for translocation (good habitat and free of mammals) are scarce despite a surplus of animals threatened by human development. Intra-island translocation strategies that complement human needs must be found. Big Ambergis Cay (supporting the single largest remaining population of the TCI iguana) presents a unique opportunity then to determine the effectiveness of intra-island translocations while also mitigating specific threats facing the significant iguana population there. The proposed study will document effective intra-island translocation methods by systematically manipulating the sex, age, and time of year moved for 48 subject animals. Outcome measures include corticosterone values, leukocyte profiles, movement patterns and homing tendencies. Results from this study will be integrated into the TCI iguana management plan, and should provide a model for intra-island translocations throughout the Caribbean that support the coexistence of humans and iguanas.
(3) Banded Iguana (Brachylophus sp.) Species Assessment of the North Eastern Fijian Islands, Robert Fisher, $6,000.
Abstract: Recent genetic and morphological research on Fijian iguanas (genus Brachylophus) has shown that there are three living species in the genus. This research has also indicated that there may be more undescribed diversity in the genus, including possibly another banded iguana species from Kadavu. This research also identified that the northern large islands have never been assessed for iguanas and although it’s known that there are iguanas on these islands none were included in the genetics or morphological analysis and additional species diversity might occur there. This work will help to more completely describe the diversity of living species in the genus Brachylophus, and is necessary to begin conservation planning for the banded iguanas. To date most conservation actions have been focused on the crested iguanas.
(4) Conserving the Roatan Spiny Tailed Iguana (Ctenosaura oedirhina) through research, education and outreach, Stesha Pasachnik, $12,000
Abstract: In 2004 the Roatan spiny-tailed iguana, Ctenosaura oedirhina, was listed as Critically Endangered under the IUCN Red List assessment due to a limited and fragmented geographic range, small population size (most likely undergoing continual decline), and on-going habitat destruction. Currently no active means of protection or management exists for this species at the national or local level. In addition, C. oedirhina is being included in a CITES Appendix II listing due to their recent appearance (as well as closely related species) in the international pet trade (Ariano and Pasachnik, in prep). There is presently a lack of information concerning all aspects of the basic biology of the species as well as population size, extent of occurrence, and threats. Recently a disturbing and potentially devastating threat emerged: C. similis, a wide ranging congener, has been introduced to a satellite island just 50 meters off of Roatan (Pasachnik, pers. obs., June 2009). The potential for C. similis to colonize Roatan itself is high. Thus, this introduction has the potential to devastate the C. oedirhina population, as there is the potential for serious competition and hybridization with the introduced C. similis. Thus, it is crucial that C. oedirhina be studied and managed immediately. The objectives of this project are to: (1) collect life history data on this species, including a population estimate and an evaluation of its distribution; (2) evaluate its current threats; (3) create a management plan in cooperation with local and national organizations; and (4) create a long term education and outreach project on Roatan. The results of this study are two-fold. First will be the documentation of the life history, population size and threats faced by C. oedirhina on the island of Roatan, Honduras. Then this information will be used to update the status of this species on the IUCN Red List, to develop a realistic management plan and for the creation of a long-term education and outreach program focused on the protection of this Critically Endangered species and its remaining habitats.
(5) Implementation of Species Recovery Plan activities for the critically endangered Ricord’s iguana (Cyclura ricordii) in the Dominican Republic and Haiti, – a bi-national program, Ernst Rupp and Masani Accimé, $20,000 in core program support, 2010 – 2012.
Abstract: Ricord's Iguana (Cyclura ricordii) is ranked Critically Endangered according to the IUCN Redlist. The species is endemic to Hispaniola where it has a very limited, disjunct distribution in the southern central part of the island. Only three subpopulations remain and the total range of occurrence of the species is under 100 km². Major threats are habitat destruction and fragmentation due to agricultural activities and illegal charcoal production, predation by feral mammals as well as hunting for human consumption.
This project will contribute to the ongoing task of implementing priority actions from the Ricord's Iguana Species Recovery Plan, in order to ensure the survival of C. ricordii throughout their remaining natural range, primarily the Dominican Republic. It will support the protection, maintenance and restoration of native habitats and will enhance local community-based management of wild Ricord's iguana populations. The project will further institute long-term education and awareness programs to ensure support from local and international communities.
Planned activities will complement basic information on the species needed to implement adequate management measures. Estimates on abundance will provide a better picture on actual population numbers. Data on hatchling predation and survival will define steps to control introduced exotic mammals. Data on the extension and impact of illegal charcoal production will give local and national decision makers valuable information in order to confront the problem. Local support groups will be integrated into all activities. This is especially important regarding the establishment of continuous monitoring and vigilance activities to prevent further deterioration of key habitat. Educational material will be elaborated and awareness activities initiated in Haiti. A proposal for a municipal protected area for the newly discovered subpopulation of C. ricordii in Anse-a-Pitres will be prepared and presented to the local authorities.
Rick Hudson
IIF Executive Director
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