Having undergone a steady population decline since the 1960s due to the devastating effects of introduced species, the Anegada Iguana now numbers no more than an estimated 200 to 300 and is listed as critically endangered. Cattle and goats overgraze the vegetation that the iguanas depend on, and feral cats consume nearly all of the hatchlings each year. A headstart program started in 1997 now generates large healthy iguanas for release back into the wild, and the first 24 were repatriated in October 2003. Since then another 77 headstarted iguanas have been successfully returned to the wild with an impressive 85% survival rate. These programs provide hope that the Anegada iguana can be saved in its native environment. Since 2002 the IIF has invested over $120,000 in this recovery program but much remains to be done. Keeping a team of biologists in the field to track and monitor the released iguanas is expensive, but is crucial to the recovery of this species. Your contribution will help to ensure a brighter future for the Anegada iguana. To donate, just enter an amount in the box above and click "select".
