Teamwork and Team Success: Protecting Iguanas in the Dominican Republic and Haiti
Species conservation takes hard work and long-term dedication, and the teams monitoring and protecting Ricord’s Rock Iguanas (Cyclura ricordi) and Rhinoceros Iguanas (Cyclura cornuta) are the perfect example! IIF grant recipient organization Grupo Jaragua has three teams in the Dominican Republic and Haiti, working to establish population numbers of Ricord’s Iguanas and Rhinoceros Iguanas, observe nesting behavior and hatching rates, and collaborate with local communities and agencies to mitigate threats to the survival of these iguana species.
Eliminating a Major Threat to Ricord’s Iguanas
One of the teams is working on the southern shore of Lake Enriquillo in the Dominican Republic, the largest area where Ricord’s Iguana is found in its natural range. The team consists of three members from the local communities of Vengan-a-Ver and Baitoa: Nelson Richard Castillo, Moises Cuevas, and Jerbin Volquez. Jerbin has been involved in iguana conservation with Grupo Jaragua for nearly 20 years, while the other two team members have been at it for 10 years.
Thanks to the activities of this team and the intensive restoration work done in the area, one of the biggest problems that has troubled Ricord’s Iguana populations for many years is under control: charcoal production. Clear cutting of trees to use them in making charcoal has resulted in significant deforestation over the years, which means less food, shelter, and appropriate nesting sites for iguanas and other wildlife. Charcoal production has now been eliminated in the southern shore area—a hard-won success for the conservation team. And their efforts are showing results, as they have seen a remarkable increase in the number of iguanas present in the area.
Protection in Pedernales
The iguana monitoring team working in Pedernales, on the southwestern tip of the Dominican Republic, tracks and studies both Ricord’s Rock Iguanas and Rhinoceros Iguanas, since both species are found in the area. Jose Luis Castillo, Rosa Nilvania Gomez, and Tinio Louis are dedicated to saving these endangered species. And a shout out to Jose Luis, who has been doing iguana conservation with Grupo Jaragua for more than 20 years. His broad knowledge and his experience in environmental issues have made him an important figure in iguana conservation in Pedernales, and he has been recruited as an officer for the Ministry of Environment.
The iguana populations in this area face issues like poaching, illegal capture, and habitat destruction—in particular, the loss of the guaconejo trees (Amyris elemifera), also called sea torchwood, that the iguanas rely on as a food source, eating the fruit. These trees are being cut down for the essential oil in their wood, which is used in the production of perfume.
Another peril the native iguanas face is illegal land grabbing within the Jaragua National Park, where both iguana species have major presence. Land acquisition was mainly for agricultural purposes in the past. But now it is more often due to the expectations of people hoping to get rich by taking land that may increase in value in the future, due to a huge tourist development project planned in the area.
Jose Luis, Rosa, and Tinio have quite a challenge on their hands as they monitor this imperiled habitat. They are always on the lookout to detect any negative impacts on the iguanas, and they are quick to initiate adequate countermeasures whenever they can.
Monitoring Nests and Rebuilding Forest
A third team is monitoring iguanas in Anse-a-Pitres along the southeastern tip of Haiti. The team consists of Samuel Nossirel, Elizabeth Augustin, Pierre Sanon, Claudy Belizaire, and Rene Jeune. Both Ricord’s Iguanas and Rhinoceros Iguanas are present in Anse-a-Pitres, although the Rhinoceros Iguana also has a wider distribution in Haiti. This monitoring team has helped to significantly reduce the number of iguana nests excavated by people to gather the eggs. The team also helps keeps iguana populations stable—not an easy task in a county that is troubled by economic and political turmoil—and works on restoring forest habitat in the iguanas’ range.
The major problem that confronts iguana populations in Anse-a-Pitres is the illegal production of charcoal, which cuts down the vegetation of the dry forest the iguanas depend on. Even the woody parts of cacti and small bushes are used in the preparation of charcoal, which is currently the major energy source for cooking in Haiti. Poaching the adult iguanas and eggs of both species for food is also a major threat to these native lizards. This hard-working team has their work cut out for them, but they are committed to making a difference to protect iguanas!
Thumbs-up for Teamwork!
Nothing is more inspiring to us than the tremendous commitment of people working to save iguanas, like the teams that are part of Grupo Jaragua. At IIF, we are proud to provide funding for these significant conservation projects for Ricord’s Rock Iguanas and Rhinoceros Iguanas. We salute these teams and their impressive dedication to iguana conservation!
