An 2001 Isuzu Rodeo was recently shipped to the BVI to be used as a dedicated field project vehicle for researchers studying the endangered Anegada Iguana, Cyclura pinguis. In response to mounting vehicle rental fees on Anegada ($50 per day for extended stretches of time), in 2004 the IIF Board set aside $4,000 toward the purchase of a project vehicle, contingent on finding matching funds. Those funds were raised by an International Reptile Conservation Foundation (IRCF) sponsored auction at the 2005 National Reptile Breeder’s Expo in Daytona Beach, Florida, that raised over $20,000 USD for iguana conservation. The IIF estimates that this vehicle will pay for itself in two years with saved vehicle rental costs, usually $3-5,000 USD annually.

The IIF thanks Mr. Joe Wasilewski of South Florida for handling the purchase and shipment of this vehicle, and to the IRCF for working to ensure that the iguana auction was such a huge success.