The Arrival of Blue Iguana Hatchlings

The Blue Iguana Conservation programme (BIC), and the National Trust for the Cayman Islands (NTCI) are delighted to announce the arrival of blue iguana hatchlings, the first of the season! In addition to the eggs laid within the captive breeding programme, eggs were recovered from outside the facility from a nest which was considered threatened by the extensive recent flooding. The parents of these eggs were released approximately 3 years ago and continue to reside happily within the QEII Botanic Park. Their eggs joined the others in incubators providing them an opportunity for a better chance of survival, and they are healthy and doing well. These hatchlings are a positive sign of the success of the programme and growth of the population of the blue iguanas. Heavy rainfall and flooding can potentially result in nests in the wild being at risk for a lower survival rate.

“The use of incubators, monitoring the eggs, and the hatchlings, has been a vital component of success for the Blue Iguana Conservation programme. The newborn hatchlings are cared for and monitored in the incubators for about a week before being placed at the Blue Iguana Conservation Nursery,” says Joseph Jamieson, BIC Assistant Manager.

Last year, BIC released approximately 100 blues into the wild. This included protected areas such as The Salina Reserve, Colliers Wilderness Reserve, and the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park. Protected areas are vital for the preservation of natural habitat and food sources for the blue iguanas. The Grand Cayman Blue Iguana has become an iconic symbol of these islands used frequently by government and businesses. The programme to protect and preserve them is dependent on the support of the community, including financial contributions and volunteer time.

The blue iguanas are safe and doing well post Hurricane Beryl. However, there is quite a bit of cleanup at the BIC facility. The community can help support our wardens in their efforts to cleanup the debris at the BIC facility by making a donation. Donations can be made online by visiting our website www.nationaltrust.org.ky or clicking this direct donation link.

The Blue Iguana Conservation facility is based in the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park. Tickets can be purchased at the visitor centre. Private guided tours of the BIC facility or a “Warden for a day” experience can be booked by contacting tours@nationaltrust.org.ky in advance.

Follow @blueiguanaconservation on Facebook and Instagram. To get involved in the Blue Iguana Guardians or Gardens initiatives, please contact bic@nationaltrust.org.ky