Cuban Rock Iguanas get the cover and a large article

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Posted by Kayo on September 06, 1999 at 12:19:41:

I am a member of the San Diego Zoological Society so I get their wonderful monthly magazine. This months issue has a beautiful picture of a cuban rock iguana (Cyclura nubila) on the cover and a large six page article inside.

The article is about the Center for Reproduction of Endangered Species (CRES) project down in Guantanamo Bay studing these iguanas. CRES is concerned with the loss of habitat and population decline in all eight species of giant rock iguanas of the West Indies. CRES is afraid that the loss of native iguana species could greatly affect the whole eco systems of the islands as iguanas are potentially important seed dispersers.

The study has been going on for over a year. The researchers are looking at whether headstarting (keeping iglets in a protected safe environment until larger and better able to survive upon release) is a viable option for iguanid species. Their studies seem to indicate yes.

They also conducted a study to determine if temporary relocation of dominant males would increase the chances that sexually mature but genetically under represented males would have the opportunity to mate. This too was successful as the five biggest subordinate males took over when the dominant males were gone.

All in all it looks like CRES studies have given them viable options for helping to preserve the native populations of rock iguanas and the islands they live on.

If you would like more info on the San Diego Zoo or CRES they do have a website.

Just thought you all might be interested.

Kayo

San Diego Zoo

Follow Ups:

Re: Jeff Lemm 9/07/99 (3)
- Liked it? Loved it!!! Kayo 9/07/99 (1)
  - Re: Liked it? Loved it!!! Jeff Lemm 9/07/99 (0)
- Re:Great pic of Jamacian Ig at S.D. zoo site, Jeff! n/p April 9/07/99 (0)

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: I am a member of the San Diego Zoological Society so I get their wonderful monthly magazine. This months issue has a beautiful picture of a cuban rock iguana (Cyclura nubila) on the cover and a large six page article inside. : The article is about the Center for Reproduction of Endangered Species (CRES) project down in Guantanamo Bay studing these iguanas. CRES is concerned with the loss of habitat and population decline in all eight species of giant rock iguanas of the West Indies. CRES is afraid that the loss of native iguana species could greatly affect the whole eco systems of the islands as iguanas are potentially important seed dispersers. : The study has been going on for over a year. The researchers are looking at whether headstarting (keeping iglets in a protected safe environment until larger and better able to survive upon release) is a viable option for iguanid species. Their studies seem to indicate yes. : They also conducted a study to determine if temporary relocation of dominant males would increase the chances that sexually mature but genetically under represented males would have the opportunity to mate. This too was successful as the five biggest subordinate males took over when the dominant males were gone. : All in all it looks like CRES studies have given them viable options for helping to preserve the native populations of rock iguanas and the islands they live on. : If you would like more info on the San Diego Zoo or CRES they do have a website. : Just thought you all might be interested. : Kayo

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