The Blue iguana or Grand Cayman iguana (Cyclura lewisi) is a critically endangered species of lizard of the genus Cyclura endemic to the island of Grand Cayman. Previously listed as Cyclura nubila lewisi as a subspecies of Cuban Iguana, it has been since reclassified as its own species due to genetic differences discovered in 2000. The Blue iguana has been noted as one of the longest-living species of lizard (possibly 69 years) and is a National Symbol of the Cayman Islands
By the year 2003, fewer than 15 of these animals still lived in the wild, and this wild population was expected to be extinct within the first decade of the 21st century. The animals' demise is mainly being driven by predation by feral human pets (cats and dogs) and indirectly by the destruction of their natural habitat as fruit farms are converted to pasture for cattle grazing.
Since 2004, 219 captive-bred iguanas have been released into a preserve on Grand Cayman run by a partnership headed by the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, in an attempt to save this critically endangered species. Some success with naturally laid eggs has been reported in the wild. At least five non-profit organizations are working with the government of the Cayman Islands to ensure the survival of this species.
Not yet. On my list. I think it might consume the day. Either renting a car or public bus might be the only reasonable cost way to get there. Bus fare is only $5 each way, but might take an hour with stops to get there and another hour to get back.
And that would leave little or no time for snorkeling!
I saw something about these Blue Iguanas on the Travel Channel a while back, and then, when I ran across the information searching for something else, I just had to post it.
Cayman Blue Iguana Tours of the Botanic Park
Cruise Ship passengers can take organized Cayman Blue Iguana tours of the Botanic Park. Participants of this tour are transported from the cruise ship dock to the Botanic Park and are given an excellent in-depth tour of the Cayman Blue Iguana breeding and re-introduction facility at the Botanic Park. Participants are then taken on a tour around the Botanic Park to see this critically endangered iguana in the wild. Please note that the Blue Iguana program is not run by the Botanic Park so this is an iguana tour of the Botanic Park, not a Botanic Park tour. The guides are excellent and you will tour though both the natural areas of the Park and the gardens; however, this is not a garden tour and the guides are not trained to give information regarding the plants planted in the gardens. This tour must be booked in advance. The website is Blue Iguana Recovery Program. To contact the Blue Iguana program directly to book a tour contact Fred Burton at fjburton@blueiguana.ky.
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I knew they had tours, but not the transportation. I wonder how many people are required?
I had checked with them last August and this was the response:
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We do run tours for folks who have their own transport. These can be booked locally through the National Trust for the Cayman Islands, tel 345 949 0121.
The tour takes you to the captive breeding facility, in the QE II Botanic Park, which is off Frank Sound Road in the central part of the island, about 40mins drive from George Town.
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so the transport part is new! More research needed.
Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers
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Centrum Deck
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Cruise Places
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Cayman Islands
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BLUE Iguanas!!!
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