🦎 First hatchlings of the season from rescued blue iguana eggs

The first blue iguana hatchlings of the season have emerged from eggs that were rescued from a nest at risk of flooding by the Blue Iguana Conservation (BIC) team. As Hurricane Beryl approached the Cayman Islands, the team took action to save the eggs, which had been laid by a blue iguana released three years prior. The eggs were placed in incubators alongside others from the captive breeding program, increasing their survival chances amidst heavy rainfall and flooding. 🌧️

According to BIC Assistant Manager Joseph Jamieson, the use of incubators and close monitoring of the eggs and hatchlings has been crucial to the program's success. The hatchlings are cared for in the incubators for a week before being moved to the Blue Iguana Conservation Nursery. Last year, the BIC released about 100 blue iguanas into the wild, including in protected areas like the Salina Reserve, Colliers Wilderness Reserve, and the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park. However, the blue iguana population remains vulnerable to threats such as invasive species, traffic, and loss of habitat due to development. 🦎

Recently, the vulnerability of the blue iguanas was highlighted when a local developer constructed a road through their habitat. The National Conservation Council intervened to protect the endangered creatures by securing an emergency interim protection order for the land, temporarily halting any further development. The council is also seeking a judicial review after the CPA gave after-the-fact planning permission for the land clearance and road construction without proper consultation. The BIC program relies on community support, including financial contributions and volunteer time. Following Hurricane Beryl, the community is invited to assist the BIC wardens in cleaning up the facility. 🌳