Jamaica to reach 1,000th release milestone for endangered rock iguana
The critically endangered species was rediscovered in 1990 after being declared extinct in 1948.
The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) is set to conduct the 1,000th head-started release of the Jamaican rock iguana on Saturday, November 14. The reptiles will be returned to their natural habitat in the Hellshire Hills, St Catherine, according to a Times of India report.
The species, scientifically known as Cyclura collei, was declared extinct in 1948 before being rediscovered in 1990. At the time of rediscovery, fewer than 50 individuals were found in the wild. The upcoming exercise will involve releasing 114 iguanas, bringing the total number of head-started releases to 1,000, as 973 have already been released.
The recovery programme uses a head-starting technique where hatchlings are raised at the Headstart Facility at Hope Zoo in Kingston. This method protects young iguanas from predators like mongooses, cats, and stray dogs until they are large enough to survive in the wild. The facility currently cares for between 250 and 300 juvenile iguanas.
Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change Matthew Samuda said the release follows years of scientific work, habitat management, and partnership. Conservation specialist Tandora Del Grant noted that while the survival and reproduction of released animals are encouraging, ongoing work is required to prevent further population declines.
The iguanas play a role in the ecosystem by dispersing seeds through their droppings. NEPA and its partners continue to manage the habitat by monitoring over 280 predator traps and protecting nesting sites in the Hellshire Hills.