blue iguana back from extinction

A decade ago, the Grand Cayman blue iguana is on the verge of extinction. At that time, the only remaining 10-25 individuals in the wild. But the reptile's population has grown and the iguana was no longer in the list of endangered species. 

Blue Iguana, found only on the island of Grand Cayman in the Caribbean, now has a population of about 750 tails thanks again empowerment program. And this week, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) update the list of endangered species.Endangered status is probably the best hope for conservationists that these reptiles remain to be addressed, according to Fred Burton, director of the Blue Iguana Recovery Program."The influence of man on Grand Cayman is very big right now because there is no scope for iguana iguana is to increase the number in the tens of thousands," said Burton. "However, we believe we can achieve long-term goal to restore at least some 1,000 Grand Cayman blue iguana tail to the wild." 

Blue Iguana is the largest native species in Grand Cayman. Reptiles can grow more than 1.5 meters and can weigh up to 11 kilograms. They used to be spread over most of the coastal areas of the island and in the dry scrub land. They had threatened with extinction due to habitat destruction, hit by a car, as well as dogs and cats are free to roam.Empowerment program again includes habitat protection, research, monitoring, and release back into the wild iguana.