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158 IGUANA Volume 10, Number 4

L E T T E R  F R O M  T H E  P R E S I D E N T

I’ve had the pleasure of some enriching moments
during my 25-year career in wildlife conservation, work-
ing with a variety of reptiles, as well as Bald Eagles
(Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and Ospreys (Pandion hali-
aetus). Over the years, I have captured, marked, and
released well over three thousand American Crocodiles
(Crocodylus acutus). Being able to release these endan-
gered animals is extremely fulfilling, despite knowing
that only 5–10% of them will survive the first year. Of
the crocodiles that do survive, some will undoubtedly
expand their range and, in some cases, encroach on
populated areas. The available natural habitat of the
crocodile is shrinking daily. Future interactions between
humans and crocodiles are inevitable and educating
people before such interactions take place is crucial.

Many of the same factors that cause eagles and
ospreys and crocodiles to be endangered affect the var-
ious species of Cyclura throughout their respective
ranges. In February 2001, I traveled to Jamaica with
Rick Hudson of the Fort Worth Zoo to assist in the
release of 13 Jamaican Iguanas (Cyclura collei). We
accompanied Byron Wilson into the Hellshire Hills, the
remaining natural range of the species. This particular
event brought the number of head-started and released
animals to 39. While the news may be encouraging for
the Jamaican Iguana, the obstacles they face have not
really changed: shrinking habitat, feral predators, and
limited resources. Much work is still necessary to assist
the iguanas and increase their population in the
Hellshire Hills.

That story, however, brings me to another “happy
ending” — the historic release of 24 head-started Stout
Iguanas (Cyclura pinguis). In October 2003, I accom-
panied Rick Hudson, Jeff Lemm of the San Diego Zoo,
and Kelly Bradley of the Dallas Zoo to the island of
Anegada in the British Virgin Islands. The 24 oldest
iguanas from the head-start program were selected,
health screened, processed, and readied for release.
Even with 24 new adult and sub-adult iguanas in the
population, the threats, like those in Jamaica, remain
the same. This time, however, the people of Anegada
are making plans to eliminate the feral cat problem, and
actually want to focus on preserving some of the core
habitat. Time will tell if these measures will bring about
positive results.

The emotions that come into play while releasing
endangered animals are difficult to describe. I try to
include people from all walks of life to assist in the
releases and share in the experience. You actually have a
sense of giving back and getting closer to nature. In

some small way, you are helping to preserve a species
for posterity. For just a few moments, you watch in
amazement and forget all the obstacles these animals
will face. The iguanas don’t just bolt away; they walk a
bit, taste the ground, look up at you, maybe give a head
bob or two. They seem at home and take their time
walking away.

Even though we are now returning some of these
animals to the wild, our work is not finished — instead,
it has only just begun. All of the threats that brought
these species to their current states still exist, and con-
servation organizations around the world must work
together to preserve these animals for future genera-
tions.

The International Iguana Society is working with
many organizations to make this a better world. If you
know people who should join the society and help in
this worthwhile endeavor, sign them up!!!

Joe Wasilewski

Joe Wasilewski, IIS President, participating in the release on
Middle Cay. Photograph by Rick Hudson.




