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Lesser Antillean Iguanas on St. Eustatius

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Beautiful color artwork of Iguana 
delicatissima by Joel Friesch

GET THE T-SHIRT!

Color IRCF logo labeled 
CONTRIBUTOR

St. Eustatius, Lesser Antilles

Lesser Antillean Iguanas (Iguana delicatissima) are endemic to the Lesser Antilles. Extant 
populations occur on only a few islands, and few of these populations are thriving. Most 

are affected by habitat loss and, to a lesser extent, exploitation (mostly for food). Hybridization 
with introduced Green Iguanas (Iguana iguana) is threatening the integrity of the gene pool 
on some islands.

In 2004, the population on St. Eustatius (= Statia) was estimated at 425 individuals. 
However, St. Eustatius National Parks protect substantial tracts of suitable habitat and many 
landowners with adjacent properties maintain gardens that are extensively exploited by iguanas. 
Prospects for conserving a viable and stable population are quite good. However, roadkills 
occur and, although Statians rarely kill and eat iguanas, guest workers often fail to distinguish 
Lesser Antillean Iguanas from the Green Iguanas routinely consumed on their home islands. 
Consequently, ongoing educational efforts are necessary, if only to reinforce the pride Statians 
should take in their endemic population.

In 2004, the International Iguana Society donated signs that were placed in 
prominent locations throughout the island. Unfortunately, they have not held up 
well to the tropical sun. The IRCF is spearheading an effort to replace them with 
new color signs that carry a 20-year guarantee. If you are interested in making a 
donation to support that effort or want more detailed information, please visit:

www.IRCF.org/eustatius (or accessible from the IRCF home page)

Donors who contribute $50 will have their names listed on the signs and those who donate 
$100 or more also will receive a special T-shirt featuring the artwork of Joel Friesch.

PLEASE SUPPORT THIS CAMPAIGN

WWW.STATIAPARK.ORG

WWW.IRCF.ORG

There is a restriction on characters due 
to space limitations. See website.

CORPORATE SPONSORS. Corporate 
logo added below the bottom of the back 
artwork & name added to the sign: $1,000. 
Contact the IRCF for more information.

YOUR  NAME HERE




