Iguana b&w text Lesser Antillean Iguanas on St. Eustatius F O C U S O N C O N S E R V A T I O N A L L P H O T O G R A P H S B Y R O B E R T JA N V A N O O ST E N 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