Little Cayman, located in the Cayman Islands, recently witnessed the tragic death of a pregnant rock iguana, highlighting the ongoing threats to the endangered species in the region. This unfortunate incident marks the ninth iguana fatality this year on the island, with six of them occurring just in the month of April due to speeding drivers on the roads.
Last year alone, 26 iguanas fell victim to road accidents in Little Cayman, while Cayman Brac reported 18 similar fatalities. These figures may even be higher considering some road kills might go unnoticed or get scavenged from the roadside. The fragile population of rock iguanas on the Sister Islands is facing a significant threat from reckless driving activities, posing a severe risk to their already dwindling numbers.
During a recent holiday trip to Little Cayman, an individual named Owen Foster encountered a severely injured iguana in Blossom Village and despite his efforts, along with his girlfriend’s, they were unable to save the animal. This heartbreaking experience highlighted the urgent need for greater awareness and conservation efforts to protect these unique creatures.
Responding to queries, Department of Environment Terrestrial Research Officer Vaughn Bodden emphasized the detrimental impact of road kills on the populations of rock iguanas and blue iguanas across all three islands. With an estimated iguana population of 1,834 on Little Cayman and an unknown number on Cayman Brac, the urgency to address the issue of road accidents involving these endangered species is paramount.
Bodden stressed the vulnerability of rock iguanas during their mating and hatching seasons, making them more active on roads and susceptible to collisions with vehicles. The conservation efforts are crucial in safeguarding the breeding age adult iguanas, as each loss significantly impacts the overall population.
Awareness campaigns and enforcement of laws against reckless driving have been initiated, yet road kills persist as a major threat to the survival of rock iguanas on the islands. Drivers are urged to exercise caution and be vigilant for iguanas on the roads, especially during breeding and hatching seasons, to prevent further casualties among these protected species.
The community is encouraged to report any incidents involving rock iguanas to the respective station managers on Little Cayman and Cayman Brac. Additionally, residents and visitors are reminded of the legal protection afforded to all rock iguanas under the National Conservation Act, making it illegal to harm or kill them purposefully. The collective effort to preserve these iconic species is crucial in ensuring their long-term survival in the Cayman Islands.