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Summary of Transcript:
Island ecosystems generate an incredible range of animal and plant species that evolve in unique, isolated environments. Island ecosystems have the highest concentrations of biodiversity in the world and the highest number of extinctions. One critically endangered island species is the Jamaican iguana, considered one of the rarest reptiles in the world and Jamaica’s largest native land animal. Since their numbers started declining in the late 1800s due to human development and invasive species, the Jamaican Iguana Recovery Group has been formed to protect the remaining population using a conservation technique called head starting. Thanks to their efforts, the wild population of Jamaican iguanas is now more than 300 animals and growing, even though they still face threats from invasive species and human activities. People can support conservation efforts by being mindful of invasive species’ effects on native plants and animals and spreading awareness of the amazing reptiles.
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Summary of Description:
The article discusses the critically endangered Jamaican iguana and Lincoln Park Zoo’s and its partners’ efforts to save the species from extinction. The reader is invited to learn more about the animal in the latest ABCs of Lincoln Park Zoo episode.
Lincoln Park Zoo and its partners are working towards preventing the extinction of Jamaican iguanas, a critically endangered species. The Jamaican iguana is the only species found on the island of Jamaica, and its population has dropped drastically, placing it in danger of becoming extinct.
What is a Jamaican iguana?
Jamaican iguanas are reptiles with slender bodies and long tails. Their color varies from green to brown, with a white stripe running down their sides. The adult iguana can grow up to six feet long, with males larger than females.
Habitat and distribution:
The Jamaican iguana is endemic to Jamaica, and its natural habitat is within the dry limestone forests in the Hellshire and Portland Bight Mountains. The deforestation, habitat loss, and introduction of exotic predators like mongooses have critically impacted the iguanas’ population.
Conservation efforts by Lincoln Park Zoo and its partners:
Lincoln Park Zoo and its partners are playing a pivotal role in ensuring the survival of this species. Due to the decreasing population of Jamaican iguanas, the reptiles were later declared “critically endangered” in 1990, and significant conservation efforts began. Jamaican Iguanas are now bred under a strict conservation program involving the release of captive-bred iguanas to the wild.
Breeding and Release program:
In 1990, only around 100 Jamaican iguanas were left in the wild. The breeding program that commenced in the early 1990s aimed to increase the population of reptiles by capturing and raising them in captivity. The Jamaica Conservation and Development Trust medical teams frequently perform surgeries and health check-ups on the iguanas at the Hope Zoo in Kingston, Jamaica.
The breeding program has successfully released over 300 iguanas into their natural habitat. These released iguanas wear a tracking device, which helps monitor, adapt, and record their behavior in their natural environment.
Educating locals to protect natural habitat:
The residents of Jamaica have also been made aware of the species’ critical situation and encouraged to protect the iguanas’ natural habitat. The zoo’s team works with local communities, providing workshops about the importance of wildlife conservation and its benefits in maintaining a healthy ecosystem.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the dedicated efforts of Lincoln Park Zoo, Jamaica Conservation and Development Trust, and local communities have aided in preventing the extinction of Jamaican iguanas. The breeding program, the release of the iguanas back to their natural habitat, and educating locals about conservation make a difference in the future of this reptile species.
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Source Description
J is for Jamaican Iguana!
Jamaican iguanas are a critically endangered island species that Lincoln Park Zoo and its partners are working to save from extinction. Learn more about this amazing animal in the latest episode of ABCs of Lincoln Park Zoo!
