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How knowledge learned at Jersey Zoo is helping wild Lesser Antillean iguanas
Our Curator of Herpetology & Invertebrates, Matt Goetz, uses what he has learned from caring for critically endangered Lesser Antillean iguanas at Jersey Zoo to advise partners in the species’ native range on biosecurity, disease and husbandry to help the species in the wild.
Lesser Antillean iguanas are found in the Northern Lesser Antilles, a group of islands in the Caribbean, where they live in dry scrub forest, river forests and mangroves as well as mid-altitude rainforests. Their diet includes leaves, flowers and fruit.
The species is threatened by non-native green iguanas. Introduced to the island by catching a ride on ships, green iguanas compete with the smaller native iguana, taking up food and habitats. Green iguanas also bring new diseases that affect Lesser Antillean iguanas and interbreed with them to create hybrid iguanas, further reducing available resources.
Matt is a member of the IUCN SSC Iguana Specialist Group, which develops conservation action plans for iguana species worldwide. The group is working with the Anguilla National Trust and other partners to save wild Lesser Antillean iguanas, primarily by moving them to offshore islands where the invasive green iguanas aren't yet present.
Have you seen the Lesser Antillean iguanas in Jersey Zoo's Reptile and Amphibian House? We were the first zoo to breed the species in captivity!
We currently care for young iguanas (pictured right) behind the scenes and coordinate the European studbook for the species, collaborating with other zoos as part of an international breeding programme.