What is the blue iguana?

Blue iguana is a large, long -haired scaly reptile exclusive to the island of Grand Cayman, southwest of Cuba. The rare species of iguana, its natural habitat, are generally tropical dry forests and sand coast. Once this kind of iguana is abundant, it is now considered very endangered. In 2002 there were only about 15 known adults in the region. Conservatory has set up captive breeding programs to provide blue iguanas the opportunity to achieve a self -sufficient level, but the intrusion of a person and a pet into the Grand Caymans makes it a difficult task. After reproduction in the spring months, they go again in their separate ways. The female blue iguana usually dugs a hole in soft soil and settled from one to two dozen eggs. After these eggs have been incubated for two to three months, it usually takes several days for the baby's iguans to appear, although they are fully shaped and able to take care of themselves. It is assumed that adult blue iguanas have lived for several decades. Both sexes are when they restBlue gray, but during reproduction or territory, a woman occupies a powder blue look, while the male becomes a bright, live blue. Younger blue iguanas are usually muted brown with distinctive dark marks that disappear when they ripen.

Blue iguanas are primarily herbivores, allegedly feeding on almost 50 different varieties of plants. This iguana usually eats fruit, flowers and leaves, but it was known to eat slugs, insects and carrion. Blue iguana is primarily earthly, sometimes embarking on trees. His diet with flower and fruit generally increases the plan of diversity and strength. The seeds that pass through the digestive system of the blue Iguana usually hatch earlier and are heavier than those that do not.

Blue iguana is highly sensitive to predators. The native population of snakes feeds on eggs and increases the number of domestic and escaped dogs and cats prey to juvenile and adults. As dangerous as these predators areLoss of habitat The greatest threat of blue iguana. Housing development, commercial building, agriculture and grazing of livestock usually make it difficult for the blue iguana to find food and safe breeding areas.

Programs

prison prison programs, which usually sponsored zoo and nature conservation organizations, are slowly beginning to increase the number of blue iguanas to Grand Cayman. There are two breeding populations on the island and approximately 25 zoos help in the United States. Of the inanimate wild populations, only five to 15 blue iguanas have an effort to protect reinrtroduced over 200 individuals to their native station, mainly to Queen Elizabeth II and Salina Reserve.