This fund has been established by the National Trust for the Cayman Islands to purchase nesting habitat for the Sister Islands Rock Iguana (Cyclura nubila caymanensis) on Little Cayman.

The Sister Islands Rock Iguana is under increased threat as island wide development continues. New studies show a dramatic decline in the Little Cayman population faced with a loss of nesting and foraging habitat, skyrocketing road kills and predation by dogs and cats.

Coastal habitats, which are required by these iguanas to breed successfully, have declined sharply due to land clearing and road construction, making land purchase essential for their survival. With support from Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, field work has been carried out and the largest communal nesting site identified. This site has been targeted for purchase as a matter of urgency as it supports the largest subpopulation in the west end of the island.

Fundraising efforts are well underway and through the dedicated efforts of a small group in Little Cayman, almost half the required funds are now in hand. However, with the nesting site comprising 2.74 acres of pristine coastline, the site is very attractive to possible hotel or condo developers and is unlikely to remain on the market for very long. Recognizing the urgent need, and the fact that a great many visitors to Little Cayman are from the United States, the International Reptile Conservation Foundation (IRCF) have once again come to the assistance of the National Trust, and donations to this fund are now tax-deductible for US residents through the IRCF.

Once this purchase is completed, infrastructure and interpretative materials will be provided at the site to explain the life cycle of the iguana, its relationship with native plants and its importance to the island’s biodiversity. This will provide an enhanced nature tourism experience to the island’s visitors as well as a living classroom and educational resource for local children.

To donate to the Sister Islands Rock Iguana Habitat Fund please click the “donate” button. If you are a US resident donations to the Habitat Fund are tax deductible.