Volunteers needed for Blue Iguana Recovery Program from May through December 2007

It's Team Blue 2007! The Blue Iguana Recovery Program is now actively seeking volunteers, especially during the months of June and July; these months are critical to the success of the program, as major tasks are observing nesting iguanas and gathering of selective eggs for incubation. I have to say volunteering to help the most endangered iguanas in the world on a lovely Carribean island is an experience one will not soon forget or have abundant opportunities to do so!

IRCF has released an online registration program that gives you details of the volunteer positions available and easy to fill forms.

Volunteer website: http://www.IRCF.org/volunteer.html

My second trip to Grand Cayman was during June 2005. I had a great time volunteering. I helped out at the BIRP facility, taking care of the captive blue iguanas, ranging from yearlings to adults. At the time, we were doing observations of wild iguanas spotted in the East End; I spent a few days tracking and observing them. Finally, I spent time observing nesting iguanas in the Botanical Park, as well as digging up a nest in the middle of a morning thunderstorm!

Websites:

Blue Iguana Recovery Program http://www.blueiguana.ky
International Reptile Conservation Foundation http://www.IRCF.org

Please feel free to pass this information on through your network! You can make a difference in saving this incredible species!

des

I took this photo of Slugger (RIP 2006) in December of 2004. He was one of my favorite iguanas to photograph.

Sign the Petition: Cockpit Country, Jamaica

From the petition website:
"Cockpit Country is a mountainous, forested area of western Jamaica, rich in biodiversity and home to the Leeward Maroons of Jamaica. Its landscape of steep-sided hills and deep, round valleys eroded from the limestone bedrock is an outstanding example of karst topography. The wet limestone forest of Cockpit Country is Jamaica’s largest remaining primary forest and a refuge for rare Jamaican animals such as the Black-billed parrot and the Giant Swallow-tail butterfly, and more than 60 endemic plants. While the Land of Look Behind is famous in Jamaican history, each scientific expedition reveals more natural wonders of this ‘biodiversity hotspot’ and secrets of its Taino and Maroon heritage. A renewed interest in prospecting for bauxite and limestone in the Cockpit Country has sparked a campaign led by a wide cross-section of local and overseas Jamaicans – the Cockpit Country Stakeholders’ Group – to protect this unique area. Mining in Cockpit Country would destroy the natural, cultural and archaeological resources of Cockpit Country that are virtually untapped as a source of sustainable livelihoods, especially eco- and heritage tourism, for many rural communities of Jamaica.Cockpit Country is a mountainous, forested area of western Jamaica, rich in biodiversity and home to the Leeward Maroons of Jamaica. Its landscape of steep-sided hills and deep, round valleys eroded from the limestone bedrock is an outstanding example of karst topography. The wet limestone forest of Cockpit Country is Jamaica’s largest remaining primary forest and a refuge for rare Jamaican animals such as the Black-billed parrot and the Giant Swallow-tail butterfly, and more than 60 endemic plants. While the Land of Look Behind is famous in Jamaican history, each scientific expedition reveals more natural wonders of this ‘biodiversity hotspot’ and secrets of its Taino and Maroon heritage. A renewed interest in prospecting for bauxite and limestone in the Cockpit Country has sparked a campaign led by a wide cross-section of local and overseas Jamaicans – the Cockpit Country Stakeholders’ Group – to protect this unique area. Mining in Cockpit Country would destroy the natural, cultural and archaeological resources of Cockpit Country that are virtually untapped as a source of sustainable livelihoods, especially eco- and heritage tourism, for many rural communities of Jamaica.

Fire near the QE II Botantic Park (Grand Cayman)

This is so sad, as arson is suspected! Last year, there was a fire which destroyed Salina Reserve land, home to the released Blue Iguanas, criticially endangered reptiles.

"A wildfire has broken out close to the west of the QE II Botanic Park. In a pattern reminiscent of last year's extensive fire which affected part of the Salina Reserve, this new fire was started, possibly maliciously, on the verges of the road approaching the Park. It crept north and entered a pristine Thatch-Mahogany-Agave forest, growing on thick leaf litter and shallow soil. This is an area the Park's Blue Iguanas sometimes roam, especially when the trees are fruiting... "

Please visit http://www.blueiguana.ky/ for continued reading about the fire and to learn more about the Blue Iguanas.

Please also feel free to forward this information to bring attention to the plight of the Blue Iguanas.

*Picture of a alpha male that I took in 2004 while assisting with the Blue Iguana Recovery Program.

Crayon Conservation - Guatemalan Beaded Lizard

I am extremely pleased to see someone come up with a creative way to raise awareness and funds for endangered reptiles conservation.

Coloring Competition:Project Heloderma (April 1 - July 1, 2007)http://www.geocities.com/crayon_conservationist/

To learn more about IRCF and Project Heloderma:http://www.ircf.org/projectheloderma

Please forward this information through your network to bring awareness to this individual's efforts to help endangered reptiles.

*Photo: Copyright 2007 IRCF

MySpace code for IRCF banner now available!

Rich of HerpCenter.com has created a webpage from which you can retrieve MySpace code to add an IRCF banner! If you want to spread the word about IRCF, please add the banner code to your MySpace Profile - it's really easy!

IRCF is a member-based organization; I would like to encourage you to visit the site and consider membership. The IGUANA journal is very professionally put together, containing fantastic photos and well-written articles that cover ranges of conservation, species focus, husbandry, book reviews, etc.

I would love to see the organization grow with a proactive membership who certainly can make a difference in making one less reptile extinct! Everyone's efforts contribute to the greater whole - preserving endangered reptiles and their ecosystems.

Please do leave me a comment upon the add; I'd like to make certain that your profile is added to my network.

The IRCF March Journal has hit the mailboxes

The journal has arrived, with a stunning cover and first-time color centerfold inset, highlighting the endangered gharial. Inside, you'll find a number of articles, including coverage of the Texas Horned Lizard population study (I found it quite cute to see little lizards affixed with collars of transmittors!) , the plight of the gharial, and aspects of lighting and reptilian immunity.

How do you get this issue? Simply join the IRCF! You'll receive 4 quarterly professionally put-together issues. You will not be disappointed! By joining, you are contributing to IRCF's efforts with assisting endangered reptiles.

In memory of Vega$ Iguana

My female green iguana Vega$ passed away this morning. She had been a part of her family nearly 11 years and has touched many folks' lives in person and on the net. We miss her terribly and have posted a blog of her last few days on MySpace account at http://www.myspace.com/vegasiguana

For those who dont' have myspace, please feel free to express your condolences on this blogger. If you have any fond memories of her or how she made a difference in your life, please do share them, whether in this blogger or at Myspace. I can also be reached at des[at]IRCF.org

If you wish to do something in her memory, please donate to IRCF in her name. If it wasn't for her, my life's path would not have led me have so many friends in the reptile world and become involved with reptile conservation.

I appreciate everyone's thoughts and well wishes.

des

Exciting news at the IRCF

IRCF has been quite busy this Spring. Our website has been continually updated, now including information about three additional Programs that we now support - Project Palearis, Argentine Sand Dune Lizard, and Gharial Multi Task Force.

We attended the NARBC Arlington, Texas show; again many thanks for the support from Bob Ashley and Brian Potter with providing us a table.

Michael Kern and John Binns co-authored an article "Herp Conservation Organizations - How you can contribute to reptile & amphibian conservation" in Reptiles Magzine's March conservation focused issue. With reptiles and amphibians facing constant threats of extinction, this is a great read if you want to learn of ways to help.

The March IGUANA journal, with the focus article on the plight of the ghairal, will be quite fantastic. A first-time color centerfold will be included, which highlights various photos of the gharial.

Join the IRCF and receive this journal as part of your membership! For information about membership and the IGUANA, please visit http://www.IRCF.org.

Team Blue 2006 Web Logs

Time allowing, the team has been providing work activities logs with photos. Check out http://www.blueiguana.ky to see the progress of Team Blue!

Happy Holidays!

Wishing you all a very happy holiday and a Happy New Year!

Thank you for all your continued support!

From all of us at IRCF!

IRCF at the shows!

IRCF has been able to attend more shows this year, thanks to additional volunteers!

September found IRCF being a portable booth at the North American Reptile Breeders Conference and Trade Show (NARBC) in Anaheim, California. While John Binns was in Guatemela for Project Heloderma, I carried a messenger bag and my camera, roaming the show floor. It was great to see old friends and make new ones! We welcome five new members!

This weekend November 4-5th, IRCF member Joe Ehrenberger manned the IRCF booth at the Indy Reptile Expo in Indianapolis, Indiana. This is IRCF's first appearance at the show and with one of our new show banners! A stunning slide show was run continuously on the laptop. Joe also was assisted by his wife Kacie, and recently joined IRCF member Dee Asbury. 15 new members have joined our organization.

Next weekend November 11-12th, IRCF has a booth at the San Jose Reptile Show in San Jose, California. This will be a great opportunity to get to know John and Sandy Binns, Michael Kern, and Joel Friesch. You will get some first hand information about the conservation efforts that IRCF has been and will be involved with in the near future.

Novi, Michigan is IRCF's next stop. This is also a first time appearance for IRCF at the American's Family Pet Expo. Stop by and visit with IRCF members Jane Billette and Stephanie Beiser; you may get a chance to meet various iguanids - Azul, a Blue Iguana (Cyclura lewisi) hybrid; Rhino Iguanas (Cyclura cornuta) and spiny-tailed iguanas (Ctenosaur pectinata)

Thank you to everyone for their efforts at the shows and welcome to all the new members!

Going, going, gone....

No...IRCF isn't going anywhere!!

But IRCF is mentioned within the book entitled:
"Going, Going, Gone: Animals on the Brink of Extinction and How to Turn the Tide" by Think Books

"The clock is ticking: Can it be stopped? Many scientists believe that we are on the brink of a new mass extinction, with at least one million species in danger of not surviving to the end of the century. But there is still an opportunity to turn the tide, to change the way we live and give these creatures a chance. In the very first book of its kind, 100 conservation organizations from around the world each nominate a species—animal or plant—that it believes is most threatened. Every one selected receives a two-page spread, with magnificent photography, fascinating facts, details on why it is endangered, and information on how we can save it. Plus: complete contact details for the featured organizations."

Foreshore Ltd. Helping the Blues!

Send a donation of $1 at no cost to you. Foreshore Ltd. will donate $1 to the Blue Iguana Recovery Program for all first time clicks.

Visit Foreshore at http://www.foreshore.net/BlueIguana/

You too can help by putting this link in your signature or on your website!

Support the Blues!

Team Blue 2006 volunteers Jonathan Scupin & AE Nash

Jonathan Scupin and AE Nash have returned to Colorado from their adventures in Grand Cayman. What a time they had in participating with Team Blue 2006 activities!

Visit Jonathan's webpage for a photo blog!

http://jonathan.scupin.googlepages.com/teamblue2006

IRCF News 2006/09/20

Summer is finishing up with exciting activities and a landmark event!

The September issue of IGUANA, with a special emphasis on the genus Heloderma, is due out this month. The IRCF is proud to be partnering with Zootropic, Fundacion Defensores de la Naturaleza of Guatemala, CONAP, Zoo Atlanta, and The Nature Conservancy in support of Project Heloderma and its efforts to prevent the extinction of the Guatemalan Beaded Lizard.

The IRCF and Zoo Atlanta raised $18,000 at the auction to benefit Project Heloderma held at the National Reptile Breeders Expo in Daytona Beach, Florida. The auction success could not have been realized without the generosity of our many donors and the hard work and enthusiasm of on-hand volunteers.

This month, John Binns (IRCF CEO) is heading to Guatemala, packing critically needed equipment and assisting with radiotracking the elusive Guatemalan Beaded Lizard. Four tracking transmitters, a tracking receiver, antennae and miniature dataloggers are headed for the Motagua Valley, where recently captured Beaded Lizards await release pending the arrival of transmitters. We eagerly await the images that John hopes to "capture". Aside from the Heloderma, John hopes to catch a glimpse of the equally rare and endangered Guatemalan Black Iguana (Ctenosaura Palearis).

The IRCF will be sponsoring this year’s Team Blue 2006 activities for the Blue Iguana Recovery Program thanks to the kindness of an anonymous donor who provided a grant through the Maine Community Foundation. We have been busily coordinating Team Blue volunteers to support the winter season: Trails need to be cut, retreats created and transported to the Salina, Park and Salina nests and hatchlings to be monitored, and finally, another head-started set of 2-year old Blues to be released. More information about Team Blue 2006 can be found at: http://www.IRCF.org/volunteer.html. Also check out http://www.BlueIguana.ky for terrific new photos and updates.

The current set of volunteers have been in the presence of a landmark event – the successful, unassisted hatching of baby Blues in the Salina Reserve! All the years of dedication, support and commitment from partners, donors, and volunteers (IRCF, Durrell, ISG, IIF, the National Trust, and the Dept. of Environment) have led to this truly remarkable event. As soon as we have more news on the youngsters, we'll be sure to pass it along!

In closing, we regrettably report the passing of IRCF member Marie Poyner. She was an avid supporter of the IRCF mission to preserve endangered reptiles and their habitat. Her presence, dedication to helping others, and positive personality will truly be missed. We hope that others can follow in her footsteps

We thank you for all your support and generosity,
des.

P.S. I will be attending the NARBC (Anaheim, CA) on September 23rd. I’ll be wearing my Project Heloderma shirt! Feel free to stop me and introduce yourself!!!

Project Heloderma auction a success!

Thank you everyone for making the auction a great success. Given that the Venomous Expo did not occur and that traveling expenses have risen with the gas price increases, the auction *still*generated $18,000 for Project Heloderma. Thank you for the great team effort!

Thank you to everyone who donated auction items and thanks to those who volunteered during their vacation time (KT, Jen, Carole, Russ, Nancy, Linda, Linda's son Byron & g/f, Aminah, and Pat - hopefully Ididn't miss anyone!). We also had help from Tim (Denver Zoo) and Brad (Zoo Atlanta) and his crew, and Luis and Rodrigo (from Zootropic in Guatemala), Alex and Dave (Turtle group), Tina and George, Joe B, Nathan and our killer auctioneer - Tattoo Pete. We thoroughly appreciated everyone's help – we couldn't have done it without you!

Preparing for Project Heloderma auction

Over here at IRCF, we're busily getting ready to travel to Florida for the Project Heloderma auction. The Binns, AJ, and I will be arriving Friday. Thank you in advance to everyone that has donated, spread the word and those volunteering to help with the auction. The auction success is based on the collaborative efforts of all involved! Thank you!

More news when we are able to get online!

Bouncing baby blues in Grand Cayman

Baby Blues have started hatching! Congrads to Digger and Elizabeth! What a happy moment in Cayman! Of course, more Blues to come!

http://www.blueiguana.ky

Once the sponsorship program goes live, more Blues to choose from!!!!

Helping us spread the news!

We appreciate websites that help pass on the news. See what the following site(s) have done.

http://www.baskinglizards.com

News from IRCF (2006/07/31)

We are very pleased to announce the release of the fully revamped IRCF website (www.IRCF.org). The site is filled with gorgeous images and content about the endangered reptiles and their habitats that the IRCF seeks to protect. You can join or renew your membership online and find information regarding a wide variety of donation programs. Please note that some parts of the site are still under construction, such as our new merchandise store and portions of the Program section; we appreciate your patience while these areas are being completed.

Some additional recent highlights:

IRCF has now partnered with Project Heloderma, to help preserve the Guatemalan Beaded Lizard, a species with fewer than 200 individuals remaining in the wild. The IRCF will be present at the National Reptile Breeders’ Expo this August in Daytona Beach, FL sponsoring the auction benefiting the Guatemalan Beaded Lizard. Your assistance with donations and on-site tasks is greatly appreciated. (www.IRCF.org/projectheloderma)

We also have started coordinating volunteers for Team Blue 2006 to assist with the Blue Iguana Recovery Program. During the months from August through December, Team Blue will be involved with activities such as trail development, production of retreats for the Salina, release of head-started iguanas, among other tasks. Team Blue is in immediate need of one to two volunteers in the 8/28-9/12 timeframe. (www.IRCF.org/volunteer.html)

The IGUANA journal has arrived in the mail! We appreciate the patience of our members but the wait is well worth it! With a stunning cover featuring a Malaysian Flying Lizard and 90+ pages of articles, photos and information, we strive to invigorate and educate our members.

The IRCF has also published the Spring edition of Blue Iguana Tales (http://www.blueiguana.ky). Learn about recent Program highlights and further details from the June 2006 dog attacks.

Please tell your friends about the IRCF and encourage them to become members! The efforts of even a single person can have a positive, lasting impact on the preservation of endangered species.