05.05.
Iguanas of the Caribbean – a conservation practitioner’s look at invasions, hybridisations and diseases
Dipl.-Biol. Matthias Götz, Wilhelma, Zoologisch-Botanischer Garten Stuttgart
The Caribbean radiation of the iguana genera Iguana and Cyclura are amongst the most threatened reptile genera. Generally, the main threats comprise of habitat reduction and invasive predator species. However, the threat of invasive reptile species, especially of the very adaptable and prolific green iguana (Iguana iguana), is now a major additional threat chiefly due to hybridisation with native iguana species and the possibility of carrying and spreading diseases. The talk provides a conservation practitioner’s look at the situation through two examples: the spread of the green iguana and attempted countermeasures in the Cayman Islands and the situation of the Lesser Antillean iguana (Iguana delicatissima) in the Lesser Antilles. There, hybridisation with invasive I. iguana and a not yet fully understood disease currently under investigation threatens the survival of the species. The preliminary results of a current disease screening effort are discussed.
As usual, we will also broadcast via zoom for those who can not join in person: https://zoom.us/j/94510498226