Archives for category: Reptile

Utila Spiny Tailed Iguana

April 1, 2011 //

Utila Spiny Tailed Iguana is a critically endangered species of spinytail iguana endemic to the island of Utila, one of the Islas de la Bahía off the coast of Honduras. The Utila iguana is the only species of iguana and one of only two species of lizard to exclusively inhabit brackish mangrove swamps, forced there due to competition from larger species. This species currently has an estimated wild population of 10,000 animals in 2-3 subpopulations, but is greatly threatened by loss of habitat, as mangrove forests are being used as garbage dump sites and deforested for the construction of homes, resorts, and marinas. Beach habitat is being lost as natural vegetation is removed in preparation for hotel and road construction. According to a survey conducted by the IUCN, exotic invasive plants cover the ground near the mangroves and make the area inappropriate for nesting sites. The iguana is locally hunted for meat, although efforts to educate locals have helped reduce this somewhat in recent years. And we’re dedicated.

Tags conservation, endangered, environment, habitat, habitat loss, Honduras, hunted, iguana, reptile, Spiny, Tailed, threatened, Utila, Utila Spiny Tailed Iguana

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Leatherback Turtle

August 20, 2010 //

The leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) is the largest of all living sea turtles and the fourth largest modern reptile behind three crocodilians. Adult leatherback turtles have few natural predators once they mature. Leatherbacks are most vulnerable to predation in their early life stages. Birds, small mammals, and other opportunists dig up the nests of turtles and consume eggs. Shorebirds and crustaceans prey on the hatchlings scrambling for the sea. Once they enter the water they become prey to predatory fish and cephalopods. Very few survive to adulthood. And we’re dedicated.

Tags aquatic reptile, conservation, endangered, habitat loss, leatherback turtle, ocean, predators, reptile, threatened, turtle, vulnerable

Blue Iguana

July 28, 2010 //

The Blue Iguana or Grand Cayman Iguana (Cyclura lewisi) is a critically endangered species of lizard of the genus Cyclura endemic to the island of Grand Cayman. Previously listed as a subspecies of the Cuban Iguana, it was reclassified as a separate species in 2004 because of genetic differences discovered four years earlier. The Blue Iguana is one of the longest-living species of lizard (possibly up to 69 years). The record is 67 years. And we’re dedicated.

Tags Blue iguana, conservation, endangered, environment, habitat, habitat loss, iguana, rare, reptile, reserve, threatened, vulnerable

Hawksbill Turtle

July 20, 2010 //

The hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) is a critically endangered sea turtle belonging to the family Cheloniidae. It is the only species in its genus. General consensus has determined sea turtles, including Eretmochelys imbricata to be, at the very least, threatened species because of their long lifespans, slow growth and maturity, and slow reproductive rates. In addition, human and animal encroachment threatens nesting sites and small mammals dig up eggs. In the U.S. Virgin Islands, mongooses raid Hawksbill nests (along with those of other sea turtles like Dermochelys coriacea) right after they are laid. And we’re dedicated.

Tags conservation, endangered, habitat loss, hawksbill turtle, hunting, marine life, sea life, threatened, turlte, vunerable

Alligator Snapping Turtle

July 20, 2010 //

The Alligator Snapping Turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) is one of the largest freshwater turtles in the world. The alligator snapping turtle is primarily vulnerable to humans from habitat loss and hunting. Some are hunted for their carapaces; the plastron of the turtle is valued because of its shape as a cross. There are accounts of large (50+ lb) turtles being caught both purposely and accidentally on recreational fishing lines called “trot lines.” Abandoned trot lines are thought to be even more dangerous to turtles. Soup made from snapping turtle meat is considered by some to be a delicacy. And we’re dedicated.

Tags alligator, alligator snapping turtle, conservation, endangered, habitat, habitat loss, turtle, vunerable

Utila Spiny Tailed Iguana

Leatherback Turtle

Blue Iguana

Hawksbill Turtle

Alligator Snapping Turtle

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