Global News - June 2008

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St Lucia steps up efforts to protect rare iguanas

Wed 25 June 2008 17:00 UK — North America,Reptiles

Officials in St Lucia have launched a campaign to try to save the island's rare iguanas.

The local caribbeannetnews.com site has reported that conservationists are concerned that the island's population of endemic iguanas could be threatened.

The site explained that one of the biggest problems facing the creatures is that around 90 per cent are believed to live on privately-owned land. This means their habitats might become increasingly threatened by development.

In a bid to protect the St Lucia iguanas, the local forestry department has started a twelve-month campaign to try to raise awareness about the importance of the animals.

According to the website, authorities have already started distributing "memorabilia such as posters, rulers, pencils, bumper stickers and badges" to raise awareness.

"It is hoped that the campaign will positively change the attitude of St Lucians on the importance of protecting the environment and realising the significant role that our wildlife plays in maintaining a balanced eco-system and thus a healthier environment," the website concluded.

While green iguanas of the type found on St Lucia are not listed as endangered, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora lists them in its Appendix II. This means trade in the creatures "must be controlled so as to not harm the species in the future".

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