National Trust sets sights on land in Little Cayman

The protection of the Sister Islands Rock Iguana is the focus on the National Trust for the Cayman Islands’ 2012 Land Reserve Fund campaign. 

This year, efforts will focus on the purchase of what has been identified as the most important Sister Islands Rock Iguana nesting site in Little Cayman.  

A research team from the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust confirmed many of Little Cayman’s large female iguanas migrate to areas along the island’s coastline to lay their eggs. With a total estimated population of 2,000, the number of these iguanas remaining on Little Cayman continues to dwindle due to habitat destruction, road deaths, and attacks from dogs and cats. The Durrell team stressed that identifying and protecting important nesting sites will be vital to the long-term survival of Cyclura nubila caymanensis.  

“One of the principal aims of the National Trust is to try to safeguard the survival of the diversity of native wild plants and animals in these islands, which is most effectively achieved by protecting intact natural areas,” said National Trust Council member Janet Walker, who spearheads the Land Reserve Fund campaign fundraising efforts.  

This aspect of the trust’s work in the Cayman Islands can be compared with the efforts put into the creation of national parks in other jurisdictions. National Trust land reserves total more than 3,000 acres.  

“Fortunately, we have been able to acquire these unique natural areas thanks to the generosity of our supporters, some who have been donating for years and some who have decided to support us for the first time in 2012,” Ms Walker said.  

She encouraged anyone interested in donating to the Land Reserve Fund to contact the National Trust.  

“Every dollar you contribute to the Land Reserve Fund goes directly toward preserving native species and habitat for future generations to value and enjoy,” she said.  

“Please join us in protecting the biodiversity of these special islands.”  

For more on the Land Reserve Fund and other National Trust initiatives, visit nationaltrust.org.ky or call 749-1121.