We toured the Green Iguana Conservation Project yesterday to check out the grounds of the San Ignacio Resort and take pics & learn about the conservation efforts in Belize. This is a great project aimed at informing the public, mainly locals, on the dangers of poaching iguanas in the wild. Our tour guide, Umberto (Bert), was very knowledgeable and answered all our questions we had.
The Green Iguana Conservation Project was created in 1996 by Mrs. Mariam Roberson and Daniel Velasquez. Due to the decreasing survival rate of Green Iguanas in Belize caused by overhunting, Mrs. Roberson and Mr. Velasquez decided to embark in a program that would protect the species and educate individuals about these amazing reptiles.
This effort, in collaboration with Belizean primary and secondary schools, Galen University, and foreign affiliates, commenced the initiative to foster and protect the Green Iguana species in Belize. The Project is entirely self-sustained and relies on contributions and donations of interested patrons and visitors. The program offers a great field of research and education to the people of Belize and around the world by allowing individuals to interact with the Green Iguanas.
The Green Iguana Conservation Project follows a continuous, cyclical course of rearing the Iguanas from the egg to juvenile stage. It later sets them free by releasing them into their natural habitat. Much of the program’s success relies on the Green Iguana Adoption Program; this program allows guests adopt an Iguana prior their release and contribute to the survival of these wonderful species.
During the past 17 years, the Green Iguana Conservation Project has become one of the most endearing adventures in San Ignacio. The Project, located on-site, has been ranked as the Number 1 Activity in San Ignacio.
-from www.sanignaciobelize.com
Want to find an iguana in the wild while exploring a wonderful waterfall deep in the Belizean jungle? Then view my post Butterfly Falls | Mountain Pine Ridge Forest | Cayo District, Belize.
For more on travel photography, go to my post Travel Photography Tips and Planning.
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I am not a reptile fan, but those are some incredible animals! Amazing colors and patterns.
Thanks Laura. They DO have some awesome colors!