Leapin' Lizards

 By Kathy
Actual Date: February 28, 2018

The Bahamian Rock Iguana

Just north of Highborne Cay is Allen Cay which is home to a subspecies of the rock iguanas. These particular iguanas are one of the most endangered species in the world. When I say Allen Cay is home to these iguanas it really means they are the only ones living there. They draw a fair amount of attention from the tour boats so we waited a until they left to go see these creatures. These guys were really amazing to look at up close. They have been here for many many years. The adult iguanas have no natural predator but the small ones can be eaten by birds or snakes. They lived pretty peacefully until the arrival of the Europeans when they brought animals such as dogs, cats, goats, and hogs that preyed on the iguanas. 

Excited to go see some iguanas!

They are waiting for us!

We did decided to feed these guys but we were careful to only bring these herbivores fruits and vegetables.  To feed them we used a stick to limit the amount of sand on the food. They were pretty fun to feed. Some were shy and some were pretty bold. A few even jumped up for the food.

After feeding them the kids played in the water and found the remains of a small boat just off the shore.

Here they come!

They are really amazing creatures. 

I am really not going to get very close. 

Sam found one that would jump. 

A captain and his dinghy waiting patiently!

The boys found the sunken boat. 

Emma looking sporty in the Exumas!

Now everyone is on the sunken boat.