A “Love Island” project for lizards swaps human beings for lizards. A conservation project called “Love Island for Lizards,” has aided in rescuing and protecting the critically endangered Lesser Antillean iguana.
Love Island for lizards is helping save endangered reptile species
A “Love Island” project aimed at rescuing the critically endangered Lesser Antillean iguana. The project has been seemingly successful, with a new population of these lizard species now thriving on a small island off the coast of Anguilla. (via Dexerto).
For those unversed, Love Island is a popular British dating reality show that revolves around a group of contestants known as the Islanders. These Islanders live in an isolated villa, cut off from the rest of the world under constant surveillance. Their every move is tracked by cameras.
However, these Islanders must pair up with one another and form a genuine bond to win the prize money. Contestants can switch partners and pair up with anyone they choose.
For those unversed, the Lesser Antillean iguana is one of the most vulnerable reptiles in the Caribbean. There are fewer than 20,000 adults left worldwide. Once upon a time, these lizard species were spread across the Lesser Antilles. However, over the years, they have rapidly disappeared due to habitat loss, threats from predators, and competition from non-native iguanas.
To protect these lizard species, conservationists from the Anguilla National Trust relocated 23 iguanas to Prickly Pear East. Notably, it is an uninhabited island where these iguanas can thrive. Once the small-scale experiment became successful, the conservationists partnered with Dominica’s Forestry, Wildlife, and Parks Division to relocate additional iguanas.
New survey results show that more than 300 adult and adolescent iguanas are thriving on Prickly Pear East. It is one of the few locations where iguanas are able to live in peace without fear of predatory attacks.
Anguilla residents have also shown their support and encouragement in relocating the iguanas and helping the endangered species thrive. Conservationists have launched a second installment—a new island home for the iguanas at Fountain National Park on mainland Anguilla.
There are plans to introduce Lesser Antillean iguanas in 2026 and allow them to thrive in a safe, predator-free environment.
