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US-ZOO-IGUANA
The most rare species of iguana on earth may soon increase its numbers by four. Two of four Grand Cayman blue iguana eggs have hatched at the San Diego Zoo?s Institute for Conservation Research, as pictured on September 1, 2009. The other two eggs are expected to hatch soon. The Zoo?s Institute for Conservation Research is one of several conservation organizations working with the Blue Iguana Recovery Program in Grand Cayman to increase the population of this rare lizard, the largest land animal native to the Cayman Islands. The reptile had been driven to the brink of extinction due to habitat destruction and predators including human-introduced free-roaming dogs and feral cats. In 2002, researchers believe there were less than 20 left in their native habitat. Now, due to successful breeding and repopulation programs, there are 250. This is the third successful hatching of the Grand Cayman blue iguana at the San Diego Zoo?s Institute for Conservation Research. The iguanas develop their blue coloring as they mature. The hatching iguanas break through their leathery eggs with a tiny ?egg tooth? on the tip of their jaw. The process of getting out of the egg can take more than 12 hours as the hatchlings uncurl themselves out of the egg, then lie exhausted by the effort. Each hatchling has remains of their egg?s yolk inside their abdomen, and can live off it for a week before needing to eat or drink. AFP PHOTO / San Diego Zoo / Ken BOHN == RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE / NO SALES ==
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Detalii fotografie |
| Loc: |
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San Diego, 863, UNITED STATES |
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| Sursa: |
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AFP / Mediafax Foto |
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| Fotograf: |
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Ken Bohn |
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| Data: |
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1 Septembrie 2009 |
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| Dimensiuni: |
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1800 x 1200 (565.22 KB) |
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