Threats to Northern Bahamian Rock Iguanas

Questions and Answers

What is the new threat faced by the Northern Bahamian rock iguanas?

Adoring tourists offering grapes

According to the research published in the Journal of Experimental Biology, what effect do grapes from tourists have on the blood glucose levels of the iguanas?

They are unable to regulate their blood glucose levels

Which subspecies of the rock iguana were studied in the research?

Allen Cays rock iguana and Exuma rock iguana

What is the recommendation made by researchers regarding feeding iguanas?

Feeding them grapes instead of bread, skewered on a stick Signup and view all the answers

Why do endangered iguanas 'rush the beach' when tourist boats approach?

To get grapes offered by tourists Signup and view all the answers

What impacts does human ecotourism have on iguanas, according to the text?

Stress, elevated stress hormone levels, weakened immune systems, sugary diet, gastrointestinal problems, difficulty regulating blood glucose levels Signup and view all the answers

How does the mere sound of a boat engine affect the behavior of iguanas?

Draws them to shore Signup and view all the answers

What did the glucose tolerance test reveal about the iguanas fed a glucose-rich diet?

Higher peak blood sugar and longer time to return to baseline Signup and view all the answers

What do the researchers attribute to the tourist-fed iguanas having the largest and longest-lasting spike in blood sugar?

Lifetime of sugary snacks Signup and view all the answers

What do French and Knapp hope ongoing studies will help develop?

A management plan sustainable for both iguanas and the tourism industry Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Impact of Ecotourism on Iguanas

Northern Bahamian rock iguanas (Cyclura cychlura) are listed as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List.
Feeding grapes to iguanas by tourists is a new threat to their survival, as it affects their ability to regulate blood glucose levels.

Effects of Tourist Feeding on Iguana Metabolism

Iguanas fed grapes by tourists have higher peak blood sugar and take longer to return to baseline levels, indicating they are less able to regulate their blood glucose levels.
This is likely due to a lifetime of sugary snacks, which affects their metabolic response to glucose.

Study Methods

Researchers fed green iguanas a glucose-rich diet for 17 days and then measured their blood sugar levels during a glucose tolerance test.
The test involved giving the lizards a high dose of glucose and taking blood samples.

Comparison to Diabetes

While the effects of tourist feeding on iguana metabolism are similar to those of diabetes, comparisons to diabetes are premature and require further research.

Conservation Implications

The study highlights the need for sustainable tourism practices that minimize the impact of feeding on iguana populations.
Researchers hope to develop a management plan that balances conservation of iguanas with the needs of the tourism industry.