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Monday, 26 April 2010 15:09

Roatan's endemic Iguana

Written by  Stesha Pasachnik
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I just recently completed my PhD at the University of Tennessee where I focused on four iguana species that are endemic to Honduras and Guatemala. I used a variety of genetic techniques to address conservation issues surrounding these species. During this time I also started a lot of side projects that did not necessarily haveĀ  genetic component, but that were conservation based. Having a feeling that my work was not yet complete I wrote a bunch of grants to continue my research on Roatan, focusing on the island's endemic iguana. My goal is to merge basic information gathered through my research into an outreach and education program that will be long lasting. This species is found no where else in the world and is threatened in many ways. In addition this species plays an important role in the island's ecosystem so if it where to go extinct many species that depend on it would also find themselves in trouble. I will be working closely with the Bay Islands Foundation and a few other local organizations that I have made contact with. I am very eager to let everyone know about this project and bring as many people and organizations on board as possible. Please let me know what you think and if you are interested in being involved.

Last modified on Monday, 26 April 2010 15:20
Stesha Pasachnik

Stesha Pasachnik


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3 comments

  • Comment Link calvin crane Thursday, 14 October 2010 10:32 posted by calvin crane

    I'm not sure if they were black like that perhaps I was talking of a similar lizard.

  • Comment Link Stesha Pasachnik Tuesday, 04 May 2010 14:38 posted by Stesha Pasachnik

    I just updated my website to incorporate this iguana project. Please take a look and let me know what you think.

    http://www.herpetology.us/pasachnik/Research_Site/Post_Doc.html

    Cheers,
    Stesha

  • Comment Link calvin crane Thursday, 29 April 2010 02:55 posted by calvin crane

    This is a fantastic project Stesha and I look forward to following this blog as it happens. I have seen first hand these Iguanas and I would be very upset if they one day became extinct. Roatan and the Bay Islands is a fantastic place and these little creatures help to keep it unique in its own way.

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