We left Big Major Cay on Jan. 2 , it was only about a 6 mile sail to get to Bitter Iguana, once there we relaxed for the day and made some pasta salad for dinner. still no fish or lobster… Today we decided to explore the island Bitter guana.
A fascinating history of Iguana Island in the Bahamas
Bitter Guana Cay has an extremely long history. As stated, these iguanas date back three million years ago. Though it was more recently made an island by the Earth’s shifting plates, modern day Bitter Guana Cay remains the same place as it always was.
The iguana population on Bitter Guana Cay has been on a steady decline for the past sixty years and now they are in danger of becoming extinct. It is estimated less than 5,000 of them remain. As is often the case, humans pose as the biggest threat to their existence. Illegal hunting in the Caribbean for human consumption is a big problem the Bahamian Rock Iguanas are facing
Although protection measures have been taken on the island, it is unlikely they will survive the steep decline at which their population is falling. Which means visitors better come to Bitter Guana Cay as soon as they can if they are interested in spotting these unique creatures
Useful Information about the Bahamian Rock Iguanas
In the early summer, female Bahamian Rock Iguanas will lay around a dozen eggs in shallow sand. These eggs are leathery in texture and must be left alone if found. They sit under the warm sand for three months before they hatch and crawl their way to the surface.
As previously stated, the iguanas are indiginous to the island and not found anywhere else on the planet. Scientists have come from far and wide to study this species and the three subspecies. This is because they are said to have features accurately representing their dinosaur ancestors.
These animals will not mind you but if they are probed or threatened, they may lash out. They are not dangerous animals, but remember as domesticated as they are, they are still wild animals and should be approached and fed with caution.
After exploring we decided to sail back above Staniel cay for some westerly wind protection. a weak front will be moving in and there is very little protection from a west wind, however we are in one of the few places that do provide it, as long as you can put up with a little ocean swell. Thursday we hit the Liqourmat, to drink and do laundry, then Friday we are off again, somewhere??