On Tuesday June 7th EPIC and Nature Foundation removed a number of Iguanas from the demolition site of the old Mullet Bay resort. During previous days both Foundations received various calls from concerned citizens informing staff that large numbers of iguanas were being caught and sold by workers on the site. It was therefore decided to capture and relocate the iguanas to a more suitable area. Iguanas are protected under International and Local legislation, including under Appendix II of CITES, under Appendix III of the SPAW Protocol and under Section IV article 16 and 17 of the St. Maarten Nature Conservation Ordinance. Harming, killing, buying or selling them is an illegal act and punishable by law.
On Wednesday June 8th both Foundations were once again alerted by members of the community regarding workers at the construction site capturing iguanas either for sale or food consumption. Three iguanas were found tied up and hidden away in a storage shed. Workers at the site were made aware of the protected status of iguanas on St. Maarten and the Iguanas were released at a safe location. EPIC and the Nature Foundation will continue with their relocation activities and have launched a comprehensive Iguana relocation project for the Iguanas at Mullet Bay. Volunteers interested in assisting EPIC and Nature Foundation with this project are requested to email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and provide their name and telephone number. Iguana capture and relocation will most likely take place on Saturday mornings.