The iguanas are reproducing -- hatchlings (this year's young) and 2-year-olds are now regularly seen! During our explorations of the Long Cay in November, we observed four to five 2-year-olds (200g range); we captured and PIT tagged one (190g). Several hatchlings were seen as well; one was caught, PIT tagged, and released (15g).

We are really thrilled that the 2-year-old age class is so evident. On islands with cats, this age group is rarely if ever seen.

Two pairs of resident fish eagles, or ospreys, have been watching our progress since we first stepped on Long Cay. One pair nests on the island and another pair forages around it. 

On Big Ambergris Cay we have watched as osprey dived from the sky to grab medium size iguanas in their talons.  We suspect they prey on them in a limited way on Long Cay as well.  Their primary food, however, is fish as evidenced by the bones around their nests.   The juvenile iguana population on Long Cay continues to expand in spite of any predation impact by this native bird.

Long Cay currently remains completely free of cats and the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources is committed to seeing that it remains that way. They are purchasing a number of live traps, which will be critical equipment if any cats are brought to the Long Cay in the future.

Cats are predominantly nocturnal or crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk) and will usually be hidden during the day. Traps tend to be the most effective method for cat control as they operate 24 hours a day. Amber Thomas also carries a pellet gun when she visits the cay during the day in case a cat is spotted.