Iguanas: Biology and Conservation / Edition 1

by Allison C. Alberts, Ronald L. Carter, William K. Hayes, Emilia P. Martins

Overview

In what is certain to be the key reference on iguanas for years to come, some of the world's leading experts offer a clear and accessible account of the latest research on the evolution, behavioral ecology, and conservation of these highly visible and increasingly endangered creatures, much loved by professional herpetologists and hobbyists alike.

The book begins with an introduction by noted iguana biologist Dr. Gordon Burghardt that examines the state of iguana research—past, present, and future—with an emphasis on social behavior. Three major sections follow, each opening with a synthesis by the volume editors, who survey the current status and likely future direction of investigations in the pertinent area. The first section focuses on different aspects of the taxonomic and morphological diversity of iguanas and includes a complete checklist of species. In the second section, contributors address the behavior and ecology of iguanas and provide compelling evidence that both may be far more complex than previously appreciated. The third and final section, highlighting the threats facing iguana populations today, describes the broad array of innovative conservation strategies that will be needed to help ensure their survival.

Illustrated throughout with photographs, distribution maps, tables, and figures, this volume will be the definitive resource for anyone—professional or curious amateur—interested in iguanas.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780520238541
Publisher:	University of California Press
Publication date:	03/03/2004
Edition description:	First Edition
Pages:	372
Product dimensions:	7.30(w) x 10.10(h) x 1.20(d)

About the Author

Allison C. Alberts is Head of Applied Conservation at the Zoological Society of San Diego and the editor of West Indian Iguanas: Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan (2000). Ronald L. Carter is Professor of Biology at Loma Linda University. William K. Hayes is Associate Professor of Biology at Loma Linda University. Emília P. Martins is Associate Professor of Biology and Director of the Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior at Indiana University.

Table of Contents

List of Figures
List of Tables
Preface

1. Iguana Research: Looking Back and Looking Forward—Gordon M. Burghardt

PART I. DIVERSITY
Introduction—Ronald L. Carter and William K. Hayes
2. The Evolution Of Iguanas: An Overview of Relationships and a Checklist of Species—Bradford D. Hollingsworth
3. Genetic Contributions to Caribbean Iguana Conservation—Catherine L. Malone and Scott K. Davis
4. The Genetic Structure of the Turks and Caicos Rock Iguana and Its Implications for Species Conservation—Mark E. Welch, Glenn P. Gerber, and Scott K. Davis
5.Tracing the Evolution of the Galápagos Iguanas: A Molecular Approach—Kornelia Rassmann, Melanie Markmann, Fritz Trillmich, and Diethard Tautz
6. Sodium and Potassium Secretion by Iguana Salt Glands: Acclimation or Adaptation?—Lisa C. Hazard

PART II. BEHAVIOR AND ECOLOGY
Introduction—Emília P. Martins
7. Behavior and Ecology of Rock Iguanas, I: Evidence for an Appeasement Display—Emília P. Martins and Kathryn E. Lacy
8 . Behavior and Ecology of Rock Iguanas, II: Population Differences—Ahrash N. Bissell and Emília P. Martins
9. Sexually Dimorphic Antipredator Behavior in Juvenile Green Iguanas: Kin Selection in the Form of Fraternal Care?—Jesús A. Rivas and Luis E. Levín
10. Determinants of Lek Mating Success in Male Galápagos Marine Iguanas: Behavior, Body Size, Condition, Ornamentation, Ectoparasite Load, and Female Choice—William K. Hayes, Ronald L. Carter, Martin Wikelski, and Jeffrey A. Sonnentag
11. Environmental Scaling of Body Size in Island Populations of Galápagos Marine Iguanas—Martin Wikelski and Chris Carbone
12. Environmental Influences on Body Size of Two Species of Herbivorous Desert Lizards—Christopher R. Tracy
13. Factors Affecting Long-Term Growth of the Allen Cays Rock Iguana in the Bahamas—John B. Iverson, Geoffrey R. Smith, and Lynne Pieper

PART III. CONSERVATION
Introduction—Allison C. Alberts
14. Translocation Strategies as a Conservation Tool for West Indian Iguanas: Evaluations and Recommendations—Charles R. Knapp and Richard D. Hudson
15. Testing the Utility of Headstarting as a Conservation Strategy for West Indian Iguanas—Allison C. Alberts, Jeffrey M. Lemm, Tandora D. Grant, and Lori A. Jackintell
16. Survival and Reproduction of Repatriated Jamaican Iguanas: Headstarting as a Viable Conservation Strategy—Byron S. Wilson, Allison C. Alberts, Karen S. Graham, Richard D. Hudson, Rhema Kerr Bjorkland, Delano S. Lewis, Nancy P. Lung, Richard Nelson, Nadin Thompson, John L. Kunna, and Peter Vogel
17. Conservation of an Endangered Bahamian Rock Iguana, I: Population Assessments, Habitat Restoration, and Behavioral Ecology—William K. Hayes, Ronald L. Carter, Samuel Cyril, Jr., and Benjamin Thornton
18. Conservation of an Endangered Bahamian Rock Iguana, II: Morphological Variation and Conservation Priorities—Ronald L. Carter and William K. Hayes
19. The Role of Zoos in the Conservation of West Indian Iguana—Richard D. Hudson and Allison C. Alberts
20. Ecotourism and Its Potential Impacts on Iguana Conservation in the Carribbean—Charles R. Knapp

List of Contributors
Literature Cited
Index