Ep 47 Luke Harding on the importance of reptile welfare, cooperation in conservation and Blue Iguana (Cyclura lewisi) conservation

Luke Harding is the Blue Iguana Conservation Programme Manager at the National Trust for the Cayman Islands. He is a conservation biologist with over 14 years of experience in the conservation sector. 

Luke shares with us how his family and early life experiences kindled his particular interest in the conservation breeding and captive management of amphibians and reptiles. Critically, he references his BTEC at Sparsholt College Hampshire as key in kindling his passion for animals.  Furthermore, he participated in a two-week work experience at Chester Zoo which increased his passion for Herpetology.  

Luke went on to get a degree in Zoology / Animal Biology at Nottingham Trent University, which he completed whilst working in the industry to gain more experience. In doing so, Luke has worked within some of the some of the largest zoos in the UK and gained extensive in situ field experience with flag ship species such as the Mountain Chicken Frog (Leptodactylus fallax) and Golden Mantella Frog (Mantella aurantiaca).  

Luke highlights that in situ research shows “the more we think we know, the less we turn out we know”. This indicates the importance of evidence-based husbandry in captive environments, to promote a high standard of welfare for the animals. Similarly, for critically endangered species, ex situ research can inform in situ conservation strategies as most knowledge comes from animals in human care. Luke noted the Mountain Chicken Frog as a key example. As such, Luke and Sabrina discuss the importance of collaboration. 

Luke introduces us to his current work managing the conservation of the Grand Cayman Blue Iguana (Cyclura lewisi). He highlights how the Blue Iguana can be used as a symbol of conservation optimism, as the species went from less than 25 to over 1000 in 19 years. He does however emphasise that breeding is not a quick fix, and the threats need to be addressed. This requires cooperation with the locals, here Luke introduces various educational efforts and activities people engage in, and why an appreciation for the native species is important. 

Luke reveals the newly constructed Blue Iguana facility, and how evidence-based practice strongly influenced its design, and in turn how the ‘wild’ environment design has affected the enclosed Blue Iguana’s welfare across a 24/7 period. He also describes how the keeper’s workday addresses this 24/7 concept. 

Luke also addresses how individual personalities can be used in Blue Iguana conservation strategies, such as to determine individual release suitability and mating compatibility. 

Luke concludes by saying, find those moments that make it all worthwhile, as that will help maintain passion and enthusiasm when times are hard.  

Learn about the Blue Iguana Conservation programme and how you can get involved HERE 

Learn more about the Blue Iguana Garden scheme HERE 

Learn more about the 24/7 approach HERE 

Listen on your favourite player or directly HERE

Become a member of PAWS now HERE