Flicker Bulletin # 47

Recent taxonomic work by Anguire-Santoro (2018) on the criticallyendangered ‘Old George’ bromeliadresulted in a scientific name changefrom Hohenbergia caymanensis toWittmackia caymanensis. In fact, allCaribbean species that fell under thegenus Hohenbergia were reclassified tothe genus Wittmackia. This taxonomicrevision also found that bromeliads inProvidencia, Colombia weremorphologically indistinguishable andgenetically very similar to thepopulation in Grand Cayman.

W. caymanensis (Old George) istherefore now considered endemic toboth islands. This does not undercut thespecies’ uniqueness, but underscoreswhat a remarkable plant it is to befound only in two small islandsseparated by hundreds of miles of sea.

The author highlights that this discoverydoes not change the conservationstatus of the species becauseProvidencia is a small island with rapidlygrowing tourism infrastructure, thereare only two isolated sub-populationsfound there, and the species does notoccur in any protected areas there. Thepopulation in Grand Cayman is alsothreatened by habitat loss because it isisolated in unprotected primary forestsin the George Town area. Conservationof this species as a whole will requirehabitat protection on both islands. Thespecies remains a conservation priorityfor the Department of Environment andis a Schedule I species under theNational Conservation Law (2013).

The Terrestrial Resources Unit (TRU)recently completed a populationassessment of the species. Oneconcerning discovery is the presence ofthe fly speck scale (Gymnaspisaechmeae) that was causing chlorosisdamage to the infested plants (seebelow). There is very limited researchon the impact of scale insects on wildbromeliad populations available onlinebut the fly speck scale is typicallyimported with ornamental bromeliadsand can be difficult to detect due to itssmall size (0.5 mm diameter). TRU plansto monitor infested plants to assess therisk posed by this scale. The results ofthe population assessment will beshared in upcoming Flicker articles.

Aguirre-Santoro, J., 2018. Taxonomic revision of the Caribbean-endemic species of Wittmackia

(Bromeliaceae). Phytotaxa, 336(2), pp.101-147.

A new threat to our bromeliad Old George is seen here: the invasive fly speck scale

(Gymnaspis eachmeae). Obvious chlorosis damage can be seen from the infestation.

Flicker Bulletin # 47 – APR / MAY 2020

A taxonomic change for Old GeorgeBy Vaughn Bodden

Dr. David Bass, professor and aquaticinvertebrate ecologist from theUniversity of Central Oklahoma hasbeen continuing his annual visits toGrand Cayman since 2010!

During the last decade, Dr. Bass hassampled over 100 sites across GrandCayman, compiling species lists andmaking inventories, but also makingnew discoveries. Below he summariseshis most recent paper describing a newspecies of shrimp to the CaymanIslands. It was found in 2016 by localresident Matthew Ebanks andinvestigated by Dr. Bass and TerrestrialResearch Officers Jessica Harvey andJane Haakonsson.

“A population of the freshwatercaridean shrimp, Macrobrachiumcarcinus, commonly known as the “big-claw river shrimp”, was discovered nearthe entrance of a small anchialine cavesouthwest of Bodden Town near BeachBay. Anchialine caves are surrounded byland, but have a subterraneanconnection to the sea, resulting infreshwater from rainfall near thesurface and denser marine water fromthe sea below. This particular cave inBodden Town is surrounded by a dryevergreen woodland growing from thejagged, weathered dolostone substrate,and the presence of a karst systembelow. The opening of the cave exists atthe bottom of a narrow crack in thesubstrate, measuring approximately 8 mlong, 1 m wide, and 7 m deep!

Top: Dr. David Bass fishing for freshwater invertebrates in Kary’s Pond at the Queen

Elizabeth II Botanic Park.

Below: the opening of the cave in Bodden Town where the big-claw river shrimp was

found at the bottom!

(Photos by Jane Haakonsson and David Bass)


An unexpected shrimp found on Grand Cayman

By David Bass, Department of Biology, University of Central Oklahoma

The first specimen of M. carcinus fromGrand Cayman, a juvenile female, wascollected on the 10th March 2016 byMatthew Ebanks. Four additionaljuvenile females were collected on the26th of May 2016 and three morejuveniles were captured the followingevening. Specimens were collectedusing a dip net during the daylight andleaving a baited minnow trapsubmerged near the cave entranceduring the overnight period. Watertemperature was measured to be 28◦C(82.4 ◦F) and salinity was determined tobe 10/00 during the May collections.

Besides being the first documentationof M. carcinus in the Cayman Islands,this population is noteworthy becausean anchialine cave is an unexpectedhabitat for this species. Most reports ofM. carcinus describe its habitat asfreshwater streams and ponds, wherethey often range from sea level toseveral hundred meters above sea level.However, M. carcinus has beencollected from similar anchialine caveenvironments in Costa Rica andJamaica.

We suspect this Grand Caymanpopulation became established by theirlarvae, which tolerate brackish waterconditions. They most likely movedinland from the sea throughsubterranean connections of the karstenvironment to the opening of BeachBay Cave where these specimens werecollected. This appears to have been thecase for a few other species ofMacrobrachium reported from caveenvironments. There is no evidencethese shrimps are reproducing in BeachBay Cave, due to the lack of adultsdocumented in these collections.However, because juveniles are present,it is possible M. carcinus may colonizethis and other similar caves, andreproductive populations mayeventually become established onGrand Cayman.

Interest in the biodiversity of anchialinecaves has increased in recent years asmore sites around the world areexplored and new species arediscovered. The fauna appears to bedominated by crustaceans with manyanchialine species showing high levelsof endemism and very limited ranges.Although no other crustacean specieshave been collected in Beach Bay Cave,it is possible they exist. The Caymancave isopod (Anopsilana crenata),Cayman cave amphipod (Bahadziacaymanensis), and possum shrimp(Stygiomysis) have been reported fromnearby anchialine caves on GrandCayman. Due to the porosity of theisland’s karst system, it is likelynumerous connections occur betweenthese caves which may serve ascorridors for colonization.”

This is the first specimen of the freshwater shrimp, Macrobrachium carcinus, from the

Cayman Islands. Usually inhabiting freshwater streams, this and others were found in a deep

cave crevice on Grand Cayman!


While the Blue Iguanas are elusive onGrand Cayman, Cayman’s otherendemic iguana species is more familiarto its human neighbours. The SisterIslands Rock Iguana (Cyclura nubilacaymanensis) is a sub-species of theCuban Iguana found only on CaymanBrac and Little Cayman. Similarly toother West Indian Rock Iguanas, theyare susceptible to pressures fromhabitat loss, road traffic fatalities andpredation by dogs and cats.

Where human activity pushed theGrand Cayman Blue Iguanas to the brinkof extinction, the Sister Islands RockIguanas have fared better given therelatively lower rate of development inthe Sister Islands. In certain areas, theremaining rock iguanas are known toget along famously with theirneighbours, even having moved inbeneath peoples houses!

The Sister Islands Rock Iguanas havebecome iconic, especially on LittleCayman where they have their ownwelcome notice by the airport andresorts becoming frequent visitorfavourites. As with many instanceswhere humans are in close proximity tofavoured wildlife, feeding starts tooccur to enhance the relationship andexperience of the wildlife. Feedingwildlife is a very divisive topic, withpeople falling on different sides of theargument regarding different species.So what are the facts, the pros and thecons? Is feeding your neighbourhoodiguana a good idea?


Disastrous Diners!

By Sophie O’Hehir

Many of us have happy childhoodmemories of interacting with wildanimals. Setting up bird feeders, visitinga duck pond or going to the StingraySandbar all provide a positiveexperience and establish a connectionwith wildlife. Maintaining a sense ofconnection between humans andwildlife is, in turn, an important themefor effective conservation. Where thereare early, peaceful and positiverelationships with wildlife, this isreflected in positive attitudes andtolerance for these animals, rather thanfear of them.

Given that Sister Islands Rock Iguanasare listed as endangered and thepopulation is vulnerable to persecution,it is important for the future of thespecies that they continue to be viewedas part of the community and are ableto live in harmony with people.However, when food comes into therelationship we have to be careful.

Feeding wildlife usually begins withgood intentions. However, a drive tointeract and even “help” in the shortterm may have long termconsequences. Physically, an iguana isnot built to process junk food. Cookiesand milk, macaroni and cheese, friesand many other items usually found onour dinner plates have all been fed torock iguanas. Given that iguanas havemostly vegetarian diets which areopportunistically supplemented withprotein, such feeding can cause majorlong-term health problems for thisiconic species.

Due to rock iguanas being territorial, itis often the same iguanas that are beingfed repeatedly which doesn’t help.

Examples of tourism attractions builtupon the feeding of rock iguanas aremany. On Little Cayman, Mahogany Bayused to be one such place whereartificial feeding took place, the Turksand Caicos have an island dedicated tothe feeding of their endemic rockiguanas and on certain cays in theBahamas, rock iguanas are fedsubstantially by tourists each year.Researchers found this has resulted inhigh cholesterol, high blood sugar anddiarrhoea in comparison to theircounterparts that are not fed.

Behaviourally, feeding also createsproblems. As rock iguanas areintelligent and display abilities to learn,once an iguana has been fed andhumans are repeatedly associated withfood, human presence can causeiguanas to come running from afar. Thismay seem interesting and gratifying atfirst, however, iguanas can becomemore aggressive over time and malesespecially become larger and moreabrasive. This can be disconcerting if,for example, there are small children inthe area or it can put unwantedattention towards those who do notwant it. Unfortunately, it is also to thedetriment of iguanas when accidentshappen or people are frightened. Rockiguanas are not dangerous animals solong as they are left alone and it isimperative for conservation successthat people do not give them a badreputation.

Occasionally iguanas are requested tobe removed from their territory, whichcan be unsuccessful as they are highlymobile and prefer their establishedhomes. There is no guarantee thatremoving an iguana prevents theirreturn or the harassment of people.

So, is there a solution that allows us toobserve our reptilian neighbourswithout any negative side effects fromdirect feeding? The safest way toencourage iguanas to be present is tocreate suitable habitat on your property.If there is sunlight and shade, naturallyoccurring plants and an absence ofpoisons or predators (cats and dogs), itis likely that an iguana would becomfortable visiting your garden. Thefollowing list of native plants arenotable favourites:

• Broadleaf (Cordia sebastina)

• Calalu (Amaranthus sp.)

• Chick weed (Chamaesyce hypericifolia)

• Broom weed (Sida stipulata)

• Match head (Lippia nodiflora)

• Pulsey / wild parsley (Portulaceolerace)

• Vervine (Stachytarpheta jamaicensis)

• Smoke wood (Erythroxylumareolatum)

• Wild fig (Ficus aurea)

• Cherry (Myrcianthes fragrans)

• Firebush (Hamelia cuprea)

For more ideas of what you can do tocreate a wildlife friendly garden, pleasecontact the Editor, page 2.


As part of the initiative to promote healthier iguanas and reduce potential conflicts between iguanas and humans, the Department of Environment is providing new signs to all resorts and tourist attractions on the Sister Islands. Look out for them and please

do encourage others to advocate for healthy and safe iguanas.

Logging your counts and sightings make sure you enter them as CWC entries.


The green iguana cull was pressingahead from the start of this year, andbarely missed a beat even through thelandfill fire in early March when theiguana counting station was only forcedto close for one working day.

However, the big surge of hatchlingsfrom last year has largely faded fromthe cull take, and the much reduceddaily cull numbers consist mainly ofadult iguanas now.

April and May are increasingly activemonths for the iguanas, and are seen asa key time to remove as many of thebreeding age green iguanas from theecosystem as possible. These are theindividuals that will otherwise breedand lay eggs this summer, setting us upfor another hatch late this year.

From that perspective, the timing of thecoronavirus epidemic threat isparticularly unfortunate. The culloperation had to be closed with thecommencement of the “Stay HomeCayman” soft curfew, and although thecull has been providing social andeconomic benefits in addition to itsprimary environmental purpose, it willnot be able to proceed until therestrictions on movement are lifted.This means we will be unable to limitthis year’s green iguana reproduction asaggressively as we hoped and planned.

The cull operation is poised to resumeas soon as it is safe to do so.

Green Iguana Project Update

Meanwhile, in international news, theDOE’s efforts to combat this highlyinvasive species is being shared withother island nations. DOE’s monitoringefforts began in 2014 which gives anunprecedented account of the greeniguana’s invasive potential on smallCaribbean Islands. Combined with theunparalleled control efforts (includinginitial pilot culls in 2016 and 2017), DOEis extremely well positioned to provideguidance and advice internationally,especially to Caribbean countries whoare still experiencing early invasions.

Upon invitation, TRU officer JaneHaakonsson provided assistance in theDominican Republic in 2019 as part of aworkshop aimed to control greeniguanas and preserve endemic rockiguanas. Likewise, the Turks and CaicosIguana Islands Partnership extended aninvitation for a workshop earlier thisyear where meetings were held with theGovernor and various ministers in orderto set up early response systems. PuertoRico, Martinique and Jamaica havereached out regarding monitoringtechniques and the University of Illinoisat Chicago has extended an invitationfor their UIC Ecology and EvolutionSeminar Series.

Recently, the Cayman green iguanastatistics were summarised in thepublication: “Monitoring, modeling andharvest management of non-nativeinvasive green iguanas on GrandCayman, Cayman Islands” which isavailable with open access.


https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10530-020-02233-5

Listed as Endangered, Burn Nose is atree-like shrub found on all threeCayman Islands as well as on Jamaica.

Restricted to areas containing good soil,this species was largely removed byselective clearing for agriculture. Today,the remaining plants are predominantlythreatened by development.

Burn Nose mostly has “shrub status”but does occur as small understorytrees occasionally. Sparsely distributed,it is largely found in remaining forestsand shrublands, sometimes even insecondary forest areas.

KNOW YOUR NATIVESBurn Nose (Daphnopsis occidentalis)

It can be recognised by its distinctive,clustered and slightly yellow flower-heads as well as its leaves which arecovered in tiny appressed hairs. D.occidentalis has a close relative alsofound in Grand Cayman: Daphnopsisamericana. This latter species, however,grows into a much taller canopy tree.

The main conservation threats aredevelopment and degradation of keyhabitat, thus habitat protection iscrucial for this near-endemic plant. It iswell suited for landscaping and makes agreat addition to any garden withfragrant flowers in the fall.

Burn Nose (Daphnopsis occidentalis) single fruit (left), tiny hairs seen on leaves (middle) and cluster of fruits (right). Photos by the virtual herbarium at the QEIIBP.


http://www.caymanflora.org/QEIIflora/indi/d/daphnop_occi.html

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Flicker Bulletin # 47