Hi all,
I believe there is some confusion about the relationships between organizations such as IIF and IRCF. I contacted John for qualification and you'll find below his response.
des
des@ircf.org
http://desircf.blogspot.com
http://www.IRCF.org
Be a part of the solution; join the IRCF!
******
Dear Dominick and Iguana Center Readers,
I’d just like to clarify a few iguana acronyms and the relationships between the organizations they signify. The International Reptile Conservation Foundation (IRCF), the International Iguana Foundation (IIF), and the Iguana Specialist Group (ISG) are all separate organizations, all working together towards the conservation of iguanas, but each contributing a unique set of talents and resources to that end. What may be somewhat confusing is the fact that I happen to be a member of all three groups. While the IIF website was designed by the IRCF as part of my membership obligation to that organization, the IIF and IRCF are totally independent organizations from one another.
The Blue Iguana Recovery Program: The IRCF is in partnership with the Blue program (heavily involved), but we are not responsible for its creation. The Blue Iguana Recovery Program is a program of the National Trust for the Cayman Islands. Fred Burton is the champion of the effort and the reason for its success. The Blue Iguana Recovery Program was the result of the Iguana Specialist Group (ISG) species recovery plan (SRP) workshop in 2001. There are a number of partners in the program: Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, IRCF, IIF, Department of Environment for the Cayman Islands and the ISG.
IRCF Blue Iguana efforts: The IRCF independently spearheaded the original Team Blue effort by assembling a team of volunteers to help refurbish the Blue Iguana facility and build over 100 new cages. Since that time the IRCF has independently assisted in finding volunteers for other Team Blue efforts and independently helped hands-on in disaster recovery after Hurricane Ivan. The IRCF hosts and manages the Blue Iguana website; publishes the newsletter Blue Iguana Tails, creates product and brochures, and offers daily program support. The IRCF participated recently in the 2nd Blue Iguana Recovery Program workshop for the next five-year plan. But it should be realized all partners, locals companies, local and international volunteers and other aid - all participate in making the program a success. The IRCF is only part of the solution. For more information about IRCF participation and the participation of others, visit
www.BlueIguana.ky and read the archive of newsletters.
The World Conservation Union (IUCN) - Species Survival Commission (SSC) - Iguana Specialist Group (ISG) is an advisory group specializing in iguanas. Membership is by invitation only and is made up of individuals from around the world - regardless of affiliation. As it happens, members from both the IIF and IRCF are members of the ISG. (See
www.IUCN.org and
www.IUCN-ISG.org)
Although there is some overlap in iguana conversation focus, the IRCF has a broader scope in that it promotes the conservation of all reptile species; it offers membership for those interested in learning more about reptiles, endangered species and assisting in those efforts. It also publishes a quarterly journal that encompasses iguanas as well as other reptile features, articles, and news briefs. (For Adam: we recently published a travelogue about the Tuatara! Haven’t done Seals but supported the effort to stop dolphins from being exploited in Grand Cayman... and we expect to publish other features on our own endemic species in the near future.
The IIF does not offer membership, does not publish a journal and it’s board of directors are mainly comprised of prominent U.S. Zoo representatives (see
http://www.iguanafoundation.org/arti...p?articleID=12). While visiting the IIF site, read about the Truck for Anegada found on the main page to help understand how the two organizations work together.
The IRCF is grassroots, has a diverse membership, and is non-institutional based (see
www.IRCF.org).
Regardless of who received the donation, I’m happy Adam is making a contribution towards the iguanas - hats off to him!
If by chance he has a bit of spare change left over, I’d be honored to have him as a member, since we need all the help we can muster.
Hope this helps clear things up...
John
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