Blue Iguana - National of the Cayman Islands, slaughtered

I had never heard of the Blue Iguana before today when I was reading a National Geographic article about them.

The Blue Iguana is a critically endangered species and is one of the longest lived species of lizard (possibly living up to 69 years). In 2003 there were only 15 Blue Iguana left in the wild. Fortunately, there are those working desparately to preserve this beautiful iguana.

From Wikipedia: Since 2004, 219 captive-bred animals have been released into a preserve on Grand Cayman run by a partnership headed by the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, in an attempt to save the species. Some success with naturally laid eggs has been reported in the wild. At least five non-profit organizations are working with the government of the Cayman Islands to ensure the survival of the Blue Iguana.

This species is struggling to survive and someone senselessly butchered six of them in a nature preserve on Grand Cayman last weekend. It is beyond me why anyone would do such a thing. Capture them to sell as pets, eat them for food...those things I could at least sort of understand though I would not condone. But just to kill them....I hope the investigation turns up the culprit.