 Restored sub @-@ populations are already present in two non @-@ contiguous areas — the Salina Reserve and the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park . Habitat protection is still vital , as the Salina Reserve has only 88 acres ( 360 @,@ 000 m2 ) of dry shrubland , which is not enough to sustain the 1 @,@ 000 blue iguanas that must be restored to the wild to remove this species from the Critically Endangered List . Additional separate sub @-@ populations will be restored in one or more other areas . The overall captive population is likely to remain genetically fragmented in the long term . Individuals will be translocated between sub @-@ populations to maintain gene flow so that the entire population remains a single genetic management unit . When the wild sub @-@ populations have reached the carrying capacity of their respective protected areas , release of head @-@ started animals will be phased out , and they will be left to reproduce naturally . In addition , guided by research and monitoring , control or eradication of non @-@ native predators will be implemented to the degree necessary to allow young blue iguanas to survive to maturity in sufficient numbers to maintain these sub @-@ populations . 
