In 2024, the first IguanaThon™ event was held, bringing state managers and the community together to search for this species. Four more were found, and the known range extended farther north. The event has grown into a celebration of desert wildlife, bringing multiple universities and people together. If you’re interested in getting caught up on information from this year’s survey, getting updates for upcoming events and presentations, or ordering a t-shirt to fund next year’s event, please sign up on our mailing list.
THANK YOU IguanaThon 2026 Participants
IguanaThon™ is an annual event that brings scientists, wildlife managers, and the community together to assess a rare species in southern Utah. (Photo by Keaton Wood)
History of IguanaThon™
In 2023, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources was relisting the desert iguana (Dipsosaurus dorsalis) as locally extirpated, meaning that it no longer occurs in the State of Utah. Dr. Geoffrey Smith of Utah Tech and Dr. Megen Kepas (then State Herpetologist and now a professor at Utah Tech) coordinated a field trip with Utah Tech students, Dr. Randy Klabacka (then Utah Tech and now Brigham Young University), and Nathan Kelly (community member and Utah Tech alumni), in which they located Dipsosaurus dorsalis in Utah.
Intro to IguanaThon
IguanaThon Artists
Summer Ward
Summer Ward is a Southern Utah based artist and art educator. She teaches community art classes, sells original work, and accepts commissions. Her practice is driven by a deep passion for animal conservation and a belief in the power of art and science working together to educate and inspire. Summer has exhibited work in galleries since 2018. Her favorite mediums to work with include watercolor, embroidery, digital art, and photography.
Paulina Klabacka
Paulina Klabacka is a freelance graphic designer based in Utah County, specializing in on-trend logos, advertisements, and event materials for businesses and community events. Her portfolio includes business cards, flyers, pamphlets, invitations, and complete event branding, including the IguanaThon logo, which was inspired by her love of hiking, mountain biking, and the unique wildlife of the American Southwest. Outside of design, Paulina spends her time on the trails, drawing creative inspiration from the landscapes and the unique animals she encounters along the way.
E. Lewis
E. Lewis is a geology major at Utah Tech University and is set to graduate in the fall of 2026. Having grown up in southwest Utah, they have an understanding of native wildlife and our fragile ecosystem. They have a fascination with all things reptiles and art, and hope to bring the two together.