Conservation Strategies for West Indian Rock Iguanas (Genus Cyclura)

Current Efforts and Future Directions

Authors

  • Allison C. Alberts Applied Conservation Division, Zoological Society of San Diego

Keywords:

Cyclura, Rock Iguana, Conservation, West Indies, Introduced Species, Habitat Destruction

Abstract

As a result of habitat loss and the negative impact of introduced mammalian predators and competitors, West Indian Rock Iguanas (genus Cyclura) are among the most endangered lizards in the world. Because they are important seed dispersers for native plants, their loss has serious ecological consequences for dry tropical forest and scrub habitats. Six of the nine species of Rock Iguanas are considered critically endangered by the IUCN (the World Conservation Union), with C. collei and C. pinguis numbering only a few hundred individuals in the wild and C. lewisi fewer than 25 individuals. Conservation recommendations include further research to better understand population dynamics and ecological requirements, establishment of new protected areas and stronger enforcement within existing ones, control programs for introduced species, captive breeding and headstarting where appropriate, and public education at the local, national, and international levels.

Black Page with golden brown text reading Iguana. Color Photo depicts a San Salvador Rock Iguana resting on a rock. It has magnificent patterns of orange, blue, green, and yellow on its scales.

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Published

2004-12-01

Issue

Vol. 11 No. 4 (2004): Iguana

Section

Feature Article

How to Cite

Alberts, A. C. (2004). Conservation Strategies for West Indian Rock Iguanas (Genus Cyclura): Current Efforts and Future Directions. Iguana, 11(4), 212-223. https://journals.ku.edu/iguana/article/view/17151