Cuban Iguana

(Cyclura nubila nubila)

IUCN Red List ranking: Vulnerable

Well-distributed throughout Cuba, primarily in dry coastal areas, Cuban iguanas still number in the tens of thousands.  However, secure populations are found only on some islets along the north and south coasts and in isolated protected areas on the mainland.  Populations have declined dramatically on the mainland.  Habitat alteration and human disturbance represent the major threats as coastal areas with sandy beaches are progressively developed for tourist resorts. Feral domestic animals also take a heavy toll as dogs predate both adults and juveniles, cats hunt juveniles and pigs dig up eggs.  A population introduced to Isla Magueyes in Puerto Rico has become well established, and a robust population thrives on the U.S. Naval Air Base at Guantanamo Bay where they are treated well by the local residents. The Cuban iguana is well established in captivity, both in public and private collections.  This is a large species with a body length of 18 to 20.5 inches (460 - 520 mm).

For more detailed species information, please refer to the IUCN-ISG Taxonomic Account for Cuban Iguana, Cyclura nubila nubila