Exuma Islands Iguana

(Cyclura cychlura figginsi)

IUCN Red List ranking: Vulnerable, upgrade to Endangered recommended

Known from seven small cays scattered throughout the Exuma Island chain of the Bahamas, this colorful iguana can grow to a large size if the food resources are available.  A particularly large individual was measured from a recently discovered population with a body length of 21.5 inches (542mm) and weighing 8.1 kg.  While the majority of the subpopulations appear relatively stable, others are in need of monitoring due to noted declines.  Population numbers are difficult to ascertain, but are estimated at 1500 individuals. Threats include hunting for food, predation by dogs and poaching for the illegal wildlife trade.  In addition, some of the islands inhabited by these iguanas are privately owned and for sale. Development of small islands can have devastating effects on small iguana populations, and some of these islands should be established as protected national parks.

For more detailed species information, please refer to the IUCN-ISG Taxonomic Account for Exuma Island Iguana, Cyclura cychlura figginsi