Rhinoceros Iguana

(Cyclura cornuta cornuta)

IUCN Red List ranking: Vulnerable

One of two species of rock iguanas on the Caribbean island of Hispaniola, rhino iguanas are easily recognized by the horn-like upturned conical scales atop the snout giving rise to their common name.  Adults also typically have two prominent fat pads crowning the head and huge sagging jaw muscles that give them their characteristic appearance. This species is believed to still be widely distributed throughout Hispaniola, though their range is fragmented (relative to pre-human times) and associated with dry regions of low human population density.  Their status is Haiti is unknown where they are heavily hunted and from which large numbers were exported for the pet trade prior to their protection in the early 1980s.  Rhino iguanas are now commonly bred in captivity by both zoos and private hobbyists, and are seen widely in the pet trade.  Compared to the sympatric Ricord's iguana, this species is an ecological generalist and hence more adaptable. Threats include loss of tropical dry forest habitat due to extraction of hardwoods for fuel and charcoal production, predation by feral dogs, cats, mongoose and pigs, and illegal hunting for food.  This is a large iguana with a body length of 20 to 22 inches (510 - 560 mm). 

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