Ricord's Iguana

(Cyclura ricordii)

IUCN Red List ranking: Critically Endangered

One of two rock iguana species on the large island of Hispaniola, the Ricord's iguana is restricted to a very limited range in the southwest of the Dominican Republic (DR).  The population is divided into two isolated ranges, including two protected areas, Isla Cabritos in Lago Enriquollo and Parque Nacional Jaragua. The range of this iguana has contracted significantly in recent times, and has not fared well in the face of feral predators and habitat degradation including conversion of their habitat for agriculture and pasture.  They inhabit dry scrubland with sandy and earthen soils in which they excavate burrows for retreats.  Adults are primarily terrestrial, often living in high densities, whereas juveniles tend to occupy arboreal retreats.  The extent and impact of hunting and rapping of iguanas by local people is another threat that needs further investigation.    What is clear is that the Ricord's iguana has disappeared from vast tracks of its former range that may signify a more specialized lifestyle and inability to adapt to disturbed areas.  The rate of decline is particularly disturbing.  As so little is actually know about Ricord's iguanas in the wild, current conservation measures include habitat assessments and population surveys to gain a clearer understanding of the nature of the various threats and how to mitigate them.  Educational efforts aimed at local schoolteachers and developing a curriculum using the Ricord's iguana as the focus are planned. Expansion of the protected areas within the iguana's range has been recommended.   

For more detailed species information, please refer to the IUCN-ISG Taxonomic Account for Ricord's Iguana, Cyclura ricordii