Cyclura cychlura cychlura

Andros
Rock Iguana

Stats

IUCN Status: Endangered
Range: Andros Island, The Bahamas
Population: Approximately 3,800
Size: Males, up to 4.5 feet, head to tail, 19.8 pounds. Females, 22.5 inches, snout to vent length, 3.7 feet, head to tail.
Threats: Feral Pigs, feral/free roaming dogs, hunting, and habitat loss.
TheBahamas

Species Information

  • The Andros Rock Iguana is a large dark colored species that may be decorated with yellow, orange, or reddish scales, especially among mature males.
  • This iguana is restricted to three large islands in The Bahamas (South Andros, Mangrove Cay, and North Andros) along with dozens of associated smaller cays, which comprise the country’s largest landmass. They are the largest native terrestrial species remaining in The Bahamas and are unique among the world’s iguanas in using termite mounds as nesting sites to lay their eggs.
  • They are endangered by feral predators (cats and dogs), hogs (which dig up iguana nests), habitat disturbance and destruction, and sporadic illegal hunting by people.
  • Andros Rock Iguana is fully protected by CITES. The Bahamas has designated significant iguana habitat as a protected area, although this has not stopped the species’ decline. 
  • The greatest conservation needs include the development and implementation of education and awareness programs at national and local levels, improvements in the management and protection afforded by the Westside National Park, establishment of a sustainable funding source for protection, management and education.

IIF Grants Received

2007 Grant $10,800

Determining Appropriate Protected Areas for the Andros Iguana

Charles Knapp

$10,800