Andros Iguana

The Iguanas of the Bahamas

Visitors to the Bahamas may be fortunate enough to observe rare rock iguanas. Rock iguanas are a group of nine species of lizard belonging to the genus Cyclura that inhabit the rugged terrains of Cuba, Hispaniola, Jamaica, the Puerto Rican Bank, the Caymans, the Bahamas, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Each species is unique to only one or a few islands and are as distinctive as the islands themselves.

Although the overall situation for iguanas remains tenuous throughout the Caribbean, the Bahamas National Trust is working with a variety of local and international partners to help ensure the survival of our Bahamian iguana species. The Trust works with the scientific community in organizing biodiversity surveys of sensitive areas in order to make informed, scientific management decisions and prioritize areas in need of immediate protection. We believe that protecting iguanas and their habitats has the benefit of protecting a broad spectrum of plant and animal species that rely on the same habitats. The Trust, however, does not work in a scientific vacuum but instead reaches out to local stakeholders to make sure that their voices are heard and opinions incorporated into area management. The Trust facilitates communication between scientific advisors and local stakeholders to promote conservation awareness. Public awareness and stewardship are crucial to the long-term survival of our iguanas and thus we organize teacher workshops, produce educational brochures and signs, manage existing parks, and plan for future parks- all with iguana conservation in mind.

Our programs have been successful thanks to the extreme dedication of a few individuals and contributions raised through our partners, our members, and other concerned citizens. Continued funding is critical to support iguana conservation programs in the Bahamas because our struggle to protect these magnificent animals is continual. As our country grows, new challenges that require immediate attention arise every day. In order to help support iguana conservation The Bahamas National Trust has initiated an IGUANA FUND to raise charitable donations that will be used directly to benefit iguana conservation in the Bahamas. All proceeds from the fund have independent oversight and will be used for iguana conservation specifically.

Click here to make a donation to THE IGUANA FUND today!

Remember, these lizards are protected by strict Bahamian and international laws. Please do not bring your pets to iguana-inhabited islands. You should NOT feed iguanas because it changes behavioral norms and may be harmful to their health. However, it is recognized that the Allen Cays are a traditional iguana-feeding destination. If you must indulge, restrict any feeding to Leaf Cay and use only fruits and vegetables. To protect from collapsing nest burrows, do not walk on sandy areas behind beaches. You can help protect iguanas by sharing this information with other people and reporting harmful behavior to the area park wardens or police.

Cyclura cychlura - NORTHERN BAHAMIAN ROCK IGUANA

Cyclura rileyi – SAN SALVADOR ROCK IGUANA

Cyclura carinata –TURKS & CAICOS ROCK IGUANA