Rock Iguanas

An ongoing conservation project focused on protecting Rock Iguanas in Turks and Caicos

Conservation Triumph: The Revival of Turks and Caicos Rock Iguanas

Special Projects

Turks and Caicos rock iguanas, Cyclura carinata, are one of the smallest species of Caribbean rock iguanas. They are extremely vulnerable to predation by introduced mammals such as dogs and cats which is why they have disappeared from places like Providenciales. The conservation programme in TCI to save this species is an international success story. Feral mammals such as cats have been eradicated from some cays and iguana reintroduced. The decline of Turks and Caicos rock iguanas has been halted. The iguana population is now stable and poised to increase significantly. It is no longer one step from extinction.

FAQ

Where are they found in the TCI?

The largest populations are on Big and Little Ambergris Cays and on Little Water Cay (“Iguana Island”) but they are found on almost all the uninhabited cays including many of the tiny Cays in Chalk Sound National Park. They have largely disappeared from the large, inhabited islands (like Providenciales) because feral dogs and cats kill them and they get killed by cars. On inhabited islands where there are no feral cats and dogs and no main roads, such as Pine and Big Ambergris Cays, rock iguanas can live comfortably alongside people.

What do they eat?

They are vegetarian eating fruit, shoots and leave, particularly fruits like sea grapes. They will occasionally pick up other things such as dead birds but they are really just experimenting, just like a pet animal would do. Some animals will eat crisps and food provided by humans. This is because they get conditioned to it – they become greedy. These foods cause them to be unhealthy and can kill them.

Do they drink water?

Rock Iguanas don’t drink, they get enough moisture from their food (such as fruits).

Can you tell males and females apart?

Yes, quite easily. The males are bigger and bulkier. They have larger spike on their head and back and a bigger flap of skin under their chin (known as a “dewlap”).

Do they bite?

Iguanas have small sharp teeth and can “nip” a person. This is why we ask people not to feed them. They are wild animals and we should maintain a distance from them. Feeding them encourages them to become aggressive and competitive and this is when they might bite someone.

Do they carry diseases?

Like many reptiles, probably yes. This is why we encourage people not to get close and intimate with them. They are wild animals

Do they lose their tails like lizards can?

Yes, like many lizards, rock iguanas can detach their tails if they feel threatened by a predator. The tail wriggles for a bit and distracts the predator whilst the animal slips away to hide. The tail grows again. If you look at the iguanas you can often see that the tail is clearly a different shade to the rest of the animal. This is why.

How do they breed?

Female rock iguanas lay 4 to 8 eggs in a burrow in May/June. The burrow is dug specifically to lay the eggs in. Other burrows are used for living in the rest of the year. The female then fills in the burrow to protect the eggs and defends it from other female iguanas by chasing them away. This is likely because good burrow sites (with easy-to-dig sand and just the right amount of sunlight) are hard to find. After about 80 days the eggs hatch and the juveniles dig their way out. The adult iguanas do not look after them. They are left to fend for themselves.

Photo credit: R. Austin

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