Reptiles
Lesser Antillean Iguana
Iguana delicatissima
In a dry coastal forest on a small Caribbean island, a Lesser Antillean iguana basks on a branch, its grey-green body a reminder of a species that is being slowly swamped by invaders.
Overview
The Lesser Antillean iguana, Iguana delicatissima, is a Critically Endangered iguana of dry coastal forest and scrub on a few islands of the northern and central Lesser Antilles. Its steep decline through hybridisation with the invasive green iguana makes it one of the Caribbean’s most urgent reptile conservation cases.
A species diluted by invaders
Green iguanas arrive on the islands as hitchhikers on floating debris and boats, and where they meet the native iguana, hybrids replace the pure local species.
Status
Critically Endangered, with a declining population.
Lesser Antillean Iguana: common questions
Why is the Lesser Antillean iguana Critically Endangered?
It breeds with the invasive green iguana, which is swamping the native species, and is also threatened by hunting, road deaths, and introduced predators.
How is it different from the green iguana?
It is greyer, with a large, round scale on each cheek, while the common green iguana is usually a brighter green.
Where does the Lesser Antillean iguana live?
It lives in dry coastal forest and scrub on a few islands of the northern and central Lesser Antilles.
What does it eat?
It eats the leaves, flowers, and fruit of dry-forest trees and shrubs.