Andros Island iguana
Cyclura cychlura cychlura
By Sandra Buckner and David Blair
Description
The Andros Island iguana is a large rock iguana which attains a total length of close to 1500mm (Auffenberg 1976). The subspecies is dark-gray to black, with yellowish green or orange tinged scales on the legs, dorsal crest, and particularly the head. With maturity, the yellow slowly changes to orange-red, especially in large males (Auffenberg 1976).
Distribution
This subspecies is found on Andros Island on the western edge of the Great Bahama Bank. Andros is the largest of the Bahamian islands with an area of 5,959km2 and a human population of 8,000-9,000 concentrated in the eastern coastal region. Andros iguanas are scattered through North Andros, Mangrove Cay, and South Andros, which are separated from each other by the North, Middle, and Southern Bights. The subspecies range is ill-defined with only assumptions and speculations available as to its status. North Andros, with extensive pine barrens and blue holes and creeks, is the area where most sightings of iguanas currently occur. This is the more populated area where old logging roads allow access to the interior. According to Auffenberg (1976), "though historically found over all of Andros, iguanas are now largely restricted to the western two-thirds of the island group, with the range becoming generally broader southward. They reach maximum abundance and size at the present time in the 'pine-yards', particularly where they are broken into small islands separated by extensive low mangrove and marl flats."
Status of populations in the wild
While estimates put the wild population at 2,500 to 5,000 distributed in three or more subpopulations (Hudson et al. 1994), these figures could be much too optimistic as only occasional animals are observed, and these in scattered locations. Alternatively, due to the remoteness and difficulty in accessing much of the region, large subpopulations could be encountered, particularly in the central and southern regions of the island and in the western reaches of north Andros.
Ecology and natural history
While it is expected that the natural history of these iguanas is similar to that of the other two C. cychlura subspecies, no in-depth research studies have been conducted.
Habitat
The Andros rock iguana is the only iguana in the Bahamas that is not now confined to small cays. One preferred habitat of this subspecies is under the open canopy of the pine barrens (Pinus caribaea var. bahamensis), which offers a variety of fruits, flowers, and leaves of plants suitable for consumption by rock iguanas. The karst rock provides suitable retreats.
Threats
In the absence of any detailed research, the major threat to the Andros Island iguana is the proliferation and expansion of the range of feral pigs. While this is recognized both locally and nationally, appropriate methods of control have yet to be determined. Particularly in north Andros, feral pigs pose a very real threat to the recruitment of iguanas as they are known to rout out eggs from iguana nests. Feral and domestic dogs are also a threat to both juvenile and adult animals. The status and degree of threat posed by feral cats on Andros is unknown. Many local residents are apparently unaware of the protected status of the Andros iguanas and may occasionally take them for human consumption.
Current conservation programs
Like all Bahamian rock iguanas, this subspecies is protected in the Bahamas under the Wild Animals Protection Act of 1968. However, no areas have been specifically designated for the protection of iguanas on Andros and no specific conservation programs are in place.
There are currently no captive programs for this subspecies. There is one old individual at Ardastra Gardens and Zoo in Nassau. No one has been located who recalls the iguana being brought to the zoo and as yet no records have been found. This iguana, first observed and photographed by S. Buckner in 1991, was still alive as of June, 1997. One large male, a long term captive held by a private resident of South Andros, was still alive in 1984. Attempts to breed this animal have resulted in the death of at least two other iguanas, presumably females.
Critical conservation initiatives
- Education of local people regarding the protected status of this iguana and its vulnerability to introduced mammals, particularly dogs and pigs.
- Institutional strengthening of responsible agencies to develop enforcement capabilities.
- Protection of suitable iguana habitat and possible relocation sites.
- Initiation of a national education program for tourists and residents.
Priority projects
- Determine the status of the population and its range, including the existence of viable subpopulations on south Andros.
- Conduct ecological studies and collect natural history data, ideally with the involvement of local residents.
- Establish captive breeding programs.
- Institute control measures for introduced species.
Note: Conducting comprehensive research on Andros will be both logistically difficult and time consuming. The northern part of north Andros has old logging roads that would enable access by appropriate vehicles. Over the rest of Andros, lack of roads or even tracks, myriads of mangrove islands, swamps and very shallow waterways make travelling in all but the eastern coastal region extremely difficult and hazardous. In terms of personal safety, it is not recommended at this time that a solo or even two-person party attempt such a project in any part of Andros. Research trips might be conducted in conjunction with other projects such as ongoing research into the blue holes of Andros. Suitable vehicles, shallow draft boats, and other equipment would be required.
Contact persons
Sandra Buckner
Bahamas National Trust
PO Box N4105
Nassau, The Bahamas
Tel: (242) 393-3821
Fax: (242) 393-3822
E-mail: sbuckner@bahamas.net.bs
David Blair
Cyclura Research Center
PMB #510, 970 West Valley Parkway
Escondido, CA 92025 USA
Tel: (760) 746-5422
Fax: (760) 746-1732
E-mail: critter@herpnut.com
