Description

The Cyclura cornuta is a robust iguana characterized by horn-like scales on its snout and the sides of its head. It also has two bumps on the top of its skull and a dorsal crest. Its coloration can vary from brown, gray, olive, to even black.

It can reach a length of 1.2 meters and weigh between 6 and 10 kg. The horns, cranial bumps, and dorsal crest are generally more pronounced in males.

Primarily terrestrial and diurnal, it is mostly herbivorous, feeding mainly on leaves, fruits, and seeds, but occasionally consumes insects, crabs, or dead fish.

The breeding season occurs in spring. About forty days later, at the beginning of summer, females lay 2 to 34 eggs in a cavity dug in the sand. Eggs hatch approximately 85 days after laying.

Habitat

This iguana is endemic to Hispaniola. It particularly favors dry rocky coastal areas, but can also be found inland in forests. Populations are found on Gonâve Island, certain coastal areas of the southern peninsula, and near Lake Azuéi.

Threats

Deforestation and land exploitation are major threats to its habitat. On Hispaniola, the situation is critical: 75% of its habitat has been destroyed in Haiti and 35% in the Dominican Republic.

The species is currently classified as vulnerable by the IUCN.

Description :

Cyclura ricordi, also called Ricord’s Iguana, is a lizard species in the Iguanidae family, endemic to Hispaniola. It is found in the southwestern part of the Dominican Republic and in Anse-à-Pitres, Haiti.

It is a large lizard: males measure 49–51 cm (excluding the tail) and females 40–43 cm. Its coloration is grayish-green, marked with five to six wide dark gray to black chevrons.

Ricord’s Iguanas are primarily herbivorous, feeding on leaves, flowers, and fruits. Males are territorial and defend the females with whom they mate between May and June. Females lay 2–9 eggs, which hatch 90–100 days later.

Habitat

Currently, C. ricordi is known to inhabit Anse-à-Pitres, in several sandy coastal mangroves within valleys of approximately 3–5 hectares, where the species nests, and in surrounding limestone hills covered with dry forest, where it digs burrows.

The total identified habitat covers about 15 hectares, with other potential areas further north under exploration. If confirmed, this would expand the known habitat to 25–30 hectares.

Threats

Like other iguana species, Cyclura ricordi populations are declining. Threats include:

• Predation by introduced animals such as cats and dogs.
• Human activities, including livestock grazing and overgrazing.
• Poaching.