Northern Bahamian rock iguana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Northern Bahamian rock iguana |
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| Conservation status | |
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Cyclura
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| Species: |
cychlura
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| Subspecies | |
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The northern Bahamian rock iguana (Cyclura cychlura) is a large lizard that lives only in the Bahamas. You can find it on Andros Island and the Exuma islands. This special iguana is part of the Cyclura family.
Sadly, there are fewer than 5,000 of these iguanas left in the wild. Because of this, they are listed as a "vulnerable" animal. This means they need our help to survive.
Contents
About the Northern Bahamian Rock Iguana
What is a Northern Bahamian Rock Iguana?
The northern Bahamian rock iguana was first described in 1829 by a scientist named Georges Cuvier. It was first called Iguana cychlura.
Scientists have studied the DNA of these iguanas. They found that this iguana is closely related to other Cyclura iguanas. These relatives include the Cuban rock iguana and the Blue iguana from Grand Cayman.
Different Kinds of Northern Bahamian Rock Iguanas
There are three different types, or subspecies, of the northern Bahamian rock iguana. They are:
- the Andros Island iguana (C. cychlura cychlura)
- Allen's Cay iguana (C. c. inornata)
- the Exuma Island iguana (C. c. figginsi)
Even though there are three names, some scientists think two of these types are very similar.
Appearance and Features
How to Tell Males and Females Apart
Northern Bahamian rock iguanas show something called sexual dimorphism. This means that males and females look a bit different.
Male iguanas are usually bigger than females. They also have special pores on their thighs. These are called femoral pores. They use these pores to release special scents called pheromones. These scents help them communicate with other iguanas.
Where They Live
Iguana Homes in the Bahamas
These iguanas only live in the southwestern part of the Bahamas. Long ago, about 18,000 years ago, the sea level was much lower. Many of the Bahamian islands were connected back then. The iguanas probably lived all over these connected lands.
Now, the sea level is higher. The iguanas live in separate groups on Andros Island and the Exuma islands.
Their Environment and Diet
What Do Northern Bahamian Rock Iguanas Eat?
These iguanas live in many different places. They can be found in tropical dry forests and pine areas. They also live in coastal forests, mangrove swamps, and on beaches. These places are usually on low islands made of karst limestone.
Like all Cyclura iguanas, the northern Bahamian rock iguana mostly eats plants. This means they are herbivorous. They spend most of their time on the ground. However, young iguanas often climb trees in the morning. They do this to warm up in the sun and to find food.
Protecting These Special Lizards
Why Are They Vulnerable?
In 2004, scientists said the northern Bahamian rock iguana was "vulnerable". This means their numbers are going down. Each of the three subspecies was even listed as "endangered".
The total number of these iguanas was thought to be less than 5,000. Their population had dropped by at least half in 60 years.
What Harms the Iguanas?
Many things threaten these amazing lizards. The dangers depend on which island the iguanas live on:
- Andros Island: Here, iguanas are threatened by cutting down trees (logging). New buildings and roads also take away their homes. Wild animals like cats and dogs can hunt them. Fires, often started by people for farming or crab hunting, also destroy their habitat.
- Exuma Islands: On these islands, wild animals like goats can cause problems. Fires started by tourists can also harm them. Also, land is being bought quickly for tourism. This takes away the iguanas' natural homes.
Overall, development, fires, and wild animals have shrunk the iguanas' habitat. Over 30 years, their living space has gone down by at least 20%.
Animals That Threaten Iguanas
Wild animals that hurt the iguanas include:
- Cats and Dogs: They hunt young and adult iguanas.
- Hogs: They dig up and eat iguana eggs.
- Goats: They can eat the plants the iguanas need for food and shelter.
Even though it's rare, some iguanas are still hunted for food. Some are also caught to be sold as pets. This also makes it harder for their numbers to grow.
Images for kids
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A northern Bahamian rock iguana basking in the sun.
