A Species on the Edge (Image Credits: Imgs.mongabay.com)
Anguilla – A remote, uninhabited cay in this British Overseas Territory has turned into a thriving haven for one of the world’s most vulnerable reptiles, marking a rare victory in wildlife conservation.
A Species on the Edge
The Lesser Antillean iguana, known scientifically as Iguana delicatissima, faces severe threats across its native range in the Caribbean. Habitat destruction, invasive species, and hybridization with the more common green iguana have driven its numbers to critically low levels. Conservationists estimate that only a few isolated populations remain viable, with the species listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Once widespread on small islands and coastal areas, these gentle herbivores now struggle to find safe breeding grounds. Their subtle, grayish-green scales and herbivorous diet make them integral to local ecosystems, helping control vegetation and disperse seeds. Without intervention, experts warned that the iguana could vanish entirely within decades.
Efforts to reverse this decline began gaining traction in the early 2010s, as organizations recognized the urgency of protecting remaining habitats. The focus shifted to isolated sites where human interference remained minimal, offering a chance for natural recovery.
Transforming Prickly Pear East
Prickly Pear East, a privately owned islet just off Anguilla’s northeast coast, stood empty of these iguanas until about a decade ago. Environmental groups, including Fauna & Flora and Re:wild, initiated a bold translocation project in 2020, moving 33 individuals from nearby sites to the 22-hectare island.
Habitat restoration followed immediately. Teams cleared invasive plants that outcompeted native vegetation, the iguanas’ primary food source. They also eradicated rats and other predators that preyed on eggs and juveniles, creating a predator-free environment. This meticulous work transformed the islet from a silent, overgrown patch into an ideal refuge.
To boost genetic diversity, additional iguanas arrived from Dominica in 2023, preventing inbreeding in the small founding group. Monitoring via radio-tracking and camera traps revealed early signs of nesting success, with females laying clutches in the sandy soils. By late 2025, surveys confirmed the population had exploded to over 300 individuals, a testament to the project’s careful planning.
One of Few Success Stories
Prickly Pear East now joins just four other locations worldwide where the Lesser Antillean iguana breeds sustainably. These sites, scattered across the Lesser Antilles, highlight the fragmented nature of the species’ survival. In contrast, many former habitats on larger islands suffer from ongoing development pressures.
Key factors behind the islet’s success include its isolation, which limits human access, and collaborative funding from international partners. Local authorities in Anguilla enforced strict protections, designating the area as a nature reserve. Volunteers and scientists conducted annual censuses, adjusting strategies based on real-time data.
- Translocation of foundational animals in 2020.
- Removal of invasive species to protect nests.
- Introduction of new genetic lines for healthier breeding.
- Habitat enhancement with native plants.
- Ongoing monitoring to track population growth.
Such targeted interventions underscore how small-scale actions can yield outsized results for endangered species.
Implications for Caribbean Biodiversity
The rebound on Prickly Pear East signals broader hope for the region’s fragile ecosystems. The Lesser Antillean iguana serves as an indicator species, reflecting the health of coastal forests and mangroves. Its recovery could inspire similar projects for other threatened reptiles and birds in the Caribbean.
Challenges persist, however. Climate change brings rising seas that erode nesting beaches, while tourism expansion nearby poses indirect risks. Conservationists advocate for expanded protected areas and public education to sustain these gains. International cooperation remains essential, as the iguana’s range spans multiple nations.
| Site | Population Status | Key Interventions |
|---|---|---|
| Prickly Pear East, Anguilla | Thriving (300+) | Translocation, invasive removal |
| Dominica | Stable | Habitat protection |
| Other Lesser Antilles sites | Breeding | Monitoring programs |
This table illustrates the varying fortunes across key habitats, with Prickly Pear East leading in population growth.
Key Takeaways
- Prickly Pear East’s iguana population grew from zero to over 300 in five years through dedicated conservation.
- Invasive species control and genetic introductions were crucial to breeding success.
- The project exemplifies how isolated islands can serve as arks for endangered wildlife.
As conservation efforts like this one demonstrate, targeted actions can pull species back from the brink, preserving the Caribbean’s unique biodiversity for future generations. What steps do you believe are next for protecting such vulnerable animals? Share your thoughts in the comments.
