The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™
ISSN 2307-8235 (online)
IUCN 2008: T6027A12337339
Cyclura collei, Jamaican Iguana
Assessment by: Grant, T.D., Gibson, R. & Wilson, B.S.
View on www.iucnredlist.org
Citation: Grant, T.D., Gibson, R. & Wilson, B.S. 2010. Cyclura collei. The IUCN Red List of Threatened
Species 2010: e.T6027A12337339. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.20104.RLTS.T6027A12337339.en
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THE IUCN RED LIST OF THREATENED SPECIES™
Taxonomy
Kingdom
Phylum
Class
Order
Family
Animalia
Chordata
Reptilia
Squamata
Iguanidae
Taxon Name: Cyclura collei Gray, 1845
Common Name(s):
• English:
• French:
Jamaican Iguana, Jamaican Ground Iguana, Jamaican Rock Iguana
Cyclure terrestre de la Jamaïque, Iguane terrestre de la Jamaïque
Assessment Information
Red List Category & Criteria:
Critically Endangered B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii) ver 3.1
Year Published:
2010
Date Assessed:
February 1, 2010
Justification:
Although suitable vegetation still exists, extensive recent surveying has not located iguanas far from the
central core protected zone (<10 km²). Habitat in the Hellshire Hills continues to be degraded by human
encroachment from the periphery. The Jamaican Iguana is therefore listed as Critically Endangered given
its extremely small range in a single location where there is a continuing decline in habitat.
Previously Published Red List Assessments
1996 – Critically Endangered (CR)
1994 – Endangered (E)
1990 – Endangered (E)
Geographic Range
Range Description:
According to Sloane (1725), who visited the island in 1688, iguanas were once common in Jamaica
although their distribution seems to have been restricted to the drier sections of the south coast. The
Jamaican Iguana declined dramatically during the second half of the 19th century, probably due to the
introduction of the Indian Mongoose (Herpestes javanicus [=auropunctatus]) in 1872, changing land use
patterns, and human population growth. Today, the iguana survives only in the Hellshire Hills, a rugged
limestone area with suitable habitat totalling 114 km². However, extensive surveying has shown that
iguanas are only found near the central core area that is protected from mongoose (<10 km²). Despite
the proximity to Jamaica’s densely populated capital Kingston, the Hellshire Hills persist as a wilderness
area because of its ruggedness and lack of surface water, making the area unsuitable for agriculture and
large-scale settlement. The species was recorded to occur from sea level up to 200 m.
Country Occurrence:
© The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Cyclura collei – published in 2010.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-4.RLTS.T6027A12337339.en
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Native: Jamaica
© The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Cyclura collei – published in 2010.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-4.RLTS.T6027A12337339.en
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Distribution Map
© The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Cyclura collei – published in 2010.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-4.RLTS.T6027A12337339.en
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Population
At the beginning of the 20th century, the Jamaican Iguana was thought to have survived only on the
Goat Islands, two small islets offshore from the Hellshire Hills. The iguana was believed extinct after this
population disappeared in the 1940s. However, the continued survival of the Jamaican Iguana in the
Hellshire Hills was confirmed in 1970 (Woodley 1980) from a single individual and again in 1990, both
found by hunter’s dogs. A preliminary survey in 1990 revealed a small surviving population of fewer
than 100 animals living in the least disturbed central and western sections of the Hellshire Hills. Two
active nesting sites were also found though juvenile recruitment appeared to be minimal. Iguanas
appear to have disappeared from northern and eastern sections of the Hellshire Hills because of
extensive logging for charcoal production, use of dogs for pig hunting, and human settlements (CBSG
1993, B. Wilson and R. van Veen pers. comms. 2010).
Today, because of intensive predator control and the reintroduction of headstarted iguanas, the
population in the central core area only is increasing. Field research has documented several milestones
in the core area including: a greater than two-fold increase in the number of nesting females, successful
reproduction among repatriated releases, and long-term survival and reproductive maturation of
hatchlings (B. Wilson and R. van Veen pers. comms. 2010). The population trend for iguanas wandering
outside the area protected by the mongoose trapline is unknown.
Current Population Trend: Unknown
Habitat and Ecology (see Appendix for additional information)
Rugged limestone outcroppings comprise much of the Hellshire Hills with coarse red ferralic soil
accumulating in crevices and depressions. Soil suitable for nesting is comparatively scarce. The
vegetation of the Hellshire Hills consists of tropical dry forest, one of the world’s most threatened
ecosystems. Jamaican Iguanas are found only in the remotest sections of the Hellshire Hills where the
forest remains in good condition. The Jamaican Iguana feeds on leaves, fruits, and flowers of a wide
variety of plant species, supplemented occasionally by animal matter, including snails and insects.
Since 1991 the known communal nest sites have been observed intensively (Vogel 1994, Wilson et al.
2004) and individuals have been marked. Nesting occurs in underground burrows, filled with loose soil,
and is guarded for several days. Gravid female iguanas begin digging trial holes long before egg laying.
Females deposit their eggs in mid-June, and hatchlings emerge approximately 85-87 days later. Clutch
sizes range from 6-20 eggs depending on the size and age of the female. Hatching success varies from 0
to 100% and appears to be related to maternal body size and seasonal rainfall extremes (B. Wilson and
R. van Veen pers. comms. 2010).
Systems: Terrestrial
Use and Trade
The Jamaican Iguana is listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered
Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This iguana has not been utilized by humans since well before
© The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Cyclura collei – published in 2010.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-4.RLTS.T6027A12337339.en
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the late 1800s.
Threats (see Appendix for additional information)
The most significant pressure on the remaining population in areas of intact forest are alien invasive
predators, including mongooses, cats, stray dogs, and possibly feral pigs. Mongooses are very common
throughout the Hellshire Hills and field observations indicate they prey on both young iguanas and
iguana eggs. Cats occur throughout the area and are also known predators of juvenile iguanas. The dogs
used to hunt feral pigs are of particular concern, as they are able to kill adult iguanas (Woodley 1980).
Although feral pigs have not been observed disturbing iguana nests in the Hellshire Hills, evidence from
Mona Island suggests they are potentially important egg predators (Wiewandt 1977).
Another significant problem is illegal tree cutting in the forest for use in charcoal production, a local
industry that provides income to an estimated 10,000 Jamaicans. Approximately one-third of the
Hellshire Hills is badly degraded as a result of this enterprise. Development projects proposing largescale limestone mining, human settlements, and tourism also threaten the eastern half of the Hellshire
Hills. Although a few localized limestone quarries might have only limited impact on the iguanas and
their habitat, the new roads that would be constructed to facilitate the mining process would
undoubtedly allow charcoal burners, pig hunters, and other forest users to migrate further into the
forest.
The Jamaican Iguana is listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered
Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), however, this iguana has not been utilized by humans since well
before the late 1800s.
Conservation Actions (see Appendix for additional information)
Although most of Jamaica’s remaining ecologically important forests, including the Hellshire Hills, are
owned by the government and protected by law under the Forest Act of 1996, the Act has received little
enforcement. The Hellshire Hills is currently part of the Portland Bight Protected Area (PBPA). Declared
in 1999, the PBPA is Jamaica’s largest protected area and includes both of the Goat Islands. Designation
as a protected area provides a promising legal instrument to prevent the expansion of large-scale
development projects in the Hellshire Hills.
Following the rediscovery of the species in 1990, a local Jamaican Iguana Research and Conservation
Group (JIRCG) was formed, comprising representatives from the University of the West Indies, the
Natural Resources Conservation Authority, Hope Zoological Gardens, and the Institute of Jamaica.
Together with a group of international iguana specialists, the JIRCG held an IUCN-sponsored workshop in
Kingston in 1993, which developed a Population and Habitat Viability Assessment and a comprehensive
plan for recovering this species in the wild (CBSG 1993). During the workshop, it became clear the
current mortality level of juvenile iguanas in the wild was too high to permit survival of the population.
This led to recommendations for a captive headstarting program at the Hope Zoo, which has resulted in
the release of 138 iguanas back into the Hellshire Hills from 1996 through 2010.
© The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Cyclura collei – published in 2010.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-4.RLTS.T6027A12337339.en
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The JIRCG is now known as the Jamaican Iguana Recovery Group (JIRG) and includes international
collaborators. In addition to captive headstarting and release, the group continues to survey the wider
Hellshire Hills, monitors individuals in the core area centered around the known nesting sites, and is
detailing a complete natural history of the species (Wilson et al. 2004; Wilson and van Veen 2005, 2008).
Repatriated animals have demonstrated high survivorship and are now integrated into the breeding
population. Complementary predator control in the core area has resulted in improved recruitment
attributable to enhanced survival among younger age classes. The group also focuses on education,
international awareness, and habitat protection and improvement.
In 1994, an ex situ captive population was initiated with the importation of 12 iguanas to three U.S.
institutions (Indianapolis Zoo, Fort Worth Zoo, and Gladys Porter Zoo). In 1996, this group was
supplemented by a second importation of 12 iguanas to the San Diego Zoo, Central Florida Zoo, and
Sedgwick County Zoo. After successful breeding in the U.S., the program has expanded to Fresno,
Miami, and St. Louis zoos. The primary purpose of the U.S. captive population is to promote education,
awareness, and provide support for the ongoing recovery effort of the wild population. Additionally, the
captive colony is managed for long-term maintenance of genetic diversity in the event of catastrophic
loss in the wild population (Grant 2010).
As a further safeguard against extinction, captive-reared juvenile iguanas may also be used to establish
satellite populations on the Goat Islands, provided the islands can be rendered free of predators and
goats. A priority goal, highlighted in the 2006 Jamaican Iguana Species Recovery Plan, outlines
establishing a dry forest biodiversity reserve on these offshore islets and is arguably the single most
critical conservation activity ensuring the long-term recovery of the Jamaican Iguana.
The species is listed on CITES Appendix I.
Credits
Assessor(s):
Grant, T.D., Gibson, R. & Wilson, B.S.
Reviewer(s):
Hudson, R.D. & Hoffmann, M.
Contributor(s):
Lung, N.P., van Veen, R. & Robinson, O.F.
© The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Cyclura collei – published in 2010.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-4.RLTS.T6027A12337339.en
6
Bibliography
Alberts, A. (compiler and editor). 2000. West Indian Iguanas: Status Survey and Conservation Action
Plan. IUCN/SSC West Indian Iguana Specialist Group. IUCN, Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge, UK.
Conservation Breeding Specialist Group (CBSG). 1993. Population and habitat viability analysis for the
Jamaican Iguana, Kingston, Jamaica. IUCN/SSC Conservation Breeding Specialist Group, Apple Valley,
Minnesota.
Grant, T.D. 2010. Jamaican Iguana (Cyclura collei) Population Analysis and Breeding Plan for the AZA
Rock Iguana Species Survival Plan. San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research, San Diego,
California.
IUCN. 2010. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (ver. 2010.4). Available at: http://www.iucnredlist.org.
(Accessed: 27 October 2010).
Jamaica Conservation and Development Trust. 1992. A plan for a system of protected areas in Jamaica.
Unpublished report, Kingston, Jamaica.
Sloane, H. 1725. A Voyage to the Islands of Madeira, Barbados, Nieves, St. Christophers, and Jamaica
With Natural History of the Herbs and Trees, Four-footed Beasts, Insects, Reptiles, Etc. of the Last of
Those Islands. Vol II. London.
Vogel, P. 1994. Evidence of reproduction in a remnant population of the endangered Jamaican iguana,
Cyclura collei (Lacertilia: Iguanidae). Caribbean Journal of Science 30: 234-241.
Weiwandt, T.A. 1977. Ecology, behavior, and management of the Mona Island ground iguana, Cyclura
stejnegeri. Ph.D. dissertation, Cornell University.
Wilson, B.S., Alberts, A.C., Graham, K.S., Hudson, R.D., Kerr Bjorkland, R., Lewis, D.S., Lung, N.P., Nelson,
R., Thompson, N., Kunna, J.L. and Vogel, P. 2004. Survival and reproduction of repatriated Jamaican
iguanas: headstarting as a viable conservation strategy. In: A.C. Alberts, R.L. Carter, W.K. Hayes and E.P.
Martins (eds), Iguanas: Biology and Conservation, pp. 220-231. University of California Press, Berkeley,
California.
Wilson, B.S. and van Veen, R. 2005. Jamaican iguana recovery project, 2005 update. Iguana Specialist
Group Newsletter 8(2): 4-6.
Wilson, B.S. and van Veen, R. 2008. Update: Jamaican iguana recovery project. Iguana Specialist Group
Newsletter 11(1): 5.
Wilson, B.S. and Vogel, P. 2000. A survey of the herpetofauna of the Hellshire Hills, Jamaica, including
the rediscovery of the blue-tailed galliwasp (Celestus duquesneyi Grant). Caribbean Journal of Science
36(3/4): 244-249.
Woodley, J.D. 1980. Survival of the Jamaican iguana, Cyclura collei. Journal of Herpetology. 14: 45-49.
Citation
Grant, T.D., Gibson, R. & Wilson, B.S. 2010. Cyclura collei. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2010:
e.T6027A12337339. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-4.RLTS.T6027A12337339.en
Disclaimer
To make use of this information, please check the Terms of Use.
© The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Cyclura collei – published in 2010.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-4.RLTS.T6027A12337339.en
7
External Resources
For Images and External Links to Additional Information, please see the Red List website.
© The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Cyclura collei – published in 2010.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-4.RLTS.T6027A12337339.en
8
Appendix
Habitats
(http://www.iucnredlist.org/technical-documents/classification-schemes)
Habitat
Season
Suitability
Major
Importance?
1. Forest -> 1.5. Forest - Subtropical/Tropical Dry
-
Suitable
Yes
Threats
(http://www.iucnredlist.org/technical-documents/classification-schemes)
Threat
Timing
Scope
Severity
Impact Score
1. Residential & commercial development -> 1.1.
Housing & urban areas
Ongoing
Whole (>90%)
Slow, significant
declines
Medium
impact: 7
Stresses:
1. Ecosystem stresses -> 1.1. Ecosystem conversion
1. Ecosystem stresses -> 1.2. Ecosystem degradation
Future
Whole (>90%)
Stresses:
1. Ecosystem stresses -> 1.1. Ecosystem conversion
1. Ecosystem stresses -> 1.2. Ecosystem degradation
Future
Whole (>90%)
Stresses:
1. Ecosystem stresses -> 1.1. Ecosystem conversion
1. Ecosystem stresses -> 1.2. Ecosystem degradation
Ongoing
Whole (>90%)
Stresses:
2. Species Stresses -> 2.1. Species mortality
2. Species Stresses -> 2.2. Species disturbance
Ongoing
Whole (>90%)
Stresses:
2. Species Stresses -> 2.1. Species mortality
2. Species Stresses -> 2.2. Species disturbance
Ongoing
Whole (>90%)
Stresses:
2. Species Stresses -> 2.1. Species mortality
2. Species Stresses -> 2.2. Species disturbance
Ongoing
Whole (>90%)
Stresses:
2. Species Stresses -> 2.1. Species mortality
2. Species Stresses -> 2.2. Species disturbance
1. Residential & commercial development -> 1.2.
Commercial & industrial areas
3. Energy production & mining -> 3.2. Mining &
quarrying
8. Invasive & other problematic species & genes ->
8.1. Invasive non-native/alien species -> 8.1.2.
Named species (Sus scrofa)
8. Invasive & other problematic species & genes ->
8.1. Invasive non-native/alien species -> 8.1.2.
Named species (Canis familiaris)
8. Invasive & other problematic species & genes ->
8.1. Invasive non-native/alien species -> 8.1.2.
Named species (Felis catus)
8. Invasive & other problematic species & genes ->
8.1. Invasive non-native/alien species -> 8.1.2.
Named species
© The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Cyclura collei – published in 2010.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-4.RLTS.T6027A12337339.en
Slow, significant
declines
Slow, significant
declines
Unknown
Very rapid
declines
Very rapid
declines
Very rapid
declines
Low impact: 5
Low impact: 5
Unknown
High impact: 9
High impact: 9
High impact: 9
9
Conservation Actions in Place
(http://www.iucnredlist.org/technical-documents/classification-schemes)
Conservation Actions in Place
In-Place Research, Monitoring and Planning
Systematic monitoring scheme: Yes
In-Place Land/Water Protection and Management
Conservation sites identified: Yes, over entire range
Occur in at least one PA: Yes
Percentage of population protected by PAs (0-100): 100
Area based regional management plan: No
Invasive species control or prevention: Yes
In-Place Species Management
Successfully reintroduced or introduced beningly: Yes
Subject to ex-situ conservation: Yes
In-Place Education
Subject to recent education and awareness programmes: Yes
Included in international legislation: Yes
Subject to any international management/trade controls: Yes
Conservation Actions Needed
(http://www.iucnredlist.org/technical-documents/classification-schemes)
Conservation Actions Needed
2. Land/water management -> 2.1. Site/area management
2. Land/water management -> 2.2. Invasive/problematic species control
2. Land/water management -> 2.3. Habitat & natural process restoration
3. Species management -> 3.2. Species recovery
3. Species management -> 3.3. Species re-introduction -> 3.3.1. Reintroduction
4. Education & awareness -> 4.3. Awareness & communications
5. Law & policy -> 5.2. Policies and regulations
5. Law & policy -> 5.4. Compliance and enforcement -> 5.4.3. Sub-national level
6. Livelihood, economic & other incentives -> 6.2. Substitution
© The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Cyclura collei – published in 2010.
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10
Research Needed
(http://www.iucnredlist.org/technical-documents/classification-schemes)
Research Needed
1. Research -> 1.2. Population size, distribution & trends
1. Research -> 1.3. Life history & ecology
2. Conservation Planning -> 2.2. Area-based Management Plan
3. Monitoring -> 3.1. Population trends
3. Monitoring -> 3.4. Habitat trends
Additional Data Fields
Distribution
Estimated area of occupancy (AOO) (km²): 2-3
Estimated extent of occurrence (EOO) (km²): 3
Number of Locations: 1
Lower elevation limit (m): 0
Upper elevation limit (m): 200
Population
Number of mature individuals: 100-200
Continuing decline of mature individuals: Unknown
Population severely fragmented: No
Continuing decline in subpopulations: No
Extreme fluctuations in subpopulations: No
All individuals in one subpopulation: Yes
Habitats and Ecology
Continuing decline in area, extent and/or quality of habitat: Yes
Generation Length (years): 16
© The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Cyclura collei – published in 2010.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-4.RLTS.T6027A12337339.en
11
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The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ is produced and managed by the IUCN Global Species
Programme, the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) and The IUCN Red List Partnership. The IUCN
Red List Partners are: BirdLife International; Botanic Gardens Conservation International; Conservation
International; Microsoft; NatureServe; Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew; Sapienza University of Rome; Texas
A&M University; Wildscreen; and Zoological Society of London.
THE IUCN RED LIST OF THREATENED SPECIES™