VU

Cyclura nubila

Unknown

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Cuban iguana faces severe pressure from habitat destruction as coastal development and agriculture fragment its dry forest and scrubland habitats across Cuba and surrounding islands. Introduced predators, particularly feral cats and dogs, pose a significant threat to eggs and juveniles, while competition from invasive species like feral goats degrades native vegetation. Illegal collection for the pet trade continues despite protective legislation, and climate change threatens to alter the delicate balance of their xeric ecosystems.

Threat summary

Habitat

Cuban iguanas inhabit dry coastal forests, scrublands, and rocky cays throughout Cuba and nearby islands including the Cayman Islands. They prefer areas with dense vegetation for shelter and open spaces for basking, typically in limestone-based ecosystems with cacti and native hardwood trees.

Conservation measures underway

Legislation

Other threatened species in IGUANIDAE

EN

Lau Banded Iguana

Brachylophus fasciatus

Declining
VU

Conolophus subcristatus

Declining
EN

Gau Banded Iguana

Brachylophus gau

Declining
Jamaican Rock IguanaCR

Jamaican Rock Iguana

Cyclura collei

Increasing

Frequently asked questions

Why is Cyclura nubila classified as Vulnerable?
Cyclura nubila is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The Cuban iguana faces severe pressure from habitat destruction as coastal development and agriculture fragment its dry forest and scrubland habitats across Cuba and surrounding islands. Introduced predators, particularly feral cats and dogs, pose a significant threat to eggs and juveniles, while competition from invasive species like feral goats degrades native vegetation. Illegal collection for the pet trade continues despite protective legislation, and climate change threatens to alter the delicate balance of their xeric ecosystems.
Where does Cyclura nubila live?
Cyclura nubila occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Cyclura nubila?
The main threats to Cyclura nubila are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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