Cyclura nubila
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.
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.