It’s Five Facts Friday! Here are 5 facts about the Jamaican Iguana:
- The Jamaican Iguana (Cyclura Collei) is endemic to Jamaica.
- A large species of lizard, the Jamaican Iguana is the largest native land animal.
- In 1948, the Jamaican Iguana was considered extinct.
- In 1990, the Jamaican Iguana was rediscovered by Mr. Edwin Duffus who was hunting pigs in Hellshire Hills, St. Catherine. Extensive surveys found a small number of adult individuals and virtually no young ones. Out of that an emergency conservation strategy was implemented.
- Even with active conservation programs, the Jamaican Iguana is on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Critically Endangered List.
Want to learn about other animals? Explore our slideshow about animals in Jamaica.