Species Description

Ricord's Iguana. Photo: John Binns

One of two Rock Iguana species on the large island of Hispaniola, Ricord’s Iguana is restricted to two isolated ranges in the southwest of the Dominican Republic (DR). They inhabit dry scrubland with sandy and earthen soils in which they excavate burrows for retreats. Due to this specialization, they have not fared well in the face of feral predators and habitat degradation. Current conservation measures include habitat assessments and population surveys to gain a clearer understanding of the nature of the various threats and how to mitigate them.

Size: Males to 495mm SVL Females to 430mm SVL

Status: I.U.C.N. Red List – Critically Endangered C. ricordi and C. c. cornuta are the only sympatric forms of Cyclura, although the range of the former is much more restricted than that of the latter.

Legal Status: U.S. Endangered Species Act – Endangered C.I.T.E.S. – Appendix I

Priority Activities: Establishment of areas as national parks with resident wardens to enforce protection. Conduct status surveys, natural history and ecology assessments. Eradicate cats from one small island population. Establish local and national education programs. Re-establish captive breeding program at ZooDom and strengthen programs in the U.S.

Number Remaining: Estimated at 1,300 (14 known captives as of 1995).

Distribution: Hispaniola