The Lesser Antillean Iguana (or Iguana delicatissima) is a large species of lizard endemic to the Lesser Antilles Islands of the Caribbean – specifically Anguilla, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Dominica. It is a critically endangered species, threatened by habitat loss, hunting by feral animals, and hybridization with the invasive green iguana. The Lesser Antillean iguana is grey with a green belly and has a short, blunted face with white scales around the jaw; males have pink jowls and blue scales around the eyes, whereas females lack this colouration and are about two thirds of the size of their male counterparts.
Latin Name
Iguana delicatissima
Featured
false
Slug
antillean-iguana
Site
Thumbnail
Image
Conservation Status
Animal Category
Region
Animal Facts
Lesser Antillean iguanas can be distinguished from green iguanas by the absence of the large rounded scale on the cheek.
The eggs of the Lesser Antillean iguana are often eaten by snakes, birds, opossums and lizards.
The Lesser Antillean iguana does not urinate, instead excreting excess salt and other uric waste products through salt glands.
Lesser Antillean iguanas can see in ultraviolet.
Iguanas can shed their tails as a decoy or to escape from predators.