Northern Bahamian rock iguana  (Cyclura cychlura)

The Andros population is threatened by habitat loss as a result of island-wide logging, and construction of homes and roads (1). Additionally, feral pigs, which have proliferated and expanded their range, are known to root out eggs from iguana nests and pose a very real threat. Predation by feral and domestic dogs also threatens both juvenile and adult animals. Subsistence hunting is thought to continue, with many local residents apparently unaware of the protected status of the Andros Island iguanas (2).

The main threats to the subspecies in the Exumas include the growing tourism industry there and the potential damage caused by increased human traffic. For example, a large-scale fire occurred in 2004 on an iguana-inhabited island that had recently become a tourist destination, purportedly the result of a tourist cigarette. Many of the islands are private, and are rapidly being bought for development. Illegal hunting is a serious concern, both for food and for the pet trade, and feral animals also pose a significant threat (1). Additionally, hurricanes in the area could endanger certain populations (2).

Cyclura cychlura is included in CITES Appendix I, prohibiting international trade in the species, and like all Bahamian rock iguanas, is protected at the national level under the Wild Animals Protection Act of 1968 (1). Nevertheless, law enforcement is difficult for Allen's Cay iguanas without a warden present within its range. Although the warden of the nearby Exumas Land and Sea Park can potentially respond to reports of poaching, this is not always practical. Signs have been erected on the islands explaining the endangered status of these lizards. Since a small non-breeding population lives on Allen's Cay without suitable sandy areas for nesting, one suggested conservation measure is to dredge sand to upland areas, which could potentially double the available breeding habitat for this subspecies. A few captive individuals are kept at the Ardastra Zoo and Nature Centre Different on Abaco, and captive breeding is a key objective of the centre for the future (2).

For the Andros Island iguana, a new area on the north of the island was given protected status in 2003, conferring a degree of safety. However, few iguanas inhabit this area, which is really only protected on paper, with no actual protection measures existing on the ground. Captive populations exist in Ardastra Gardens, Nassau, in the Bahamas, and Los Angeles Zoo in the U.S. (2).

Ongoing research is documenting the potential threats facing the Exuma Island Iguana unique to each cay it inhabits, information that is designed to help the Bahamian government with setting appropriate conservation policies. Additionally, the suitable habitat on cays not currently supporting iguanas is being investigated for possible translocation programmes in the future. Signs are also erected on Gualin Cay notifying the public of the protected status of the iguanas. Protected areas in the Exumas include Pasture and Alligator Cays, Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park (2).