Anegada Rock Iguana Skull

BC-356 $240.00

Rock iguanas (Cyclura pinguis) are a medium sized reptile, measuring about 2ft in length and can average about 7lbs. They can be found basking in the sun on woody shrubs in rocky woodlands on numerous islands in the Caribbean, but now remain only on Anegada. They are a dusty brown color with dorsal spines that are brilliant turquoise blue. Rock iguanas are herbivores that consume leaves, flowers, berries, and fruit. All species of iguanas have pleurodont teeth – these are teeth that have shallow root attachments and are replaced over time. The teeth are also uniform in size, with a diamond shape and serrated edges. Iguanas are one of the few reptiles that possess the parietal eye or the third eye. This photoreceptive organ can sense light and aid in the animal’s navigation through the environment.

According to the IUCN Red List, the rock iguana is currently critically endangered and facing numerous threats to their survival. Currently, there are approximately 200-300 wild iguanas left in Anegada. Predation by feral cats and dogs, habitat degradation and vehicle strikes are all contributing to their population decline.

Since the 1990s, numerous conservation efforts have been made to bolster the population of rock iguanas, including yearly inspection of nest sites in the summer and collection of hatchlings in the fall. The hatchlings are raised until they are large enough to survive potential predation. This approach has nearly doubled the population of iguanas.

2-part skull (separate cranium & jaw)