




































Iguana 10.1


2002 Iguana Specialist Group
Conference

John Bendon and John Binns

International Iguana Society and 
Iguana Specialist Group

The IUCN/SSC Iguana Specialist Group
(ISG) held its annual meeting in November 2002
in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (DR).
The DR occupies about two-thirds of the island of
Hispaniola whereas the Republic of Haïti occupies
the remainder. Hispaniola is the only island on
which two species of Rock Iguanas (Cyclura) are
sympatric: C. cornuta, the Rhinoceros Iguana, and
C. ricordii, Ricord’s Iguana.

The conference was hosted jointly by the
Parque Zoológico Nacional (ZooDom) in Santo
Domingo, Grupo Jaragua, a non-governmental
organization (NGO) devoted to the conservation
of Dominican natural resources, and the Coral
Resorts. Although the agenda was typically broad,
the focus of the meeting and a subsequent work-
shop was the status of Cyclura ricordii (p. 4).

The International Union for the Conservation
of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) has
established the Species Survival Commission (SSC),
within which about 70 Specialist Groups (includ-
ing the ISG) address threats to the continuing exis-
tence of particular plants and animals. Information
from each group is used to classify threatened
species by categories ranging from “vulnerable” to
“critically endangered.” In all, about 7000 people
work directly to enhance the chances for the sur-
vival of plants and animals. Zoologists, many of
whom are zoo curators or university lecturers, gov-
ernment officials, representative of NGOs, or indi-
viduals from the private sector all give freely of their
time.

Following the opening welcome message, the
meeting agenda continued with presentations by
each of the endangered or threatened species pro-
ject representatives. Each of their reports high-
lighted project successes and disappointments, and
all contained a common thread of deep concern
for the species’ recovery. This year’s bittersweet
presentations included a report on the successful
implementation of the Blue Iguana Species

3IguanaMarch 2003

Cyclura ricordii at ZooDom. Photograph by John Bendon.

Allison Alberts, José Ottenwalder, Quentin Bloxam, Sixto
Incháustegui, and Fred Burton (from left to right) at the ISG
meeting. Photograph by John Bendon.

Iguana Specialist Group
2002 Annual Meeting, Santo Domingo, Dominican Repiblic

November 14-18

Iguana 10.1  3/2/03  11:10 AM  Page 3



4 Iguana Volume 10, Number 1

Cyclura ricordii, classified as critically endangered
on the IUCN Red List, is known only from the
Dominican Republic. Populations occur on Isla Cabritos
in Lago Enriquillo, two sites near Lago Enriquillo, two
locations at Loma del Guano near the southern tip of
the Barahona Peninsula in Jaragua National Park in
Pedernales Province, and another near Cabo Rojo on
the western side of the Peninsula. The total area of all
sites combined is less than
100 km2.

All populations appear
to be declining. For exam-
ple, a 1985 survey on Isla
Cabritos resulted in an
estimated iguana density
of 8/ha, but the popula-
tion had dropped to an
estimated 1.33/ha by
2000. Recent total popu-
lation estimates range
from 2–4000 individuals
at the six locations.

However, in light of the 2000 survey work, those esti-
mates may have to be reduced to fewer than 1500
animals.

Past efforts at captive breeding have met with lit-
tle success. However, in 2002, ZooDom (Parque
Zoológico Nacional in Santo Domingo) successfully
produced a clutch of C. ricordii from their very small
captive population.

(Left) Adult Cyclura
ricordii at ZooDom.
Photograph by 
John Binns.

(Above) A pair of
Cyclura ricordii hatch-
lings at ZooDom. The
dark areas on the sides
of each animals are
individual identification
numbers.  Photograph
by John Binns.

Current Status of Cyclura ricordii

Adapted from a Report 
by Sixto Incháustegui, Grupo Jaragua

Iguana 10.1  3/2/03  11:10 AM  Page 4



Recovery Plan headed by Fred Burton. An ele-
ment of that plan, the population assessment on
Grand Cayman, revealed that the Blue Iguana has
reached a point of functional extinction, with only
10–25 animals remaining in the wild. Rachel
Goodman highlighted her work on Grand
Cayman tracking free-ranging Blue Iguanas within
the Botanic Park (see article on p. 15).

Ron Carter, from Loma Linda University,
brought alarming news of Cyclura rileyi rileyi, the
San Salvador Rock Iguana. The devastation of
remaining populations has been dramatically accel-
erated by hurricanes, rats, and poaching, the
results of which have left this species in a critical
situation and complicated recovery measures. In a
twist of fate, the poached iguanas were relocated
to the local Club Med, where they are reportedly
breeding and appear to be larger and healthier
than those in their natural habitat.

Chuck Knapp, of the Shedd Aquarium, dis-
cussed the plight of the Andros Island Iguana
(Cyclura cychlura cychlura). The increased pres-
ence of hunters using guns and dogs has almost
wiped out the entire population of iguanas in his
research area. On the bright side, he described the
successful translocation of Exuma Island Iguanas
(Cyclura cychlura figginsi) to establish a second
population, increasing the chances of survival of
the species in case of natural disasters.

The Anegada or Stout Iguana (Cyclura
pinguis) received considerable attention. Issues
included recovery, limited head-start releases, and
relocation. Glenn Gerber detailed the current sit-
uation on Anegada and the need to augment the

declining and aged
population of wild
Cyclura pinguis with a
limited release of head-
started captives. In
addition, a new popu-
lation assessment 
was proposed for 
mid-2003 to properly
configure elements 
of the Cyclura pinguis
Species Recovery Plan
currently being drafted.
Both of these measures
were approved by the
ISG Steering Commit-

tee. John Binns reported on the population assess-
ment of Cyclura pinguis conducted with James
Lazell and Numi Mitchell on Guana and Necker
islands, BVI. Some 120–140 animals constitute the
second population on Guana, and another 30 ani-
mals the third population on Necker.

Additional reports included Karen Graham’s
account of the Saint Lucian Iguana (Iguana
iguana), which may represent a distinct species.
Alberto Alvarez reported successes in managing
the Mona Island Iguana (C. cornuta stejnegeri).
Miguel Garcia discussed overpopulation of the
Cuban Iguana (C. nubila nubila) on Isla
Magueyes. Rick Hudson reported on the Jamaican
Iguana (C. collei), Glenn Gerber described the suc-
cessful relocation of Turks and Caicos Iguanas 
(C. carinata carinata) to various cays within the
archipelago, and Joe Wasilewski and John Bendon
provided an update of IIS efforts on behalf of
Bartschi’s Iguana (C. carinata bartschi).

Next year’s meeting will be held in the Turks
and Caicos Islands, site of an ongoing transloca-
tion effort to enhance the survival of the Turks and
Caicos Iguana (Cyclura carinata carinata).

A Field Trip to 
Isla Cabritos National Park

Some members of the ISG participated in a
ZooDom-sponsored field trip to Parque Nacional
Isla Cabritos. This island lies in Lago Enriquillo, a
below-sea level, hypersaline lake that was once part
of the marine channel separating the Hispaniolan
North and South paleoislands. Populations of both
endemic species of Cyclura occur on the island.

5IguanaMarch 2003

2002 ISG Annual Meeting in the Dominican Republic. Participants included: Quentin
Bloxam, Fred Burton, José Ottenwalder, Rick Hudson, Alberto Alvarez, Peter Tolson, Edwin
Vargas, Jan Ramer, Dale McGinnity, Allison Alberts, Glenn Gerber, Rachel Goodman, Tandora
Grant, Jeff Lemm, Chuck Knapp, Tom Wiewandt, Andy Verhey.  Photograph by John Binns.

Iguana 10.1  3/2/03  11:10 AM  Page 5



The valley in which the lake is situated, protected
to both the north and south by high mountain
ranges, acts as a heat sink. As a result, the temper-
atures frequently exceed 40°C. The island is char-
acterized by white sandy soil, low topography with

a central incline, and patchy dry forest composed of
succulents, such as aged Neobottia tree cactus and
shrub-like Cylindropuntia caribea, a few palms and
epiphytes, and scattered deciduous trees capable of
withstanding the harsh, dry conditions.

The trip was strenuous, involving four hours
each way in a bus and an hour each way in a boat,
which sadly limited time on the island to a short
period in the middle of the day, not an ideal time
for viewing iguanas, most of which were escaping
the heat by retreating into their burrows. Cyclura
cornuta was common, but C. ricordii was scarce.

On the main island opposite Isla Cabritos, a
number of Cyclura cornuta have become habitu-
ated to humans. They were commonly encoun-
tered on the paths through the scrub woodland
that characterized the shoreline and the area
around the visitors’ center. Iguanas of all sizes pro-
vided ample evidence that they were breeding suc-
cessfully every year.

6 Iguana Volume 10, Number 1

Cyclura ricordii on Isla Cabritos, the top individual was
seeking shelter from the mid-day heat near the opening of its
burrow.  Photographs by John Bendon and Joe Wasilewski.

The boat ride to Isla Cabritos. Photograph by Joe Wasilewski.

The ISG group was greeted on arrival by Rhinoceros Iguanas
habituated to humans. Photograph by Joe Wasilewski.

Large adult male Cyclura ricordii in natural habitat on Isla
Cabritos. Note the dry-climate-adapted vegetation.
Photograph by John Binns.

Iguana 10.1  3/2/03  11:10 AM  Page 6



A Trip to ZooDom
A trip on the final day of the meeting to

ZooDom included a delicious buffet lunch and a
short speech by the director, Dr. Alfonso Ferreira,
who thanked the ISG for coming and contribut-
ing valuable advice and assistance.

ZooDom is well known in the reptile world as
the principal breeding center for Rhinoceros
Iguanas. Offspring are not sold to the public —
Cyclura cornuta, like all Rock Iguanas, is protected
under provisions of the Convention for
International Trade in Endangered Species
(CITES). However, many approved institutions
throughout the world have been the recipients of
animals bred at the zoo. The public display in
which iguanas live is a large, oval habitat sur-
rounded, like most other exhibits at the zoo, by a

deep trench. The terrain within the enclosure was
dotted with rocks and cacti and other naturally
occurring vegetation. The iguanas had plenty of
space and appeared to behave as they would in the

7IguanaMarch 2003

Rhinoceros Iguanas on exhibit at ZooDom appear to behave
naturally.  Photograph by Joe Wasilewski.

A Rhinoceros Iguana (Cyclura cornuta) crossing the road
near the visitor’s center at Lago Enriquillo.  Photograph by
Joe Wasilewski.

After the island visit, the ZooDom veterinary staff treated
the ISG group to a typical Dominican meal at the “Iguana
Hotel.” Photograph by John Bendon.

ZooDom director Dr.Alfonso Ferreira holding two recently
hatched Cyclura ricordii. Photograph by John Bendon.

Iguana 10.1  3/2/03  11:10 AM  Page 7



wild. The off-exhibit holding pens similarly housed
many iguanas, some of which were destined for
export.

Newly-hatched Cyclura ricordii, quaran-
tined in the ZooDom veterinary facility, are quite
rare in captivity. These young Ricord’s Iguanas are
continually monitored and afforded every oppor-
tunity to increase their chance of survival. The
attending zoo veterinarian mentioned that the cur-
rently offered food was not being consumed as
readily as they had expected. ISG members view-
ing these young animals suggested including in the
diet crickets dusted with vitamins and calcium and
Hibiscus flowers that were abundant on the zoo
grounds. The latter are a favorite with most
iguanas. Between the rows of clinic buildings,
fencing has been installed to provide enclosure
space for literally hundreds of young Rhinoceros
Iguanas. In an ingenious use of space, the close
proximity to the surrounding facilities affords con-
tinual monitoring of these young iguanas.

Acknowledgements
The following persons (listed in alphabetical

order) were instrumental in assuring the success 
of the 2002 ISG Meeting. Their hospitality was
endless and their contributions to the meeting
inestimable. We thank them all.

Yvonne Arias, Grupo Jaragua
Josefa Castro, ZooDom
Angelica Espinal, ZooDom
Cladio Vladimir Eusebio, Acuario Nacional
Alfonso Ferreira, ZooDom
Sixto J. Incháustegui, Grupo Jaragua
José A. Ottenwalder, AeroDom
Roberto Maria, Zoodom
Enrique Pugibet, Acuario Nacional
Deyanira Rubio, ZooDom
Ernst Rupp, Grupo Jaragua
Gloria Santana, Depto. Vida Silvestre
Andreas Schubert, Programa Mediambiental

Transforesterio Haiti-RD
Elizabeth Maria Skeet Garcia, ZooDom

8 Iguana Volume 10, Number 1

Cyclura ricordii hatchling at ZooDom.
Photograph by John Binns

Cyclura cornuta on exhibit
at ZooDom. Photograph
by John Bendon.

Iguana 10.1  3/2/03  11:10 AM  Page 8



9IguanaMarch 2003

The 2002 Annual Meeting of the IUCN/SSC
Iguana Specialist Group and the Recovery Planning
Workshop for Ricord’s Iguana (Cyclura ricordii) was
hosted by Dr. Alphonso Ferreira, Director, Parque
Zoológico Nacional (ZooDom) and the Coral Resorts
in the Dominican Republic. The intense two-day
recovery planning workshop was facilitated by
Frederic J. Burton using his template for the Blue
Iguana Species Recovery Plan.

Summarized, the Ricord’s Iguana Species
Recovery Plan includes the following components: (1)
Rapid surveys will be conducted in order to map all
areas in which Ricord’s Iguanas still occur along with
a more detailed survey of the protected population
on Isla Cabritos in Lago Enriquillo. The results of these
surveys will provide information necessary to propose
protection of all areas critical to the survival of this
species, including an extension of Parque Nacional
Jaragua in the Cabo Rojo area, already under consid-
eration. (2) Major public awareness and education
efforts in areas where Ricord’s Iguanas still occur 
will be implemented
primarily by Grupo
Jaragua in order to
develop local commu-
nity support. In Santo
Domingo, the role of
ZooDom in enhancing
public awareness will
be expanded. (3) Once
initial studies are com-

plete, a planning workshop will review results to
define terms of reference for a future management
plan in protected areas supporting Ricord’s Iguana
populations. (4) Threats posed by predation and habi-
tat degradation will be prioritized and then progres-
sively managed to reduce or eliminate the causative
agents in protected areas. Restoration of endemic
vegetation in degraded areas also will be attempted.
(5) In order to effectively address the many issues
likely to influence conservation management, addi-
tional research on distribution, abundance, and ecol-
ogy will be conducted. (6) A feasibility study of cap-
tive husbandry and propagation will be implemented
using the two adult pairs currently at ZooDom. If the
animals successfully reproduce, offspring may be
used in other locations in Santo Domingo and Parque
Nacional Jaragua area to educate and enhance pub-
lic awareness. (7) Funding for the Ricord’s Iguana
Species Recovery Plan will be obtained from local and
international grants. In addition, the sale of retail
products in the Dominican Republic and internation-

ally may supplement
funds acquired from
other sources.

When approved,
the Ricord’s Iguana
Species Recovery Plan
will be administered 
by the newly formed
Ricord’s Iguana Recov-
ery Group in the
Dominican Republic,
with support from the
IUCN-SSC Iguana Spe-
cialist Group and the
International Iguana
Foundation (IIF).

Summary of the Proposed Cyclura ricordii
Species Recovery Plan

(Left) Grazing donkeys pose ongoing problems for 
the recovery of natural vegetation on Isla Cabritos. 
The mountains in the background shelter the valley 
and the island from prevailing winds and contribute 
to the very hot, dry climate.  Photograph by John Binns.

(Above) Cyclura ricordii at ZooDom.
Photograph by John Bendon.

Iguana 10.1  3/2/03  11:10 AM  Page 9


