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130 IGUANA  •  VOLUME 15, NUMBER 3  •  SEPTEMBER 2008 DANIELLS ET AL.

Populations of Lesser Antillean Iguanas (Iguana delicatissima) have declined or disappeared on many islands. Those on Dominica are
doing well and may serve as a model for developing management strategies for other islands (see IGUANA 14(4), p. 222). 

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Travel writers have suggested that if Christopher Columbus
were to take a Caribbean cruise today, Dominica might be

the only West Indian island he would recognize. In an age when
an ideal tropical paradise must include golf courses, five-star
restaurants, towering hotels, cruise-ship berths, manicured white
beaches, and swimming pools adjacent to the ocean, the drastic
changes to which other destination islands have been subjected
are understandable. However, an accident of geology spared
Dominica from that fate. The island is a complex of volcanic
peaks, the highest of which (Morne Diablotin) reaches 1,446 m
above sea level, resulting in an intimidating terrain that has
slowed the seemingly inevitable march of “progress.” Because
level lowlands suitable for sugarcane plantations during the colo-
nial era do not exist and tourism-oriented development is min-
imal, the inevitable consequences of deforestation and declining
biodiversity are largely absent.

In sharp contrast, the potential for effective conservation is
considerable, and Dominican authorities have taken steps to pre-
serve two unique natural treasures: The forests, which still cover
more than 60% of the island, and the animals that live in the
largely natural habitats that remain. The amphibians and reptiles
in particular comprise what may well be the most “natural” her-
petofaunal community in the entire Lesser Antillean archipelago.

Although conserving forests and their inhabitants might
not be a selling point for the vacationers to whose interests devel-
opers cater, Dominica benefits by promoting ecotourism, and
markets itself as the “Nature Island.” By not competing for vis-
itors whose sole interest is reclining in the lap of luxury,
Dominica provides the chance to experience natural habitats,
increasingly rare commodities that more intensely developed
islands are about to lose entirely. However, in order to place a
value on natural resources such as the herpetofauna, authorities
must have access to reliable information about its distribution,
natural history, and conservation status. Herein we present a
summary of our observations on Dominica’s diverse herpetofau-
nal communities with the hope that it will remain relevant to
coming generations.

An Annotated Checklist of the Amphibians
and Reptiles of Dominica, West Indies

Esther A. Daniells1, Jeffrey W. Ackley2, Ruth E. Carter3, Peter J. Muelleman4, Seth M. Rudman5, 
Patrick A. Turk6, Nelson J. Vélez Espinet7, Lauren A. White8, and Natalie N. Wyszynski9

1Department of Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523 (edan@holly.colostate.edu)
2Department of Biology, Eckerd College, St. Petersburg, FL 33711 (ackleyjw@eckerd.edu)

3Department of Biology, Earlham College, Richmond, IN 47374 (recarter07@earlham.edu)
4Department of Biology, Truman State University, Kirksville, MO 63501 (pjm563@truman.edu)

5Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627 (srudman@mail.rochester.edu)
6Department of Biology, Avila University, Kansas City, MO 64145 (turk95917@avila.edu)

7Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras, PR 00931 (b19velez2007@yahoo.com)
8Environmental Science Program, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078 lauren.a.white@okstate.edu)

9Department of Psychology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996 (nwyszyns@utk.edu)

IGUANA  •  VOLUME 15, NUMBER 3  •  SEPTEMBER 2008 131AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES OF DOMINICA

�

Dominica (754 km2) is one of the volcanic Windward Islands in the
Lesser Antilles. The rugged topography and lack of flat lowlands spared
the island from the alterations (typically associated with sugar planta-
tions) to which most other West Indian islands were subjected during
the colonial period. 

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Frogs (Amphibia: Anura)
Eleutherodactylus amplinympha (Kaiser, Green, and Schmid
1994). Anura: Eleutherodactylidae. Local name: Dominican
Gounouj. English common names: Dominican Frog,
Dominican Rain Frog, Dominican Whistling Frog. Endemic.
These relatively small frogs (maximum male SVL 26 mm, max-
imum female SVL 50 mm) occur at elevations >300 m in mon-
tane rain forest, where they perch on trees, palm brakes, moss
mats, epiphytes, and ferns. This species has a pointed snout and
relatively large toepads. Males have bi-lobed glandular vocal sacs
and produce a three-note call. Dorsal color varies from brown-
ish to greenish to reddish, and, as in other frogs in the genus,
pattern elements are highly variable. These largely nocturnal
frogs are known to call by day in wet forests during or after
heavy rains. The species is included on the IUCN Red List as
“endangered,” primarily due to its restricted range, high likeli-
hood of habitat loss attributable to human expansion, volcan-
ism, or hurricanes, and the potential threat posed by chytrid-
iomycosis, a fungal infection to which upland amphibians in the
tropics appear to be particularly vulnerable.

Eleutherodactylus johnstonei (Barbour 1914). Anura:
Eleutherodactylidae. No local name. English common names:
Lesser Antillean Frog, Johnstone’s Whistling Frog, Johnstone’s
Robber Frog. Lesser Antillean endemic, introduced on
Dominica, other West Indian islands, and the South American
mainland. These frogs are thought to have been introduced on
Dominica after Hurricane David in 1979, probably with relief
supplies from neighboring islands. Throughout their extended
range, these small frogs (maximum male SVL 25 mm, maxi-
mum female SVL 35 mm) thrive in artificial sites such as resi-
dential gardens, agricultural areas, roadsides, and buildings from
sea level to elevations of ~1300 m. This species has a rounded
snout and relatively small toepads. Males have a single-lobed
glandular vocal sac and produce a two-note call. Dorsal ground
color usually is some shade of brown; other markings are highly
variable. Where the two species occur together, E. johnstonei
often is confused with closely related E. martinicensis.
Eleutherodactylus johnstonei is a nocturnally active sit-and-wait
predator with a diet composed primarily of small arthropods.
Documented predators include Turnip-tailed Geckos
(Thecadactylus rapicauda) and snakes. Recent surveys have failed

to document the presence of this species on Dominica and it is
no longer included in the list of Dominican amphibians. This
species is included on the IUCN Red List as being of “least con-
cern,” largely attributable to its colonizing ability, which is
unusual among amphibians, which generally have little tolerance
for exposure to saltwater. Introduced populations on some
islands compete successfully with native species, and often dis-
place them, especially from altered habitats.

Eleutherodactylus martinicensis (Tschudi 1838). Anura:
Eleutherodactylidae. Local name: Tink Frog. English common
names: Martinique Frog, Martinique Robber Frog. This Lesser
Antillean endemic is presumably native on Dominica, although
it may have been imported inadvertently by early European set-
tlers. These small frogs (maximum male SVL 32 mm, maximum
female SVL 47 mm) occur from sea level to at least 1,250 m in
varied natural and altered habitats that include rain forests, dry
woodlands, banana and coconut plantations, and gardens. This
species has a pointed snout and relatively small toepads. Males
have a bi-lobed glandular vocal sac and produce a two-note call.
Dorsal color is brownish to reddish; other markings are highly
variable. These nocturnal frogs may call by day during or after

132 IGUANA  •  VOLUME 15, NUMBER 3  •  SEPTEMBER 2008 DANIELLS ET AL.

The endangered Dominican Frog (Eleutherodactylus amplinympha) is
restricted to moist forests at higher elevations. 

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The Lesser Antillean Frog (Eleutherodactylus johnstonei) has been
recorded from Dominica. Although it has successfully colonized other
islands, where it has displaced native species, it has not been found dur-
ing recent surveys, suggesting that the colonization of Dominica has
failed. This frog was photographed on St. Vincent. 

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Like many relatives, patterns of Martinique Frogs (Eleutherodactylus
martinincensis) are highly variable. This individual has a faint middor-
sal line, but others may be unicolored, blotched, or have very distinct
dorsal “racing” stripes. 

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IGUANA  •  VOLUME 15, NUMBER 3  •  SEPTEMBER 2008 133AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES OF DOMINICA

heavy rains. They feed on a variety of small arthropods, and have
been observed foraging at night for insects attracted to lights.
Predators include snakes and larger frogs. Fungal infections
(chytridiomycosis) have been documented. This species is
included on the IUCN Red List as “near threatened,” due to a
known range of less than 5000 km2 and potential habitat loss due
to human expansion, volcanism, and hurricanes.

Leptodactylus fallax (Müller 1926). Anura: Leptodactylidae.
Local names: Crapaud, Kwapo, Mountain Chicken. English
common name: Giant Ditch Frog. Native. This species currently
is restricted to Dominica and Montserrat, although it may once
have occurred on neighboring islands. These large frogs (maxi-
mum male SVL 159 mm, maximum female SVL 200 mm) are
found in association with streams from sea level to elevations of
~400 m. In addition to natural habitats, they can be found in
deforested areas, gardens, and plantations. Dorsal ground color
is olive-brown, with highly variable pattern elements. They are
sit-and-wait predators, feeding primarily on small arthropods,
but they occasionally take vertebrates such as small rodents, bats,
frogs, lizards, and even snakes (one attempt on a small Boa neb-
ulosa has been documented). Activity is almost exclusively noc-

turnal, although some foraging and calling may occur on rainy
days. The species is included on the IUCN Red List as “critically
endangered,” largely due to excessive exploitation as a delicacy.
Other factors that have contributed to population declines are
invasive predators (pigs, cats, rats, and dogs), habitat loss by
human expansion, volcanism, hurricanes, and fungal infections.
Chytridiomycosis was first recognized as a threat in December
2002; between 2002 and 2004, the disease is thought to have
reduced populations on Dominica by 70%.

Lizards (Reptilia: Squamata)
Ameiva fuscata (Garman 1887). Squamata: Teiidae. Local name:
Abòlò. English common name: Dominican Ground Lizard.
Endemic. These large ground lizards (maximum male SVL 200
mm, maximum female SVL 154 mm) occur in lowland habi-
tats such as coastal scrub, plantations, and open forests, but also
may range to moderate elevations along road edges and in arti-
ficial clearings. Lizards have elongated pointed snouts and long,
stocky tails. Smaller individuals are a mottled brown with light
blue spots dorsally; large males have a black, slate-gray, to dark
blue ground color with light blue spots. These lizards may run
on their hindlimbs (bipedal) when engaged in chases or when
frightened. Ameiva fuscata is a dietary generalist that feeds
opportunistically, usually employing an active-foraging strategy,
often in groups. It typically consumes arthropods, but will eat
fallen fruit and small vertebrates, and is known to prey on
Iguana delicatissima eggs and hatchlings. Lizards are most active
at high temperatures and under direct sunlight, although they
avoid the extreme mid-day heat. The conservation status of the
species has not been assessed, but it is locally abundant and one
of the most frequently seen lizards on Dominica.

Mountain Chickens (Leptodactylus fallax) are large frogs that have been
extensively exploited as a delicacy. Other factors that have contributed
to population declines are predation by invasive mammals (pigs, cats,
rats, and dogs), habitat loss attributable to human development, vol-
canism, hurricanes, and fungal infections. 

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Dominican populations of the critically endangered Mountain
Chicken (Leptodactylus fallax) have declined by 70% since 2002 as a
consequence of the chytrid fungus. 

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Male Dominican Ground Lizards (Ameiva fuscata) often are strikingly
blue (top), whereas females (bottom) retain the juvenile brown color
well beyond maturity.

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Anolis cristatellus (Duméril and Bibron 1837). Squamata:
Polychrotidae. No local name. English common name: Puerto
Rican Crested Anole. Endemic to the Puerto Rico Bank; intro-
duced on Dominica (where first discovered in 2000) and in the

134 IGUANA  •  VOLUME 15, NUMBER 3  •  SEPTEMBER 2008 DANIELLS ET AL.

Puerto Rican Crested Anoles (Anolis cristatellus) were first discovered
on Dominica in 2000. They are displacing native A. oculatus along
much of the dry leeward (western) coast of the island. 

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Because Dominica was historically forested, sun-loving Dominican
Ground Lizards (Ameiva fuscata) had to take advantage of very small
patches of sunlight. This juvenile had been actively foraging in the leaf
litter before pausing in a patch where a bit of light penetrated the
canopy. 

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In areas where they occur together, males of native Anolis oculatus 
(bottom in top photograph, top in bottom photograph) and recently
introduced A. cristatellus are strongly antagonistic toward one another. 

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IGUANA  •  VOLUME 15, NUMBER 3  •  SEPTEMBER 2008 135AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES OF DOMINICA

Dominican Republic, southern Florida, and Costa Rica. These
moderately sized anoles (male SVL to 77 mm, female SVL to
73 mm) typically exploit edge habitats in heavily disturbed areas
along roadsides and in open fields and woodlands from sea level
to elevations of ~980 m on the Puerto Rico Bank. Females and
juveniles often forage on the ground. Lizards usually are light to
dark brown and even greenish gray, often changing color
depending on mood. Pattern elements include small dark spots,
saddle-shaped markings, or distinct cross-bands. A light longi-
tudinal middorsal stripe bordered by narrow dark lines is com-
mon in females but can be found on some, especially smaller
males. Although primarily diurnal, they are known to extend
activity to after dark, exploiting insects attracted to artificial
lights. These sit-and-wait foragers eat mainly small arthropods,
but may consume fruits, flowers, or nectar. On Dominica, they
have been observed eating fruit flies on fallen mangos as well as
ingesting the mango pulp. The conservation status of the species
has not been formally assessed. As an invasive species on
Dominica, the principal concern is its potential effect on
endemic A. oculatus, which apparently is being displaced in dry
lowland coastal habitats along the western (leeward) coast. One
possible means of displacement might be intraguild predation,
in which one related species exploits another as food, with large
adults eating young A. oculatus. At one coastal site where both
species occurred, juvenile A. cristatellus were abundant, but no
juvenile A. oculatus were observed.

Anolis oculatus (Cope 1879). Squamata: Polychrotidae. Local
name: Zanndoli. English common name: Dominica Anole.
Endemic. These anoles (maximum male SVL 96 mm, maxi-
mum female SVL 64 mm, although sizes vary considerably in
different areas of the island) are essentially ubiquitous on
Dominica, occurring in natural to extensively altered habitats
that include roadside vegetation, dry forest, banana, mango, and
coconut groves and plantations, artificial sites along walls, fences,
and paved areas, and essentially all vegetation types except elfin

Like many relatives, Dominican Anoles (Anolis oculatus) exhibit sexual
size dimorphism, with males much larger than females. This is gener-
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Dominican Anoles (Anolis oculatus) vary considerably in color and pat-
tern in different parts of the island. For many years, biologists treated
these populations as separate species or subspecies, but today they usu-
ally are considered to be ecotypes (populations with habitat-specific
color and pattern adaptations). However, males (top) all have bright
yellow dewlaps, which are used to deter other males and advertise for
females. Anoles that live in cool, moist uplands, such as this female
(bottom) often are distinctly green, whereas lowland anoles have a tan
to brown ground color.

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woodland from sea level to elevations of ~900 m. Populations
are quite variable on different parts of the island. Once consid-
ered to be subspecies, these color variants now usually are treated
as ecotypes (populations with habitat-specific color and pattern
adaptations). Ground color may range from light to dark brown,
although individuals in upland forests may be dark green.
Females usually are unicolored or have a few black and beige
spots. Males are more distinctive, ranging from largely unicol-
ored animals with a few light specks to those having prominent
black and beige spots. These sit-and-wait foragers eat small
arthropods, and may in some instances “specialize” in concen-
trated resources such as social insects (e.g., ants and termites).
They may occasionally consume plant material, including the
pulp of fallen mangos. Although primarily diurnal, like many
other West Indian anoles, A. oculatus readily exploits insects
attracted to lights at night. The conservation status of these
lizards has not been assessed, but at least some populations are
vulnerable to displacement by A. cristatellus.

Mabuya mabouya (Lacépède 1788). Squamata: Scincidae. Local
names: Kléwant, Zanndoli Kléwant, Soud. English common
name: Lesser Antillean Skink. Native; however, the taxonomic
status of West Indian populations currently assigned to the
genus Mabuya is poorly resolved, and populations on each island
bank should be considered endemic to that bank until detailed
studies have been conducted. These diurnally active lizards
(maximum male SVL 87 mm, maximum female SVL 93 mm)
occur in dry coastal woodlands, littoral woodland, dry shrubs,

and coconut plantations, where they occupy leaf litter and take
refuge in holes in trees and stumps or in and under boulders.
Skinks are shiny, with very smooth scales. Ground color is
bronze or coppery, with a cream-bordered darker brown band
on each side and very dark brown or black specks on the back.
These lizards bear live young that are very large compared to
maternal size. The conservation status of this species has not
been assessed.

Gymnophthalmus pleii (Bocourt 1881). Squamata:
Gymnophthalmidae. No local name. English common names:
Rough-scaled Worm Lizard, Keeled-scaled Worm Lizard. 
Lesser Antillean endemic; the subspecies G. p. pleii occurs on
Martinique, Dominica, and Guadeloupe, other subspecies occur

136 IGUANA  •  VOLUME 15, NUMBER 3  •  SEPTEMBER 2008 DANIELLS ET AL.

The taxonomic status of West Indian populations currently assigned to the Lesser Antillean Skink (Mabuya mabouya) is poorly resolved, and pop-
ulations on each island bank should be considered endemic to that bank until detailed studies have been conducted.

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Like their relatives, Rough-scaled Worm Lizards (Gymnophthalmus
pleii) occur primarily in leaf litter, where they are adept at “swimming”
through the leaves, making them difficult to find and study. 

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IGUANA  •  VOLUME 15, NUMBER 3  •  SEPTEMBER 2008 137AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES OF DOMINICA

on St. Lucia and the Maria Islands. These small lizards (maxi-
mum SVL 48 mm) inhabit dry leaf litter with relatively high
amounts of sunlight along the leeward (western) coast, and are
particularly abundant in Cabrits National Park. Ground color is
golden with darker lateral bands and golden-yellow canthal
stripes that continue over the eyes and fade near the hindlimbs.
Worm Lizards often are thought to be juvenile skinks. Unlike
some other species in the genus, G. pleii is bisexual. Lizards pre-
sumably feed on small arthropods. The species’ conservation sta-
tus has not been assessed.

Gymnophthalmus underwoodi (Grant 1958). Squamata:
Gymnophthalmidae. No local name. English common name:
Smooth-scaled Worm Lizard. Neotropical endemic, with popu-
lations on the South American mainland and a number of Lesser
Antillean islands; the population on Dominica presumably is
native (established by natural means), but the introduction may
have been human-mediated. These small, diurnally active,
ground-dwelling lizards (maximum SVL 43 mm) are associated
with leaf litter in dry forests, beachside vegetation, and mixed
agriculture with introduced orchard trees, usually at sites where
sunlight penetrates for at least part of each day. Populations are
known only from the leeward (western) side of the island from
sea level to elevations of ~300 m. Body scales are smooth. The
metallic brown back and silvery-white belly are separated by a
dark brown lateral stripe. These lizards forage for small inverte-
brates in the leaf litter. Predators include cats, wild birds and
chickens, and presumably snakes and larger lizards. This species
is entirely female, reproducing by means of parthenogenesis
(eggs developing without fertilization), enhancing the species’
ability to colonize new areas, as only one individual is necessary
to found a population. Gymnophthalmus underwoodi and G. pleii
appear to be allopatric (do not occur together). The conserva-
tion status of the species has not been assessed.

Iguana delicatissima (Laurenti 1768). Squamata: Iguanidae. Local
name: Lèza. English common name: Lesser Antillean Iguana.
Lesser Antillean endemic. These large lizards (male SVL to 434
mm, female SVL to 401 mm) occur in natural and altered habi-
tats along cliff faces, in lowland forests, and often close to streams.
Although the distribution is largely coastal, iguanas may be found
at elevations to ~300 m. Concentrations may occur in the vicin-
ity of communal nesting beaches to which females migrate from
considerable distances. These lizards are largely arboreal but reg-

ularly venture onto the ground. Color varies greatly. Hatchlings
are bright green, but this fades with age to dark gray with hints
of green, blue, brown, and occasionally pink around the snout
and facial features. Males tend to be darker than females, which
frequently retain a primarily green coloration into maturity.
Males have larger heads, prominent dewlaps, and conspicuous
femoral pores on the undersides of their thighs. Individuals spend
much of their time adjusting body positions and perch heights
to regulate body temperatures. The diet includes flowers, fruits,
and leaves of many plants. Iguanas are quick to exploit intro-
duced ornamentals and appear to have a particular fondness for
hibiscus. Juveniles are known to eat bird eggs, and iguanas of all
ages may scavenge. Adults have few predators except humans and
the occasional boa, but major predators on eggs and hatchlings
include crabs, rats, and Ameiva fuscata. The species is included

Lesser Antillean Iguanas (Iguana delicatissima) are phenomenally abun-
dant on the grounds of the Sunset Bay Club on Dominica’s leeward
(western) coast. The proximity of the Batali River and a communal nest-
ing site, an abundance of forage, and the tolerance of the resort’s own-
ers account for population densities seen nowhere else in the world.

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Smooth-scaled Worm Lizards (Gymnophthalmus underwoodi) are all
females, reproducing by means of parthenogenesis (eggs developing
without fertilization), enhancing the species’ ability to colonize new
areas, as only one individual is necessary to found a population.

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Male Lesser Antillean Iguanas (Iguana delicatissima) are very territorial.
The proximity of adult males on the ground of the Sunset Bay Club
resulted in overlapping home ranges and frequent agonistic interactions.

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on the IUCN Red List as “vulnerable,” but some populations are
“critically endangered.” The population on Dominica is faring
much better than those on many other islands, where exploita-
tion by humans, habitat destruction, or competition and even
hybridization with introduced Common Iguanas (Iguana iguana)
have resulted in extirpations and dramatic declines. Hunting
iguanas is illegal on Dominica, although it still occurs. Many
individuals, especially females migrating to coastal nesting sites,
are killed on the roads.

Hemidactylus mabouia (Moreau de Jonnès 1818). Squamata:
Gekkonidae. Local name: Mabouya Kai. English common
names: Common House Gecko, Cosmopolitan House Gecko.
These geckos, with populations in Africa and throughout the
Neotropics, are human commensals. Whether the population
on Dominica arrived by natural or human-mediated means is
unknown. The nocturnal lizards (maximum male SVL 68 mm,
maximum female SVL 61 mm) occur on walls and roofs of
buildings and under loose concrete, logs, and rocks. They are
pale but often change color in response to their habitat.
Individuals found on the ground under loose bark and logs may
be whitish gray to light brown, with bands on their backs. These
lizards are frequently observed eating insects around lights at
night. Their conservation status has not been assessed.

Sphaerodactylus fantasticus (Duméril and Bibron 1836).
Squamata: Sphaerodactylidae. No local name. English common
name: South Leeward Sphaero (Dwarf Gecko). Lesser Antillean
endemic, the subspecies S. f. fuga is endemic to Dominica. These
small diurnal geckos (female SVL to 29 mm, male SVL to 28
mm) occur in leaf litter of dry forests and beachside vegetation

along the northern leeward (western) coast. Population densities
may be very high in some areas. Sphaerodactylus fantasticus is sex-
ually dimorphic. Males have a dark blue head with light-blue
and white spots, whereas those of females have two light stripes
that begin as an inverted V and extend onto the body. Body
ground color is usually brownish, dark orange, or maroon. Light
blue rings often surround the eyes of both sexes. These geckos
feed on a variety of small invertebrates. The conservation status
of this species has not been assessed.

Sphaerodactylus vincenti (Boulenger 1891). Squamata:
Sphaerodactylidae. No local name. English common name:
Windward Sphaero (Dwarf Gecko). Lesser Antillean endemic,
the subspecies S. v. monilifer is endemic to Dominica. These
small lizards (both male and female SVL to 40 mm, although
the largest Dominican geckos reach only 32 mm SVL) occur in
leaf litter of upland rain forests and habitats modified for agri-
culture to elevations as high as 900 m. These geckos are much
less frequently encountered than S. fantasticus. Sphaerodactylus
vincenti is sexually dimorphic. Dorsal ground color of both sexes
is brown, but males have two black “eye-spots” (ocelli) on the
shoulders, with the rest of the back variously marbled with dark
brown. Two light lines outlined with black extend to between
the ocelli. Females lack ocelli, but have spots on the shoulders
lateral to the lines. The conservation status of this species has not
been assessed.

Thecadactylus rapicauda (Houttuyn 1782). Squamata:
Phyllodactylidae. Local names: Mabouya Hazyé, Mabouya ban-

138 IGUANA  •  VOLUME 15, NUMBER 3  •  SEPTEMBER 2008 DANIELLS ET AL.

South Leeward Dwarf Geckos (Sphaerodactylus fantasticus) are sexually
dimorphic. Males (top) have very dark heads with light spots, whereas
females (bottom) are more distinctly patterned, but have striped heads.

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Common House Geckos (Hemidactylus mabouia) are frequently
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IGUANA  •  VOLUME 15, NUMBER 3  •  SEPTEMBER 2008 139AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES OF DOMINICA

nann, Mabouya Hòtè. English common names: Thick-tailed
Gecko, Turnip-tailed Gecko. Neotropical endemic; presumably
native on Dominica. These geckos (male SVL to 125 mm,
female SVL to 126 mm) occur in dry forests and are arboreal.
They often exploit the night-light niche and can be common in
artificial habitats, although they are less likely to function as
human commensals than Hemidactylus mabouia. They are
known to be nocturnal but have been found basking during the
day. Ground color and pattern elements are highly variable,
ranging from unicolored pale to dark gray, brown, or even deep
orange to having variable dark brown to slate gray or black
markings. Color can change dramatically from day to night.
Like many geckos, T. rapicauda is vocal, often producing a series
of chirps decreasing sequentially in volume. The diet consists of
insects, other small arthropods, and occasionally smaller lizards.
The disproportionately swollen tail, especially when regenerated,
is used to store fat. The conservation status of these widely dis-
tributed geckos has not been assessed.

Snakes (Reptilia: Squamata)
Boa nebulosa (Lazell 1964). Squamata: Boidae. Local names:
Tête-chien, Tèt-chyen. English common name: Clouded Boa.
Dominican endemic. These large nocturnal snakes (maximum
SVL ~3 m) occur in woodland and montane forests, scrub, and

on vegetated cliff faces. They can sometimes be found in more
disturbed areas, such as along the edges of banana fields. They
seek shelter by day in hollow logs, rock piles, tree roots, and
under natural and human debris. Ground color ranges from tan

Windward Dwarf Geckos (Sphaerodactylus vincenti monilifer) occur in
leaf litter of upland rain forests and habitats modified for agriculture
to elevations as high as 900 m. These geckos are much less frequently
encountered on Dominica than S. fantasticus. Sphaerodactylus vincenti
is sexually dimorphic. Males have two black “eye-spots” (ocelli) on the
shoulders, whereas females lack ocelli, but have light spots on the
shoulders. 

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Throughout much of the species’ range, Turnip-tailed Geckos
(Thecadactylus rapicauda) are less likely to associate with humans than
“house” geckos in the genus Hemidactylus. On Dominica, however,
these large geckos frequently exploit insects attracted to lights at night
and take advantage of the many cracks and crevices in buildings to seek
refuge by day. 

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Clouded Boas (Boa nebulosa) are the largest snakes on Dominica.
Until recently, they were considered a subspecies of the wide-ranging
B. constrictor. 

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to grayish-brown to dark brown with 23–35 rectangular or irreg-
ular dark dorsal saddles. The pattern appears to be washed-out
on much of the body, but becomes increasingly distinct near the
tail. Like other members of the family Boidae, B. nebulosa gives
birth to live young. The diet consists of small vertebrates such as
agoutis, iguanas, and chickens. Adults have few natural preda-
tors, but humans hunt them for medicinal oil. The conservation
status of the species is unknown, but all boids are included in
CITES Appendix II.

Alsophis antillensis (Schlegel 1837). Squamata: Colubridae. Local
names: Kouwès Nwè, Koulèv. English common name:
Dominican Racer. Lesser Antillean endemic; the subspecies A.
a. sibonius is a Dominican endemic (other subspecies occur on
neighboring islands). These diurnal snakes (maximum female
and male SVL 905 mm) occur in rain forest, rain forest edges,
coastal scrub, mountain pastures, mangrove edges, deciduous
forests, and orchards/plantations. Adult coloration is dark taupe
through milk chocolate to very dark brown, dark slate gray, and
jet black with white, cream, or light brown blotches. Juveniles
have a distinct pattern that becomes obscured with age as a result
of increased pigment deposition. These snakes are predomi-
nantly diurnal, with activity peaks at mid-morning and late
afternoon. Species of Alsophis feed primarily on lizards (especially
anoles), but may consume a variety of terrestrial vertebrates such
as frogs, birds, rodents, and sometimes other snakes. They use a
combination of active foraging and ambush foraging strategies,
and may extend activity into the night to hunt anoles eating
insects attracted to artificial lights. Their conservation status has
not been assessed.

Liophis juliae (Cope 1879). Squamata: Colubridae. Local names:
Kouwès jenga, Kouwès zenga, Grove Snake. English common
names: Dominican Ground Snake, Leeward Ground Snake.
Lesser Antillean endemic; the subspecies L. j. juliae is a
Dominican endemic (other subspecies occur on Guadeloupe
and Marie-Galante). These diurnally active, ground-dwelling
snakes (SVL to 458 mm) occur in rain forest, cut-over hard-
woods, and dry forest. Ground color is typically black with a
“salt and pepper” pattern of white to yellow spots. Communal
nests have been found. These active foragers feed primarily on
small vertebrates, including frogs, lizards (especially anoles), and
lizard eggs. Less frequently encountered and presumably less
abundant on Dominica than Alsophis antillensis, the conserva-
tion status of the species is unknown.

Typhlops dominicanus (Stejneger 1904). Squamata: Typhlopidae.
Local names: Kouwès dé-tèt, Koulèv, Coffin Borer. English com-
mon name: Dominican Blindsnake. Endemic. These burrowing
snakes (maximum SVL 385 mm) occur in well-shaded areas
under rocks and logs, but may be encountered on the surface
after heavy rains. They have a small, blunt head with scales cov-
ering the rudimentary eyes and a short tail equipped with a ter-

140 IGUANA  •  VOLUME 15, NUMBER 3  •  SEPTEMBER 2008 DANIELLS ET AL.

Diurnally active, ground-dwelling Dominican Ground Snakes (Liophis
juliae juliae) occur in rain forest, cut-over hardwoods, and dry forest.

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Dominican Blindsnakes (Typhlops dominicanus) are larger than most
of their relatives. All blindsnakes are burrowers and are rarely encoun-
tered except when heavy rains bring them to the surface (much like
earthworms). This individual was found on a trail in Cabrits National
Park in northwestern Dominica. 

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Dominican Racers (Alsophis antillensis sibonius) are predominantly
diurnal, with activity peaks at mid-morning and late afternoon, but
they may extend activity through midday on cloudy or rainy days. 

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minal spine that serves as an anchor when burrowing. Ground
color is pale to very dark gray or dark brown. Little is known
about these snakes, which, although rarely seen, are believed to
be a numerically important component of the Dominican her-
petofauna. The conservation status of this species is unknown.

Turtle (Reptilia: Chelonia)
Chelonoidis carbonaria (Spix 1824). Chelonia: Testudinidae.
Local name: Mòròkòy. English common name: Red-footed
Tortoise. Neotropical endemic; whether turtles on Dominica
arrived naturally via over-water dispersal or were introduced by
humans is unknown. Many West Indian populations may
include descendants of naturally occurring ancestors or of tor-
toises introduced by Native American or colonial-era Europeans
for food or as pets by more recent island residents. These turtles
(shell length in males to 60 cm, in females to ~40 cm) occur in
forests as well as more open habitats. Despite their size, they are
rarely encountered even where abundant. Almost never found
on Dominica, the very existence of a wild population is ques-
tionable. The top of the shell is black with yellow markings; the
underside of the shell is yellow with black markings. Some scales
on the legs and tail are reddish orange. The diet consists prima-
rily of plant material, but small arthropods and other inverte-
brates may be consumed. In many parts of their range, these tor-
toises are captured for food or for the pet trade. Although listed
in CITES Appendix II, no formal assessment of conservation
status has been completed.

Acknowledgements
We thank our mentors Robert Powell (Avila University), Robert
W. Henderson (Milwaukee Public Museum), and John S.
Parmerlee, Jr. (Johnson County Community College), for their
guidance. Mr. Arlington James, Forest Officer, Forestry, Wildlife,
and Parks Division, Ministry of Agriculture & the Environment,
Commonwealth of Dominica, was instrumental in issuing permits
to conduct research in Dominica and facilitated our efforts in myr-
iad ways. Fieldwork was funded by a grant from the National
Science Foundation (USA) to Robert Powell (DBI-0242589).

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Red-footed Tortoises (Chelonoidis carbonaria) are rarely encountered
on Dominica and whether a wild population exists is questionable. 

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