Turks and Caicos rock iguana (Cyclura carinata): Conservation and management plan 2020–2024

Abstract

The Endangered Turks and Caicos rock iguana, Cyclura carinata, is found only on the islands and cays of Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI), and on Booby Cay in The Bahamas, northwest of Providenciales. These iguanas now occupy less than 10 percent of their historic range largely due to the impact of invasive mammalian predators. Although conservation efforts have led to stabilisation of the population resulting in the 2020 down-listing of this species from Critically Endangered to Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, threats persist and management efforts are needed. This document presents a comprehensive four-year plan for the conservation and management actions considered essential to ensuring the long-term survival of Cyclura carinata in the wild. This document combines knowledge and expertise from local government, local and international NGOs, the tourism industry, educators, homeowners, private island managers, civil society, and members of the IUCN SSC Iguana Specialist Group working in the TCI.