Threats to survival Distribution of the iguana has already been drastically restricted due to alteration in habitat by humans. The greatest threat on the remaining population seems to be exotic predators, including mongooses, cats, stray dogs, and possibly feral pigs. Mongooses are very common throughout the Hellshire Hills and prey on eggs and young iguanas.
Dogs are able to take even adult iguanas.
Another significant threat to iguana survival is that the periphery of the forest is being burned for charcoal production, a local industry that provides income to some 10,000 Jamaicans. Following the rediscovery of the species in 1990, the Jamaican Iguana Research and Conservation Group was formed, comprising representatives from the University of the West Indies, the Natural Resources Conservation Authority, Hope Zoological Gardens, and the Institute of Jamaica. A detailed study of the natural history of the species is currently underway. Once these individuals attain a large enough body size to avoid mongoose predation, they are acclimated to natural foods and local conditions and released into managed areas within the Hellshire Hills. Animals have been released each year since 1997.