Many West Indian iguanas remain without adequate protection, either because no habitat has officially been set aside for them or because existing legislation is not enforced. Control of introduced predators is crucial to the survival of many West Indian iguanas. Because these iguanas have evolved in the absence of mammalian predators, they have no natural defenses against them and population declines can occur alarmingly fast. For almost all taxa inhabiting larger islands, dogs and cats are having devastating consequences, particularly for young iguanas. The recent introduction of black rats to several regions is also cause for great concern.
Mongooses are live trapped and removed.
They are introduced predators of iguanas on several islands. Rick Hudson Nesting sites for Jamaican iguanas are rare. Only two sites are known in the 100km of remaining habitat. Click on photo for enlargement. Glen Gerber Control of livestock is needed on several islands.