The Jamaican Iguana isn’t a well-known species, however, these reptiles are one of the most endangered animals in the world - there are only a handful of them left.
What Is The Population Of These Iguanas?
There are only a very small number of these Iguanas left in the wild.
It is estimated that there are now only between 100 and 200 individual Jamaican Iguanas left in the wild today. This makes these animals one of the rarest animals in the world.
What Is Their Conservation Status?
Due to their very low population, the Jamaican Iguana is classified as a critically endangered species.
What Is Their Population Trend?
It’s not known what their population trend is today.
In other words, wildlife conservationists don’t know if this species is decreasing in the wild, increasing in the wild or if their population is remaining the same today.
A History, Back From The Brink
Their population trend might not be known today, but we know their population trend from the past. These animals were thought to have been extinct by the 1940’s.
The Jamaican Iguana was thought to have been extinct for decades, which is quite remarkable as they are a big reptile. They were thought to have been extinct from the 1940’s to 1990, when in 1990 they were spotted in the wild again.
Considering the Jamaican Iguana was thought to have been extinct for decades and they are big, it makes you wonder about other species which have been declared extinct - especially species smaller to the Jamaican Iguana - it’s possible that there a other animals out there that have been declared extinct, but which are still living amongst us.
This even goes for bigger animals than the Jamaican Iguana, as a deer-like animal which was thought to have been extinct for three decades was found again in the wild last year. If an animal like this isn’t actually extinct when declared extinct, then it’s likely that other smaller animals which have been declared extinct in recent years are still out there.
What Are The Threats To These Animals?
Jamaican Iguanas are vulnerable to extinction because of their very low population. They are also vulnerable to extinction because they have only one place they are found - these animals are only found in a small part of the island of Jamaica.
There are also other threats which make these animals vulnerable to extinction.
The other threats that Jamaican Iguanas face are:
. Mining and quarry areas or work
. The risk from invasive species which are not native to the island
There Is Hope For Jamaican Iguanas
Although Jamaican Iguanas are only present in a small area of the world, there is still hope for these reptiles. This is because their habitat is protected and they also have new nesting sites being established on the island. Therefore, the future looks brighter for Jamaican Iguanas.
What Is The Habitat Of Jamaican Iguanas?
These animals primarily live in forests, they are found in no other habitat.
What Is Their Scientific Name?
Cyclura collei
What Class Do They Belong To?
They belong to the Reptilia class.
The Reptilia class includes all of the worlds reptile species.
What Family Do They Belong To?
They belong to a family of reptiles called the Iguanidae.
What Kingdom Do They Belong To?
They belong to the Animalia kingdom, which is the animal kingdom.
Fun Fact
There is a group that works to save Jamaican Iguanas, it is called the Save the Jamaican Iguana Trust.
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