Cyclura is a genus of lizards from the family Iguanidae. They are known commonly as Rock iguanas.

There is very little published data on the biological and physiological parameters for wild or captive West Indian iguanas. This inhibits the zoological community’s ability to provide the best possible husbandry and health care for iguanas in human care, one of the primary goals of the West Indian Iguana Specialist Group (ISG), the international organization in charge of all iguana taxa. The Indianapolis Zoo is involved in research and conservation of all 16 taxa of West Indian iguanas. This includes collaborative work on establishing baseline biological values in captive and wild iguanas, and the development and implementation of scientific investigation, conservation efforts, field research and captive breeding programs. The Indianapolis Zoo has been involved in the Dominican Republic for almost ten years and will continue its research and conservation efforts with the Ricord's iguana, one of the more critically threatened species. Project Iguana is committed to the survival of West Indian Iguanas and their habitats through in situ conservation, captive breeding, public education, and scientific research.

Goals include:

Working with the Ricord’s Iguana Recovery Group to implement the ISG’s Species Recovery Plan. In depth census of iguanas on Isla Cabritos, Dominican Republic. Determining vitamin D status of captive West Indian iguanas at the Zoo before and after exposure to sunlight. Continuing to develop long-term captive breeding programs for Grand Cayman Island Blue iguanas and Jamaican iguanas at the Indianapolis Zoo. Work in partnership with ZOODOM (the national zoo of the Dominican Republic) to develop a long-term captive breeding and husbandry program for Ricord’s iguanas. Develop an education program for West Indian Iguanas and their habitats.

Classification of Genus Cyclura

• Cyclura carinata, Turks and Caicos Rock iguana
• Cyclura collei, Jamaican iguana
• Cyclura cornuta, Rhinoceros iguana
• Cyclura cychlura
• Cyclura lewisi, Blue iguana
• Cyclura nubila, Cuban iguana
• Cyclura pinguis
• Cyclura ricordi
• Cyclura rileyi
• Cyclura cornuta stejnegeri, Mona Ground Iguana

References

• Frost, D.E. and R.E. Etheridge (1989) A Phylogenetic Analysis and Taxonomy of Iguanian Lizards (Reptilia: Squamata). Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Misc. Publ. 81
• Frost, D.R., R. Etheridge, D. Janies and T.A. Titus (2001) Total evidence, sequence alignment, evolution of Polychrotid lizards, and a reclassification of the Iguania (Squamata: Iguania). American Museum Novitates 3343: 38 pp.

Iguanas