Iguana Species · Cuba & Bahamas
Cuban Rock Iguana
Powerful rock iguana of the Caribbean — CITES protected and not a companion animal.
By the WARN Research & Conservation TeamChecked against IUCN Red List & CITES sourcesLast updated
In brief
The Cuban rock iguana (Cyclura nubila) is a powerful limestone-coast specialist of Cuba and the Bahamas — among the largest West Indian rock iguanas with bold yellow-eyed stare. Its defining trait is CITES Appendix I protection: zoo conservation only, never a companion animal.
Cuban Rock Iguana: At a Glance
| Origin | Cuba & Bahamas |
|---|---|
| Size | Large (6–7 kg) |
| Typical weight | 6–7 kg (13–15 lb); heavy terrestrial iguana |
| Lifespan | 15–20 years (green iguana in captivity); wild species vary |
| Scales & colour | Grey-brown to olive scales with dark banding; yellow eyes prominent. Rough cephalic scales — armoured appearance unlike green iguana smoothness. |
| Temperament | Terrestrial, bold, protected |
| Conservation note | Wild conservation and accredited Cyclura breeding programmes — Cuban rock iguanas require hectares of outdoor habitat impossible in domestic settings. |
History & Origins
Cuban rock iguanas inhabit xeric scrub and limestone coasts, herbivorous with bold behaviour when habituated to tourists in protected Cuban sites. All Cyclura species face extinction pressure. Pet trade demand adds illegal collection pressure alongside habitat loss — CITES Appendix I prohibits commercial trade.
Cuban Rock Iguana Fun Facts
- Cuban rock iguanas bask prominently on Cuban tourist sites under strict protection.
- Cyclura genus among most endangered lizard groups globally.
- Live decades in wild with adequate habitat — 50+ years recorded.
- Yellow eye colour distinguishes from some other Cyclura at distance.
Cuban Rock Iguana Common Health Issues
Conditions seen more often in this breed, and how owners and vets help manage them. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice — always speak to your vet.
Habitat loss (wild)
Coastal development destroys nesting and basking sites.
Care: Fund Cuban protected areas and Cyclura reintroduction programmes.
Introduced predators (wild)
Cats, dogs and pigs prey on iguanas and eggs on some islands.
Care: Support predator control on conservation islands.
Cannot be kept responsibly in homes
Size, longevity and legal status prohibit pet keeping.
Care: Visit accredited zoos supporting Cyclura EEP programmes instead.
Most iguanas are not beginner pets
Green iguanas grow to two metres and live twenty years — most owners are unprepared. Released pets become invasive. Consider adoption only if you can meet specialist reptile welfare standards.
