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Cyclura cornata
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Rhino Iguana
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le
Scientific Name:
Cyclura cornata
Other Names:
None
Range:
Haiti and Dominican Republic (Hispaniola)
Habitat:
Dry scrub brush, coastal scrub,
limestone forests, and rain forests
Average Size:
Length: 3 1⁄2 - 4 ft.
Weight: 8 - 10 lbs.
Description:
Males: Large, gray iguana with several hornlike spines on its nose
Females: Smaller than males with less
pronounced horns
Diet:
In the wild: Leaves, fruit and grasses
In the Zoo: Fruit, mixed vegetables
and greens, protein biscuits, and
calcium supplements
Lifespan:
In the wild: Estimated at 25 years
In the Zoo: Unknown
Sexual Maturity:
Estimated at 3 – 6 years of age
Clutch Size:
2 – 20 eggs
Incubation Period:
3 months
Predators:
Birds of prey, introduced mammals
(cats and mongoose), and humans
Population Status:
Endangered
Conservation
Because this species is an island dweller, damage to the ecosystem has a
larger effect on their populations. They are unable to travel to more suitable
habitat and become fragmented easily. There are estimated to be only 20
populations of this species in the Dominican Republic and fewer than 10 in
Haiti. The main problem has been introduction of predatory mammals such
as mongoose, but deforestation and human encroachment are also causing
rapid decline in rhino iguana numbers. Illegal hunting and exportation for the
pet trade have decreased in the past years with increased education efforts
and stiff penalties for offenders.
Behavior
These terrestrial lizards spend their days foraging for food, but travel only
short distances within their own territory. They hold their heads up high on
their necks to display their prominent horns even while basking in the sun on
rocks. Rhino iguanas are extremely territorial and use their long tails to slash
and whip at predators or intruders. Although territorial battles between males
rarely come to full aggression, the ensuing stand offs can last several hours.
This species of iguana can re-grow teeth lost in battle.
Reproduction and Breeding
Breeding season coincides with the onset of the spring rainy period. Male
courtship, which can last for several days, includes head tossing and color
changes to attract females within their territory. Although size does play a
role in mating success, it is generally the resident male that wins access to
the local females.
Females mate with several males and have the ability to store sperm.
This insures each clutch will be fathered by several males and keeps the
population genetically diverse.
Females dig egg burrows up to three feet deep and guard the nests
aggressively. In areas where suitable nesting sites are rare, the competition
amongst females is severe. All of the eggs hatch within 24 hours of each
other, but it may take up to a week for the hatchlings to dig out of the burrow.
The young, weighing in at only 3 ounces, must quickly head to cover to avoid
predators. There is no extended parental care for this species.
The Sacramento Zoological Society
3930 West Land Park Dr., Sacramento, CA 95822
T: 916-264-5888 F: 916-264-7385 E: [email protected]
www.saczoo.com
Amazing Facts
There are eight species of Cyclura genus iguana species!
Iguanids occur only in the Americas!
Another member of this genus, Cyclura stejnegeri, has a longevity record of 50 years or more!
Rhino Iguana
The Sacramento Zoological Society
3930 West Land Park Dr., Sacramento, CA 95822
T: 916-264-5888 F: 916-264-7385 E: [email protected]
www.saczoo.com