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BVI National Parks Trust Anegada Rock Iguana Headstart Facility
BVI National Parks Trust Anegada Rock Iguana Headstart Facility
Adjacent to Administration Complex
The Settlement, Anegada VG1110
British Virgin Islands
The Anegada Rock Iguana (Cyclura pinguis) Rehabilitation Project began in 1997 to protect the rapidly declining population of the endemic and globally endangered Anegada Rock Iguanas (C. pinguis) on Anegada. A Headstart Facility was constructed on Anegada, British Virgin Islands with assistance from scientists from the IUCN World Conservation Union - Iguana Specialist Group (ISG) and technical input from members of the Centre for Reproduction of Endangered Species of the San Diego Zoo, the Dallas Zoo and the Fort Worth Zoo.
The number of animals varies each year, due to releases back into the wild but is on average 60 animals.
National Parks Trust Wardens feed and monitor the growth of the juveniles, nurturing them to a stage of maturity when they will no longer be vulnerable to predators. The Anegada Rock Iguana is a relatively slow growing species. Males reach a maximum of 52 inches and females 46 inches. The iguanas are released back into the wild once they reach a large enough size where they are at less risk from predators. Juvenile iguanas are particularly at risk from the large population of wild cats on the island, in addition to trampling of their nests by roaming cattle and donkeys. Habitat loss is the other most significant threat. The programme continues to be a collaborative effort with various partners and October 2006 saw the 4th annual and largest release of iguanas to date with 29 animals released back into the wild on Anegada.
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