Jamaican Iguanas: No Native Species, But Two Introduced

No iguana species is native to Jamaica. The island's native reptile fauna includes the Jamaican boa, several anoles, geckos, and the critically endangered Jamaican iguana (Cyclura collei)—wait, that is native. Let me clarify.

✅ Native: Jamaican Iguana (Cyclura collei)

• Status: Critically Endangered (IUCN).
• Rediscovered: 1990 (Hellshire Hills) after presumed extinct since 1940s.
• Population: <200 mature individuals.
• Threats: Mongooses (introduced 1872), feral cats/dogs, pigs, charcoal burning, habitat loss.
• Conservation: Head-start program (Hope Zoo), predator control, habitat protection, reintroduction to Goat Islands (planned).

🦎 Introduced: Common Green Iguana (Iguana iguana)

• Pet releases/escaped; established in urban/suburban areas.
• Competes with native species; damages vegetation, infrastructure.
• Not protected; can be humanely culled.

🦏 Introduced: Rhinoceros Iguana (Cyclura cornuta)

• Native to Hispaniola (Haiti/DR).
• Small introduced populations in Jamaica (likely pets).
• Less common than green iguana.

Bottom line: Jamaica has a native iguana (the Jamaican iguana)—it's one of the world's rarest lizards. The green and rhinoceros iguanas are invasive. Conservation focuses on saving the endemic Cyclura collei.