Cyclura Cornuta Research Articles

Human and hutia (Isolobodon portoricensis) interactions in pre-Columbian Hispaniola: The isotopic and morphological evidence

There are certain animal candidates for which researchers have long speculated as having been managed, or possibly domesticated, by indigenous peoples in the pre-Columbian Caribbean, the primary candidate being some members of a group of caviomorph rodents known as hutia (Capromyinae). This study comprises an isotopic and morphological investigation of the potential management of an extinct species endemic to Hispaniola, the Puerto Rican hutia (Isolobodon portoricensis). For comparisons, isotopic analysis was conducted of bone collagen samples examining carbon (∂13Cco) and nitrogen (∂15N) values of I. portoricensis with two other species of endemic hutia, guinea pig (Cavia porcellus), Antillean slider (Trachemys stejnegeri), rhinoceros iguana (Cyclura cornuta) and edible rat (Brotomys sp.) from four sites in the Dominican Republic: El Flaco, El Carril, El Cabo and La Entrada. This data was compared to human and dog collagen values available from El Flaco to assess similarities between these groups. Osteometric data was recorded for hutia mandibles, allowing for body mass estimations (n = 230). The findings suggest that some Isolobodon portoricensis specimens possessed carbon (δ13Cco) values similar to humans and dogs at El Flaco, possibly associated with the consumption of agriculturally produced maize. This research does not indicate whether domestication or management of this species was occurring, at least not in a systematic way. Concurrence with palaeoenvironmental and zooarchaeological data from the region in which El Flaco and El Carril are located indicate that indigenous agricultural practices may have affected populations of hutia, perhaps by attracting them and supporting them within anthropogenic mosaic landscapes. The data also suggests that some degree of either purposeful feeding or scavenging from human agricultural plots was occurring and supports some degree of commensalism between humans and Puerto Rican hutia at these sites.

Sex, drugs and rock iguanas: testicular dynamics and plasma testosterone concentrations could predict optimal semen collection times in Cyclura.

Iguanas are the most endangered family of reptiles, with 77% categorised as threatened or near threatened. Further, Cyclura is the most endangered reptile genus, with all 12 species considered threatened. Therefore, it is vital that we develop assisted reproductive technologies for Cyclura spp. to enhance their conservation efforts. The goals of this study were to collect semen, and to measure testicle size and testosterone concentrations in Grand Cayman rock iguana hybrids (Cyclura lewisi ×nubila (CLN)) and rhinoceros rock iguanas (Cyclura cornuta (CC)). A prospective longitudinal study was performed in 9.0 CLN and 9.0 CC during their reproductive season in southern Florida (February-July). Serial testicle ultrasound measurements and plasma testosterone concentrations were collected monthly. Testicle measurements (length (L), width (W), height (H)) were collected and testicle volume (V ) was estimated using the equation V =0.52(LW 2 ). There were significant differences in testicle L, W, H and V for both species. Testicle size peaked for CLN and CC in April and May respectively. Plasma testosterone concentrations increased from baseline during February, March and April in CLN and in March, April and May in CC. Ultrasound testicle measurements could be used to predict when to collect semen in these seasonally monocyclic iguanas.

Genetic structure of Rhinoceros Rock Iguanas, Cyclura cornuta, in the Dominican Republic, with insights into the impact of captive facilities and the taxonomic status of Cyclura on Mona Island

Hispaniola is the second largest island in the Caribbean and harbors an extensive amount of biodiversity. The geologic history and resulting complex topography of the island has led to significant differentiation across various taxonomic groups. Hispaniola is the only Caribbean Island with two species of Rock Iguanas, genus Cyclura. Rhinoceros Rock Iguanas (C. cornuta) are wide-ranging across Hispaniola, occurring in isolated pockets, primarily in low elevation xeric areas. To better understand the population structure of this species, we used a combination of mtDNA and nuclear markers to elucidate the genetic variation of wild populations across 13 sampling regions in the Dominican Republic (DR), as well as neighboring Mona Island, home to a Cyclura population of uncertain taxonomic status. Further, we evaluate the origin of iguanas in captive facilities throughout the DR. Our data reveal a high degree of genetic diversity across wild populations within the DR and shed light on the taxonomic status of the Mona island population. Further, novel genetic diversity is found in captive facilities, most likely resulting from interbreeding between individuals from genetically distinct populations within the captive facilities. Our results suggest that the captive facilities may pose a threat to wild populations and increased regulation of these facilities is needed.

Summer and Winter Seasonal Changes in Vitamin D Status of Captive Rhinoceros Iguanas (Cyclura cornuta)

Abstract Four long-term captive adult rhinoceros iguanas (Cyclura cornuta) on display at the Dallas Zoo (Dallas, TX) were maintained for several years in an outdoor enclosure in the summer and in a smaller indoor enclosure in the winter. While fully exposed to sunlight and given the opportunity to supplement their diet with live vegetation each summer, they were deprived of the benefits of full sun exposure, including ultraviolet B (UVB) exposure, and they received no dietary vitamin D for several months each winter. Maintained with this protocol, the animals seemed healthy and they reproduced. However, increasing awareness of the important role of UVB in vitamin D–mediated calcium metabolism and the potential health risk of UVB and vitamin D deprivation stimulated us to focus more on seasonal changes in vitamin D status and possible subtle changes in health status throughout winter. From September 2008 to October 2010, an 85% decline in the serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (calcidiol) concentrations was measur...

Spatial Ecology of the Endangered Mona Island Iguana Cyclura cornuta stejnegeri: Does Territorial Behavior Regulate Density?

The endangered iguana Cyclura cornuta stejnegeri is endemic to Mona Island, Puerto Rico. Factors accounting for its protected status include low adult densities and relatively low abundance of juveniles. We studied the spatial ecology, territoriality, and philopatric behavior along a gradient of human- disturbed areas to increase our understanding of its unusual demography. We used the minimum convex polygon (MCP) method to estimate the home range of radiomarked iguanas, the degree of inter- and intrasex home-range overlap, and the temporal patterns of space use by 42 iguanas (19 males and 23 females, including 4 juvenile individuals) during the nonbreeding (October-November) and mating season (June) at three Mona Island localities with different levels of human disturbance. Juvenile iguanas had larger home ranges and move across the home ranges of several adults. Adult males had larger home ranges than females and no significant temporal differences in size or pattern of usage (Cole index) were detected between the study periods. Females, despite reducing their home-range size during the mating season, changed the usage patterns, resulting in increased interactions with neighboring males. Home-range overlap was minimal between males, followed by female-female overlap and maximal between males and females. Our results suggest that Mona Island iguanas are highly territorial throughout the year; particularly males in the mid- and undisturbed areas where almost all home-range areas appear to be equivalent to the defended territory. In the most disturbed area, where supplemental feeding by humans exists, home ranges are smaller and there is larger intersex home-range overlap. Previously, the low density of the population was attributed to lack of recruitment into adult stages due to predation of juveniles by nonnative mammals. However, the high levels of territoriality documented in this study may be an additional factor explaining the low densities exhibited by this population. Our data suggest that the three study sites may be at or close to carrying capacities for males, because there appear to be no vacant areas for additional males. Furthermore, the large and highly overlapping home ranges exhibited by four juvenile iguanas suggest that they are or will become floaters in search of unoccupied space.

Ovarian Torsion in a Green, Iguana iguana, and a Rhinoceros, Cyclura cornuta, Iguana

ABSTRACT Unilateral ovarian torsion was diagnosed in two unrelated iguanas based on gross and microscopic findings. Case No. 1 was an adult female green iguana, Iguana iguana, that died with severe egg retention and systemic bacterial infection with unilateral granulomatous oophoritis and a 360° clockwise torsion of the left ovary. Case No. 2 was a two year-old female rhinoceros iguana, Cyclura cornuta, that died after a seven day history of marked weakness, lethargy, anorexia and tremors, and had a 270° counterclockwise torsion in the right ovary with oophoritis and a coelomic serosanguineous effusion. This is believed to be the first report of ovarian torsion in iguanas, although follicular torsion has been recently documented in a green iguana.

Do headstart programs work? Survival and body condition in headstarted Mona Island iguanas Cyclura cornuta stejnegeri

ESR Endangered Species Research Contact the journal Facebook Twitter RSS Mailing List Subscribe to our mailing list via Mailchimp HomeLatest VolumeAbout the JournalEditorsSpecials ESR 6:55-65 (2008) - DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/esr00130 Do headstart programs work? Survival and body condition in headstarted Mona Island iguanas Cyclura cornuta stejnegeri Néstor Pérez-Buitrago1,2,3,*, Miguel A. García2,3, Alberto Sabat1, Johanna Delgado4, Alberto Álvarez3, Owen McMillan1,2, Stephan M. Funk1,2,5,* 1Center for Applied Tropical Ecology and Conservation, University of Puerto Rico – Río Piedras, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00931, USA 2Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico – Río Piedras, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00931, USA 3Department of Natural and Environmental Resources, Wildlife Division, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00906, USA 4Texas A&M University – Kingsville, Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, Kingsville, Texas 78363, USA 5Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, Les Augres Manor, Trinity, Jersey JE3 5BP, Channel Islands *Corresponding authors: Email: yani@yahoo.com, stephan.funk@durrell.org ABSTRACT: Headstarting refers to the raising of hatchlings in captivity and subsequently releasing them into the wild and it is a widely used tool to protect endangered species by increasing survivorship. Evaluating the success of headstart programs is necessary but challenging. We evaluated a headstart program for the endangered Mona Island iguana Cyclura cornuta stejnegeri by analyzing demographic and spatial data and by comparing growth rate, body condition, and external parasitic load of headstarted and wild iguanas. Hatchlings were released at about 3 yr age. Minimum survival rate was 40.3 %, at 7.6 to 48.3 mo after release. Most migrated from the release site back to the rearing facilities about 633 m away. Density around the rearing facility increased from 7.5 to 11.5 iguanas ha–1 (25 of 75 captures were headstarted iguanas). Released headstarted iguanas exhibited growth rates similar to the maxima observed in captive and wild mid-sized iguanas. Growth rates decreased immediately prior to release, indicating that husbandry practices ought to be reviewed. There was no evidence for an effect of captivity on susceptibility to external parasites. Increased local density indicates that the program was successful. However, the longer-term success remains unknown, as most headstarted iguanas returned to the headstart facility without establishing territories typical for adult wild Mona iguanas. KEY WORDS: Conservation management · Headstarting · Reintroduction · Rock iguana · Cyclura · Mona Island · Caribbean· Puerto Rico Full text in pdf format PreviousNextCite this article as: Pérez-Buitrago N, García MA, Sabat A, Delgado J, Álvarez A, Mcmillan O, Funk SM (2008) Do headstart programs work? Survival and body condition in headstarted Mona Island iguanas Cyclura cornuta stejnegeri. Endang Species Res 6:55-65. https://doi.org/10.3354/esr00130 Export citation RSS - Facebook - Tweet - linkedIn Cited by Published in ESR Vol. 6, No. 1. Online publication date: October 14, 2008 Print ISSN: 1863-5407; Online ISSN: 1613-4796 Copyright © 2008 Inter-Research.

Do headstart programs work? Survival and body condition in headstarted Mona Island iguanas Cyclura cornuta stejnegeri

Headstarting refers to the raising of hatchlings in captivity and subsequently releasing them into the wild and it is a widely used tool to protect endangered species by increasing survivor- ship. Evaluating the success of headstart programs is necessary but challenging. We evaluated a headstart program for the endangered Mona Island iguana Cyclura cornuta stejnegeri by analyzing demographic and spatial data and by comparing growth rate, body condition, and external parasitic load of headstarted and wild iguanas. Hatchlings were released at about 3 yr age. Minimum survival rate was 40.3 %, at 7.6 to 48.3 mo after release. Most migrated from the release site back to the rear- ing facilities about 633 m away. Density around the rearing facility increased from 7.5 to 11.5 iguanas ha -1 (25 of 75 captures were headstarted iguanas). Released headstarted iguanas exhibited growth rates similar to the maxima observed in captive and wild mid-sized iguanas. Growth rates decreased immediately prior to release, indicating that husbandry practices ought to be reviewed. There was no evidence for an effect of captivity on susceptibility to external parasites. Increased local density indi- cates that the program was successful. However, the longer-term success remains unknown, as most headstarted iguanas returned to the headstart facility without establishing territories typical for adult wild Mona iguanas.

Spatial ecology of the Mona Island iguana Cyclura cornuta stejnegeri in an undisturbed environment

The population of the endangered iguana Cyclura cornuta stejnegeri , endemic to Mona Island (Puerto Rico), is characterized by a low density and an adult-skewed age distribution. In this study we measured space use patterns in nine adult iguanas (five males and four females) during the non-breeding period in an undisturbed environment in order to determine to what extent spatial and territorial behavior contributes to the observed low density. Minimum Convex Polygon and the 50% and 90% Kernel methods were used to estimate the home range of radio marked iguanas. Male-female home range overlap was extensive while male-male overlap was minimal. Females were distributed randomly in the study area, while males exhibited a regular spacing pattern. The lack of home range overlap among males and their regular distribution pattern suggests that males of the Mona Island iguana are highly territorial, and that their home range areas appear to be equivalent to territories. Previous studies had attributed the low iguana densities on Mona Island to the scarcity of mid-size iguanas that precluded recruitment into the adult stages. The high levels of territoriality among Mona Island iguana males documented in this study suggests an additional factor that may explain the low densities in this population. Our data suggest that male carrying capacity may have been reached at Mona Island since there appear to be no vacant areas for additional male territories.

Amphibians and reptiles of the Dominican Republic: species of special concern

The Dominican Republic faces multiple threats to biodiversity. A list of native species of amphibians and reptiles (excluding sea turtles) is presented. Some may have become extinct recently, substantial populations of others have been extirpated, some have greatly reduced numbers, and others appear to be rare or have restricted ranges. Most of the 13 taxa listed are relatively large, vulnerable to human exploitation or introduced predators, and/or have limited distributions and specific habitat requirements. To be listed, evidence must exist that: (1) populations are dwindling, (2) the range is shrinking, or (3) a species must be vulnerable to exploitation and historically rare. Two iguanas (Cyclura cornuta, C. ricordii), two turtles (Trachemys decorata, T. stejnegeri vicina), and one crocodilian (Crocodylus acutus) have been exploited extensively and have long been recognized as threatened or endangered. The ranges of Cyclura ricordii and T. decorata are very localized and the previously widespread ranges of the others have shrunk or become fragmented. A toad (Bufo fluviaticus), a large galliwasp (Celestus anelpistus), and a snake (Alsophis melanichnus) have not been collected recently. Only a few specimens of another galliwasp (C. carraui) and a dwarf gecko (Sphaerodactylus cochranae) have been taken recently. In addition, extensive portions of the habitats of these species have been severely altered. Three other snakes (Alsophis anomalus, laltris agyrtes, I. dorsalis) are rare and may never have been common. Their size and habits render them vulnerable to predation by the introduced mongoose and to decimation by humans who fear and dislike them.

Amphibians and reptiles of the Dominican Republic: species of special concern

AbstractThe Dominican Republic faces multiple threats to biodiversity. A list of native species of amphibians and reptiles (excluding sea turtles) is presented. Some may have become extinct recently, substantial populations of others have been extirpated, some have greatly reduced numbers, and others appear to be rare or have restricted ranges. Most of the 13 taxa listed are relatively large, vulnerable to human exploitation or introduced predators, and/or have limited distributions and specific habitat requirements. To be listed, evidence must exist that: (1) populations are dwindling, (2) the range is shrinking, or (3) a species must be vulnerable to exploitation and historically rare. Two iguanas (Cyclura cornuta, C. ricordii), two turtles (Trachemys decorata, T. stejnegeri vicina), and one crocodilian (Crocodylus acutus) have been exploited extensively and have long been recognized as threatened or endangered. The ranges of Cyclura ricordii and T. decorata are very localized and the previously widespread ranges of the others have shrunk or become fragmented. A toad (Bufo fluviaticus), a large galliwasp (Celestus anelpistus), and a snake (Alsophis melanichnus) have not been collected recently. Only a few specimens of another galliwasp (C. carraui) and a dwarf gecko (Sphaerodactylus cochranae) have been taken recently. In addition, extensive portions of the habitats of these species have been severely altered. Three other snakes (Alsophis anomalus, laltris agyrtes, I. dorsalis) are rare and may never have been common. Their size and habits render them vulnerable to predation by the introduced mongoose and to decimation by humans who fear and dislike them.

Axenic culture of reptilian Blastocystis isolates in monophasic medium and speciation by karyotypic typing.

The growth of axenic reptilian isolates of Blastocystis in Iscove's modified Dulbecco's medium (IMDM) was studied and the morphology of the parasite was examined by phase-contrast microscopy. The chromosomal patterns of these reptilian isolates of Blastocystis were examined by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and compared with those of B. hominis and B. lapemi, a sea snake Blastocystis. IMDM with 10% horse serum supported excellent growth of the reptilian Blastocystis isolates. The parasites from all the isolates were predominantly vacuolar, but multivacuolar and amoeboid forms were also seen. Amoeboid forms with rather elongate pseudopodia were also observed. There were some differences in size, morphology, and growth characteristics in the different reptilian isolates. The karyotypic patterns of the Blastocystis isolates from tortoise, iguana, and python were distinctly different from one another and from those obtained with B. hominis and B. lapemi. On the basis of the above-mentioned differences in chromosomal patterns, the tortoise, iguana, and python isolates are described as new species, viz., B. geocheloni sp. nov. from Geochelone carbonaria (red-footed tortoise), B. cycluri sp. nov. from Cyclura cornuta (rhino iguana), and B. pythoni sp. nov. from Python reticulatus (reticulated python).

A new species of Neisseria from iguanid lizards, Neisseria iguanae sp. nov.

A new species of the genus Neisseria is proposed, Neisseria iguanae sp. nov. The organism is associated with septic lesions in the common iguana (Iguana iguana) and the rhinoceros iguana (Cyclura cornuta) but is also a commensal. It resembles N. animalis and N. canis phenotypically but is distinguished from these by exhibiting pronounced tetrad arrangement and alpha haemolysis and by fermenting gluconate.

A survey ofBlastocystis in reptiles

A total of 28 species of reptiles were investigated for Blastocystis using light microscopy and in vitro culture in biphasic egg slant medium. Blastocystis species were detected in 8 (28.6%) of these 28 species in 3 tortoises (Geochelone elephantopus, G. elegans and G. carbonaria), 3 snakes (Boiga dendrophilla, Python reticulatus and Elaphe radiata), 1 crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) and 1 iguana lizard (Cyclura cornuta). The reptilian Blastocystis appeared to be morphologically similar to B. hominis.

Septicemia and Chronic Abscesses in Iguanas (Cyclura cornuta and Iguana iguana) Associated with a Neisseria Species

Septicemia and Chronic Abscesses in Iguanas (Cyclura cornuta and Iguana iguana) Associated with a Neisseria Species

Sickling hemoglobin polymerization in iguana erythrocytes

1. 1. Polymerized hemoglobin in the cytoplasm and nuclei of erythrocytes from iguana ( Cyclura cornuta and Cyclura figgensi) form fibers like those of sickled cells in some mammals. 2. 2. Sickling is greater in C. cornuta than in C. figgensi and is promoted by O 2 or N 2 while pH has no effect. 3. 3. Iguana hemoglobins crystallize readily and are insoluble in phosphate buffers. 1.12-2.57 M. 4. 4. Electrophoresis in an alkaline buffer revealed 2 hemoglobins in all animals, with an identical slowly migrating one in both species and a faster one which moves more rapidly in C. cornuta than in C. figgensi.

Introduced Species of Reptiles in Surinam. Notes on the herpetofauna of Surinam VIII

AbstractHemidactylus mabouia (MOREAU) DE JONNÈS) is a recent invader of Surinam, apparently still extending the limits of its distribution. Recent introductions of the Hispaniolan lizards Anolis chlorocyanus chlorocyanus DUMÉRIL and BIBRON and A. cybotes cybotes COPE have led to the establishment of viable populations in Paramaribo. Anolis baleatus (COPE) from Hispaniola and A. lineatus DAUDIN from Curaçao, also introduced recently, maintained themselves, but apparently did not (yet) establish large populations. Anolis marmoratus speciosus GARMAN is extending its range in French Guiana and may reach Surinam in the near future. Other recent introductions of Cyclura cornuta (BONNATERRE) and of Epicrates spec., both from Hispaniola, have not led to the establishment of viable populations. Anolis richardi DUMÉRIL & BIBRON, introduced from Grenada, apparently thrived for a few years, but became extinct after destruction of its habitat.

Tumours and pseudotumours in some reptiles

The following conditions are described: granulomatous pseudotumours found in several specimens of Lacerta sicula Raf. and in the iguana Cyclura cornuta Cope; a mesenchymosarcoma found in Lacerta sicula Raf.; an adenocarcinoma and a rhabdomyosarcoma found in a Boa constrictor Laur. An ileal intussusception and a severe lymphocytic (lymphoid) thyroiditis were incidentally found in the Boa constrictor. The conditions are discussed and attention drawn to the differential diagnosis of reptile tumours.