Rediscovered in Dry Forest
The Jamaican iguana (Cyclura collei) was believed extinct for decades before a living animal confirmed its survival in the Hellshire Hills in 1990. It remains critically endangered and is restricted to a small area of dry forest in southern Jamaica. That narrow range makes the species especially sensitive to habitat damage, invasive predators and disturbance of nesting areas.
Headstarting Gives Young a Better Start
The recovery programme monitors nests and raises selected hatchlings at Hope Zoo until they are large enough to face lower predation risk after release. This headstart approach is paired with field monitoring, predator control and protection of nesting habitat. Hope Zoo reports that its programme has released hundreds of iguanas, but the value of each release depends on survival and breeding in protected wild habitat.
Protection Cannot Stop at the Zoo Gate
Introduced mongooses, dogs, cats and pigs remain threats, while charcoal cutting and development can damage the Hellshire Hills. Recovery relies on Jamaican agencies, local communities, researchers and conservation organisations working together over many years. The iguana’s return is meaningful progress, but it is not a reason to relax habitat protection or predator management.
