CRB: Conservation Strategies for the Rapid Recovery of Depleted Populations of Large Lizards

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Only 60 of the 3,000 species of the extant lizards attain an adult body mass greater than 1 kg. Yet, these large lizards represent over 60% of the lizard species considered threatened or endangered. We have previously examined incubation requirements, otogeny of behavior, and adult reproductive biology of several large lizard species in diverse genera (Varanus, Iguana, Ctenosaura). Although only distantly related, their large size and requirement for vast tracts of undisturbed habitat link these species with respect to management/conservation strategies. We now propose to study Cyclura nubila, a species we consider to be a model that will provide substantial baseline data for comparative purposes within the genus. The study population of C. nubila can be manipulated in ways that will yield data required for future management decisions. The management techniques employed should be applicable to other genera of large lizards.