Protecting Saba’s Painted Black Iguanas

New research describes a unique species of iguana for the islands of Saba and Monserrat. The painted black iguana, with its distinct black coloration, is an endemic species to these islands and must be recognized as such to help improve conservation efforts. Threats due to unsustainable harvesting (including pet trade) and habitat loss threaten the small remaining populations of these iguanas.

Article orginally published in BioNews 34

For More Information: Breuil, M., Schikorski, D., Vuillaume, B., Krauss, U., Morton, M.N., Corry, E., Bech, N., Jelić, M., Grandjean, F. (2020). Painted black: Iguana melanoderma (Reptilia, Squamata, Iguanidae) a new melanistic endemic species from Saba and Montserrat islands (Lesser Antilles). ZooKeys 926: 95–131. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.926.48679