Anegada ground iguana (Cyclura pinguis)

Short answers

Anegada ground iguana: How big does the enclosure need to be?

From 280×220×170 cm for a pair (expert report: 5 × 4 × 3 times snout–vent length at 55 cm), at least 250×180×180 cm for a single animal; a secure outdoor enclosure is markedly better in summer.

Anegada ground iguana: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 30–35 °C, basking spot 43–48 °C, at night 20–24 °C.

Anegada ground iguana: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (UVB 12.0 — a very high requirement in herbivorous species).

Anegada ground iguana: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 40 years and more, individual animals up to about 80 years.

Anegada ground iguana: Is it suitable for beginners?

No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).

Climate

Daytime temperature

30–35 °C

Night temperature

20–24 °C

Basking spot

43–48 °C

Humidity

40–60 %

UVB

Essential (UVB 12.0 — a very high requirement in herbivorous species)

Enclosure

Minimum size

from 280×220×170 cm for a pair (expert report: 5 × 4 × 3 times snout–vent length at 55 cm), at least 250×180×180 cm for a single animal; a secure outdoor enclosure is markedly better in summer

Substrate

A sand-loam mix they can dig in, with solid rock structures and climbing branches

Feeding

Food

Purely plant-based: about 80% dark leafy greens, 15% grated vegetables and squash, 5% fruit. No animal protein

Feeding interval

adults 6–7×/week

Key facts

Adult size

up to about 115 cm total length (snout–vent 43–55 cm plus a tail of equal length); males 6–7.2 kg, females 4.3–5.1 kg

Life expectancy

40 years and more, individual animals up to about 80 years

Origin

British Virgin Islands: Anegada (the only original population) plus introduced populations on Guana Island and three other islands; historically also Puerto Rico and St. Thomas. Tropical dry scrub forest with rock crevices and large shade trees

Protection status

CITES Appendix I, IUCN "Critically Endangered" — trade is effectively ruled out

Brumation

No winter dormancy. A seasonal variation in day length and temperature is worthwhile, but within the warm range

Cohabitation

1.1 or 1.2; never keep males together — with these species it quickly turns fatal

Notes

Only a few hundred animals remain in the wild. Conservation breeding only.

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

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Related species

• Grand Cayman blue iguana (Cyclura lewisi) – Expert
• Jamaican iguana (Cyclura collei) – Expert
• Cuban rock iguana (Cyclura nubila) – Expert
• Rhinoceros iguana (Cyclura cornuta) – Expert
• Ricord's iguana (Cyclura ricordii) – Expert
• San Salvador rock iguana (Cyclura rileyi) – Expert
• Turks and Caicos rock iguana (Cyclura carinata) – Expert
• Common chuckwalla (Sauromalus ater) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Anegada ground iguana (Cyclura pinguis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 280×220×170 cm for a pair (expert report: 5 × 4 × 3 times snout–vent length at 55 cm), at least 250×180×180 cm for a single animal; a secure outdoor enclosure is markedly better in summer), substrate (A sand-loam mix they can dig in, with solid rock structures and climbing branches), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.