St Lucia Island: Two genera of iguanid lizards have colonized St Lucia, Iguana and Anolis the tree lizards.
The Iguana (Iguana iguana), is the largest lizard found on the mainland of St Lucia. Iguanas are tree dwellers but are frequently seen on the ground. The skin of the iguana is basically green with brown or black markings. Along the neck is a crest of spines which gives it the look of a prehistoric monster. |
St. Thomas Island iguanas found in the U.S. Virgin Islands are the Green Iguana. Studies conducted on iguanas have lead scientists to believe that the Green Iguana species originated in South America and over time spread through Central America and the Caribbean. Some people also suggest Amerindians might have helped introduce them on various islands, as they brought them along on journeys between islands as a food source.
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Union Island is part of the nation of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. It lies about 200 km West South West of Barbados and is within view of the islands of Carriacou and the mainland of Grenada, which lie directly south.
Clifton and Ashton are the two principal towns. The island is home to approximately 3,000 residents. The official language is English, but French and German are spoken by some merchants in Clifton as well. |
Tobago Island is part of the nation of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. It lies about 200 km West South West of Barbados and is within view of the islands of Carriacou and the mainland of Grenada, which lie directly south.
Clifton and Ashton are the two principal towns. The island is home to approximately 3,000 residents. The official language is English, but French and German are spoken by some merchants in Clifton as well. |
Saba Island Iguana: In collaboration with the Accueil Réserve Naturelle St. Barth, a study is on it's way to scientifically establish the Saba Black Iguana as a distinct subspecies of the Green Iguana (Iguana Iguana), only found on Saba. The team from St. Barth, visited the island from November 24th to 26th, to measure, weigh and take DNA samples from a number of specimen. 8 individuals were caught, but immediately released after the sampling, and no harm was done to the animals. The DNA samples will be analyzed in France and it is hoped that we will soon receive evidence of the uniqueness of the subspecies.
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