Ctenosaura bakeri

Ctenosaura bakeri is a critically endangered species endemic to the Island of Utila, the smallest (41 km2 ) of the three main Bay Islands off the Caribbean coast of Honduras. The species was first described in 1901​ and rediscovered in 1994 ​ in the mangrove forests of the island.

Utila Spiny-Tailed Iguana
Ejemplar del zoo de Róterdam.
Estado de conservación
En peligro crítico (UICN 3.1)​
Taxonomía
Reino:	Animalia
Filo:	Chordata
Clase:	Sauropsida
Orden:	Squamata
Suborden:	Lacertilia
Familia:	Iguanidae
Género:	Ctenosaura
Especie:	C. bakeri Stejneger, 1901
Distribución
Sinonimia
Enyaliosaurus bakeri

Distribution

It is endemic to the mangroves of the island of Utila, in the Bay Islands(Honduras), with only a few dozen specimens scattered in various European and American zoos.

Morphology

Adults males can measure over 800 mm in total length, with a snout-vent length (SVL) of around 315 mm, weighing approximately 900 g. Females tend to be smaller, approximately 30% less in size compared to males. Mature males exhibit distinguishing features such as a well-developed dewlap, reaching lengths of up to 30 mm, and a notable dorsal crest adorned with up to 56 dorsal spines, each measuring up to 25 mm in height. These characteristics are less pronounced in females. The body coloration of adults varies, ranging from subtle grey-brown tones to vibrant turquoise blue hues. Generally, the adult body lacks distinct patterns, with dark shading and lateral crossbands seldom visible. However, the tail typically displays distinct dark crossbands. In males, the dorsal crest comprises alternating groups of white and black spines. Juvenile typically display shades of blackish brown to grey-brown, with dark brown crossbands visible along the dorsum and dorsal surface of the tail ​.

Habitat

Historically, the Utila spiny-tailed iguana uses black (Avicennia germinans), white (Laguncularia racemosa) and red (Rhizophora mangle) mangroves, where they often remain hidden in the hollows of the trees which they use as shelters, on the ground or submerged in water to avoid predation ​. The almost exclusive use of the mangrove implies some very specific adaptations for the species in relation to diet, behavior and resource utilization​. Feeding mainly on plant matter, including leaves, flowers and fruits, they also consume invertebrates (insects, crabs, spiders) and other smaller vertebrates . Females use beaches adjacent to mangroves exclusively as nesting grounds, depositing their eggs in vegetation-free areas ​, while hatchlings can be found in the mangroves, on the ground or within coastal beach vegetation shortly after hatching ​. Habitat use by the Utila iguana is thought to be the result of ecological exclusion from more suitable habitats by the common spiny-tailed iguana (C. similis) and the common green iguana (Iguana Iguana) ​.

Threats

A recent analysis estimated the iguana's area of occupancy at less than 6.5 km² on Utila Island ​. The reduced area of occupancy of C. bakeri is due to the extensive development of the island's tourism industry in recent decades ​.The deforestation and fragmentation of mangroves implies habitat loss and threatens to displace the species to more open and disturbed areas.

Beaches are also affected by these pressures, as they remain covered in debris, affecting the iguana's primary nesting sites , and are being altered through the removal of vegetation in preparation for development. This, together with the introduction of invasive plants, makes the beach habitat increasingly unsuitable for egg-laying​.

On the other hand, hunting, despite being prohibited by law, continues to exert strong pressure on the C. bakeri population. There is a high demand for the iguana and its eggs for human consumption throughout the year; these are sold both locally and on the adjacent continent. Gravid females are the most sought after, as they are cooked and eaten as a traditional cultural delicacy, especially during the Easter period. Local hunters know the iguana's nesting sites and nesting period, making them easier to capture ​. This was evidenced in the period from 2006 to 2011, in which the sex ratio of iguanas became increasingly male-biased, which may be indicative of increased hunting pressure on adult females ​.

In addition, invasive predators such as rats, dogs, cats and even raccoons (Procyon lotor) have become potential threats to this iguana. Raccoons have spread throughout the island and are responsible for nest and juvenile predation.

Conservation Status

In 2004, the Utila spiny-tailed iguana was listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List ​ and in 2010 it was included in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) because of its presence in the illegal wildlife market. The population size of the iguana is estimated to be less than 6,000 individuals​. Although more rigorous data are needed, observations suggest that the population has declined in association with overexploitation and continued habitat destruction over the past decades.

Conservation Efforts

Currently, two local organizations,The Bay Islands Foundation ,established in 1997, and Kanahau Utila Research and Conservation Facility, are actively engaged in conservation efforts for C.bakeri. Through their collaborative initiatives, these organizations play a pivotal role in safeguarding the habitats, conducting research, and estimating population parameters. The Bay Islands Foundation under its project Iguana Research and Breeding Station (IRBS) are working to protect the species through a headstarting program essential for the long-term sustainability of iguana populations in the region. In addition to their breeding program, the Bay Islands Foundation is also deeply involved in environmental education initiatives. Their programs target various segments of the community, including locals, youth, and strategic stakeholders such as hunters. Through these educational endeavors, the Foundation aims to raise awareness about the importance of environmental stewardship, promote sustainable practices, and foster a deeper appreciation for the unique biodiversity of Utila.

Enlaces externos

• Wikimedia Commons alberga una categoría multimedia sobre Ctenosaura bakeri.
• Wikispecies tiene un artículo sobre Ctenosaura bakeri.

• Datos: Q1409488
• Multimedia: Ctenosaura bakeri / Q1409488
• Especies: Ctenosaura bakeri