March 19th 2011
“The Biodiversity Corner"
About The St. Lucia Iguana
Nicole La Force
Forestry Department
Photos by: Liz Corry

This is Iyanola, the St. Lucia iguana. The Arawak Indians once called St. Lucia Iyanola, the land of many iguanas. However, this saying is no longer true. Because of habitat loss, sand mining, hunting for meat and the babies being eaten by dogs, feral cats, mongoose and manicou, it is now endangered.
It can now only be found in the dry forest of the north east coast. We are referring to areas like Louvette and Grande Anse. A few years ago, a survey was done and approximately 1000 of us are left in the wild. Imagine the whole world with only 1000 people!
Well that’s the iquana’s situation since it can’t be found anywhere else in the world but right here in St. Lucia. That makes it unique, one of a kind!
I hope that you have enjoyed learning about the St. Lucian iguana, Iyanola.

Please help protect the St. Lucian iguana by encouraging others not to destroy their homes or hunt them.
If you would like more information about Iyanola and how you can help, please contact the Forestry Department at 468-5645 / 468-5648. Thank you!

Fun facts about Iyanola!
• I am vegetarian; I like to eat leaves and soft fruits.
• I can grow up to 6ft / 1.82m.
• I can live as long as 20 years in a healthy environment. Yeah!!
• We females can reproduce when we’re 3 years old and lay about 20 eggs.

Discuss Story