Differential Leukocyte Counts of Critically Endangered Grand Cayman Blue Iguanas, Cyclura nubila lewisi

Abstract

Normative leukocyte values were determined for the endangered Grand Cayman blue iguana, Cyclura nubila lewisi . Blood samples taken from 10 healthy captive iguanas were analyzed using light microscopy. The results indicate that leukocyte counts for this species fall within the normal pattern observed for most lizards, with heterophils and lymphocytes being most abundant (35 – 40% of leukocyte differential each), followed by basophils (15% of leukocyte differential) and finally monocytes, azurophils, and eosinophils (each less than 5% of leukocyte differential). Nuclear and cytoplasmic morphological characteristics of C. nubila lewisi are similar to those of other iguana species.