Status, conservation, and introduction of amphibians and reptiles in the turks and caicos Islands, British west Indies

Abstract

The Turks and Caicos Islands, located at the southern terminus of the Bahamian Archipelago, contain a unique native reptile assemblage consisting of 13 species, nine of which are endemic species or subspecies. At least four species are listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, though most species in the region have not been evaluated. In addition to the native reptiles, at least 10 herpetofaunal species are introduced in the islands, including two amphibians. The native fauna of the region face a plenitude of threats, including feral predators such as cats, loss of habitat due to development, unsustainable exploitation (sea turtles), habitat degradation by semi-feral herbivores, and malicious killing. Sea turtles continue to be legally exploited for meat and their shells, and nesting activity is declining. The endemic iguana, Cyclura carinata, has been extirpated from most major islands in the archipelago and survives on isolated islands that lack introduced vertebrate predators. The endemic boid Epicrates c. chrysogaster has been extirpated from several islands and faces additional extirpations on highly developed islands such as Providenciales. Though iguanas have received a great deal of attention from conservationists, local government, and citizens, little is known about the biology or conservation concerns of other unique species. Additional research must be implemented to inform conservation agendas, and I provide recommendations to improve the long-term survival of this unique herpetofaunal assemblage.