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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Fort Lauderdale, Florida » Invasive Plant Research Laboratory » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #344197
Research Project: Identification, Evaluation, and Implementation of Biological Control Agents for Invasive Weeds of Southeastern Ecosystems

Location: Invasive Plant Research Laboratory

Title: Assessing the conservation status of an island endemic, Ctenosaura oedirhina, on Roatan, Honduras

Author
item Goode, Ashley
item PASACHNIK, STESHA - Fort Worth Zoo
item MAPLE, TERRY - Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens

Submitted to: Wildlife Research
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/22/2019
Publication Date: 2/21/2020
Citation: Goode, A.B., Pasachnik, S., Maple, T. 2020. Assessing the conservation status of an island endemic, Ctenosaura oedirhina, on Roatan, Honduras. Wildlife Research. 47(2):137-145. https://doi.org/10.1071/WR18195.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1071/WR18195

Interpretive Summary: The Roatán Spiny-tailed Iguana (Ctenosaura oedirhina) is endemic to the 146 km2 island of Roatán, Honduras. Harvesting for consumption, fragmentation of habitat, and predation by domestic animals threaten the existence of this lizard. This species is listed as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), as threatened by the Honduran government, and is on Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). These iguanas are geographically and genetically isolated into small subpopulations that are declining in density. Mark-recapture/resight surveys and distance sampling have been used to monitor this species since 2010 and 2012, respectively. Data from these surveys was used to determine population density and total population of this species within study sites and across the island and to perform a population viability analysis. This study elucidates that the few high-density populations remaining are declining. The current population size is estimated to be 4,130-4,860 individuals. Population viability analysis indicates that adult female mortality is the most important factor influencing population persistence. If the current level of decline continues, this species may become extirpated from some locations on Roatán and potentially go extinct in the wild.

Technical Abstract: The Roatán Spiny-tailed Iguana (Ctenosaura oedirhina) is endemic to the 146 km2 island of Roatán, Honduras. Harvesting for consumption, fragmentation of habitat, and predation by domestic animals threaten the existence of this lizard. This species is listed as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), as threatened by the Honduran government, and is on Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). These iguanas are geographically and genetically isolated into small subpopulations that are declining in density. Organisms living in small, isolated populations with very restricted ranges are at higher risk of extirpation due to various direct and indirect forces. Mark-recapture/resight surveys and distance sampling have been used to monitor this species since 2010 and 2012, respectively. Mark and Distance software were used to determine survival and population density at five study sites. This study elucidates that the few high-density populations remaining are declining. The current population size is estimated to be 4,130-4,860 individuals. Population viability analysis indicates that adult female mortality is the most important factor influencing population persistence. If the current level of decline continues, this species may become extirpated from some locations on Roatán and potentially go extinct in the wild. While Honduras does have laws protecting this species and other wildlife, enforcement must be made a priority.