Dragons of The Bahamas
Lizards, a ubiquitous vertebrate group in the West Indies, exhibit remarkable diversity in The Bahamas, with 24 native species representing various families such as Dactyloidae, Sphaerodactylidae, Iguanidae, Leiocephalidae, Teiidae, and Phyllodactylidae. The exploration of these species extends into the realms of evolution, biogeography, and adaptive radiation, offering profound insights into their ecological and morphological adaptations.
Anoles may have begun diversifying around 50 million years ago (mya) during the Eocene. However, the oldest fossils of anoles date back to 20mya during the Miocene Epoch. Phylogenetic research shows that Anoles descended from a mainland ancestor whose descendants later diversified in the Greater Antilles. Anoles are an incredibly diverse group of small to medium-sized lizards found throughout the neotropics, especially the West Indies, with 440 recognized species. In The Bahamas, we have seven (7) native species of Anoles: The Bahama Brown Anole, Bark Anole, Bahama Green Anole, Bahama Anole*, Crooked-Acklins Anole, Cay Sal Bank Anole, and the Southern Bahama Anole. Most of our Anoles are endemic to The Bahamas and the wider Lucayan Archipelago. They also represent several ecotypes which are groups that evolved morphological and behavioral differences to occupy a particular microhabitat. (Let's look at a few species.
The Bahama Brown Anole is the most widely distributed species of Anole in The Bahamas and can trace its ancestral origins to Cuba. Brown Anoles are part of the Cuban Anole radiation, which currently comprises of 64 living species. On their ancestral island, Brown Anoles live in complex communities with as many as 10 other species. However, in The Bahamas, this species often can be found with a few or no other anole species. On some cays in The Bahamas, Brown Anoles are the only anole species. Bahama Brown Anoles are a trunk-ground ecotype.
The Bahama Anole* was considered a subspecies of Cuban Twig Anole. This endemic species is one of the smaller anoles and has the shortest limbs of any Bahamian Anole species. This anole is a twig ecotype and is often seen perched on twigs and small branches of trees and shrubs. It is distributed across the islands of the Great Bahama Bank.
Indicated with an asterix (*) there is some disagreement between scientists regarding the status of the Bahama Anole being a separate species. Research also indicates that the Eleuthera population may be a separate subspecies based on morphological differences.
The Bahama Green Anole is one of the larger species of Bahamian Anole lizards and is considered a Trunk-crown ecotype, although it can be found in all ecotype habitats. This species is found on the Little and Great Bahama Banks islands. Like the Bahama Brown Anole, the Bahama Green Anole can trace its ancestry to eastern Cuba, namely from Anolis porcatus line.
The endemic West Indian genus Leiocephalus, commonly known as "Curly-tailed lizards," presents five species (four of which are endemic) in The Bahamas, with the Saw-scaled Curly-tail having a broad distribution. A distinctive behavior observed in curlytail lizards is tail curling, serving as a pursuit deterrent function against predators, highlighting their intriguing adaptive strategies.
Of the 173 species of lizards in the family Teiidae, two species are found in The Bahamas representing the Teiid genus Pholidoscelis. There are 21 species of lizards in this genus and they are found throughout the West Indies as well as Central and South American. These lizards are known by several common names including Lion lizards, Ameivas, Ground lizards and Whiptails.
Regarded as possibly the fastest lizards in The Bahamas, Whiptails are fast moving animals that are often seen on hot, dry days. They can be found in various habitats including residential areas, coppice forests, pinelands, sandy shorelines and wetlands. Like most of our native lizard species, Whiptails are descended from Cuban and Hispaniolan ancestors.
Bahama Anole
Male Green Anole
Tarentola
Saw-scaled Curly-tail
Cuban Whiptail
Bahama Brown Anole
Bahama Brown Anole
Genetic research indicate that Brown Anoles in The Bahamas may have arrived here from two colonization events from two Western Cuban clades (a group comprising of all descendants of a common ancestor). Brown Anole populations found on the western Bahama islands came from one clade and populations found on the little Bahama Bank and the eastern islands of the Great Bahama Bank came from another clade.
Brown anoles on islands outside of Cuba are larger, perch higher, and have more lamellae than their Cuban ancestors.
Bahama Anole
Green Anole
Tarentola
Saw-scaled Curly-tail
Cuban Whiptail
Rock Iguanas
The genus Cyclura, commonly referred to as rock iguanas, comprises large, herbivorous lizards endemic to the West Indies. This genus is distributed throughout the Greater Antilles, the Lucayan Archipelago, the Cayman Islands, and Anegada Island, and is currently represented by ten recognized species.
Three Cyclura species are native to The Bahamas:
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The Northern Bahama Rock Iguana (Cyclura cychlura), which includes three subspecies: the Andros Iguana (C. c. cychlura), the Exuma Iguana (C. c. figginsi), and the Allan’s Cay Iguana (C. c. inornata).
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The Central or San Salvador Rock Iguana (Cyclura rileyi), comprising the San Salvador Iguana (C. r. rileyi), the White Cay Iguana (C. r. cristata), and the Crooked-Acklins Iguana (C. r. nuchalis).
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The Turks and Caicos Rock Iguana (Cyclura carinata), which includes the nominal subspecies (C. c. carinata) and the Booby Cay Iguana (C. c. bartschi).
Molecular phylogenetic evidence suggests that Cyclura diverged from a common ancestor during the Miocene Epoch, with several distinct clades emerging across the Greater Antilles, Lucayan Archipelago, British Virgin Islands, and Cayman Islands. Bahamian Cyclura species share close evolutionary relationships with taxa from Cuba and Hispaniola. Recent genetic studies indicate that some Bahamian subspecies, such as the Booby Cay Iguana, White Cay Iguana, and Crooked-Acklins Iguana, exhibit minimal genetic divergence and limited morphological differentiation, warranting reconsideration of their current subspecific classification.
Exuma Rock Iguana
San Salvador Iguana
Among the Bahamian species, the Northern Bahama Rock Iguana is the largest, with the Andros subspecies being the most robust. Research conducted on the Allan’s Cays population (North Exuma Cays) has documented evidence of island gigantism, with individuals from Allan’s Cay exhibiting greater body mass and length compared to those on nearby islands. This phenomenon is hypothesized to be influenced by elevated nitrogen levels in local vegetation, attributed to guano deposition from nesting colonies of Audubon’s Shearwaters (Puffinus lherminieri).
Bahamian rock iguanas are strictly herbivorous, consuming a diverse range of plant matter including fruits, leaves, and flowers. Frequently consumed species include wild dilly (Manilkara bahamensis), buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus), seven-year apple (Casasia clusiifolia), seagrape (Coccoloba uvifera), and sandfly bush (Strumpfia maritima).
The complex history, adaptations, and behaviors of Bahamian lizards underscore the significance of ongoing research for understanding and conserving the unique biodiversity of these islands. Each species contributes to the intricate tapestry of The Bahamas' ecosystems, warranting continued exploration and preservation efforts.
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posters
The Bahamas is home to seven species of Anole lizards, four of which are endemic to the country. These lizards can trace their ancestry to Cuba, Hispaniola, and Puerto Rico. Anoles are well-studied reptiles known for their fascinating adaptations and behaviours. They have been key in helping scientists understand biology, ecology, and evolution, particularly through the phenomenon of resource partitioning, where multiple species coexist by occupying different niches within the same habitat. For example, on the islands of the Great Bahama Bank, the Bahama Green Anole lives in tree crowns, the Bark Anole on tree trunks, the Cuban Twig Anole on branches and twigs, and the Bahama Brown Anole, which is the most frequently seen, is mainly ground-dwelling. Anoles are sexually dimorphic, with males being larger than females, and they primarily feed on arthropods. Despite their adaptability, anoles face many threats from predators such as snakes, birds, and large arthropods, as well as invasive species like house cats, which have significantly reduced anole populations in some areas. This is unfortunate, as anoles are vital for controlling insect populations in yards and gardens. These small reptiles are some of the most captivating and ecologically important animals in The Bahamas.
West Indian rock iguanas (Cyclura spp.) are large, herbivorous reptiles endemic to the Lucayan Archipelago, Anegada, the Greater Antilles, and the Cayman Islands. Three species occur in the Lucayan Archipelago: the Northern Bahama Rock Iguana, the San Salvador Rock Iguana, and the Turks and Caicos Rock Iguana. The Andros Rock Iguana, a subspecies of the Northern Bahama Rock Iguana, is the largest in The Bahamas and uniquely nests in termite mounds. Primarily herbivorous, these iguanas occasionally consume small amounts of animal matter and serve as vital seed dispersers, enhancing germination rates of consumed seeds. Despite their ecological significance, rock iguanas are threatened by habitat loss, invasive species, and illegal trade. Smuggling, particularly by tourists, poses a serious risk. The invasive Green Iguana competes for resources and may hybridize with native species, threatening their genetic integrity. Human feeding of wild iguanas can also cause health issues, including sand ingestion. Although rock iguanas support ecotourism and contribute to the national economy, key aspects of their ecology and conservation remain understudied. All Bahamian rock iguanas are legally protected under the Wild Animals Act and the Wildlife Conservation and Trade Act.
The smallest terrestrial reptiles in The Bahamas are the Geckolets, also known as dwarf geckos or Sphaeros. The tiniest among them is the Inagua Sphaero (S. inaguae), which measures just 29 mm (1.14 inches) from snout to vent, making it one of the smallest vertebrates in The Bahamas. These tiny geckos are found in places like brush piles, rock piles, and crevices, where they feed on small arthropods. Despite their minuscule size, they play a role in the ecosystem by controlling arthropod populations. Two introduced species, the Jamaican Sphaero (S. argus) and the Haitian Big-scaled Sphaero (S. copei cataplexis), have been established in The Bahamas. While these alien species seem to coexist well with native Sphaeros and do not currently appear to negatively impact local populations or habitats, more research is needed to fully understand their potential long-term effects on native species and the environment.
Reptiles are the second most species diverse group of terrestrial vertebrates in The Bahamas with 38 species native to the country. These amazing -cold-blooded animals play many significant roles such as being the largest terrestrial predators and herbivores, seed dispersers, prey items for other animals, tourist attractions and some species such as the anoles have assisted our understanding of important biological topics such as adaptive radiation and, resource partitioning. Most of our reptiles are endemic to our islands making them even more valuable and also raise concerns for their future as invasive species, development, persecution and even smuggling are continued threats. Wild Bahamas supports the education and conservation of all native Bahamian reptiles and through active enforcement, research and education, we can keep our reptiles safe and thriving.
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resources
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Cooper, W.E., 2001. Multiple roles of tail display by the curly‐tailed lizard Leiocephalus carinatus: pursuit deterrent and deflective roles of a social signal. Ethology, 107(12), pp.1137-1149.
Gamble, T., Bauer, A.M., Colli, G.R., Greenbaum, E., Jackman, T.R., Vitt, L.J. and Simons, A.M., 2011. Coming to America: multiple origins of New World geckos. Journal of evolutionary biology, 24(2), pp.231-244.
Hines, K.N., 2016. Food habits of northern Bahamian rock iguanas. Iguanas: Biology, Systematics, and Conservation, p.121.
Hower, L.M. and Hedges, S.B., 2003. Molecular phylogeny and biogeography of West Indian teiid lizards of the genus Ameiva. Caribbean Journal of Science, 39(3), pp.298-306.
Koehler, G., Bobadilla, M.J.R. and Hedges, S.B., 2016. A new dune-dwelling lizard of the genus Leiocephalus (Iguania, Leiocephalidae) from the Dominican Republic. Zootaxa, 4121(5), pp.517-532.
Les, A.M. and Powell, R., 2014. Anolis smaragdinus. Catalogue of American Amphibians and Reptiles (CAAR).
Nicholson, K.E., Crother, B.I., Guyer, C. and Savage, J.M., 2018. Translating a clade based classification into one that is valid under the international code of zoological nomenclature: the case of the lizards of the family Dactyloidae (Order Squamata). Zootaxa, 4461(4), pp.573-586.
Poe, S., Nieto-Montes de Oca, A., Torres-Carvajal, O., De Queiroz, K., Velasco, J.A., Truett, B., Gray, L.N., Ryan, M.J., Köhler, G., Ayala-Varela, F. and Latella, I., 2017. A phylogenetic, biogeographic, and taxonomic study of all extant species of Anolis (Squamata; Iguanidae). Systematic biology, 66(5), pp.663-697.
Reynolds, R.G., Kolbe, J.J., Glor, R.E., López‐Darias, M., Gómez Pourroy, C.V., Harrison, A.S., de Queiroz, K., Revell, L.J. and Losos, J.B., 2020. Phylogeographic and phenotypic outcomes of brown anole colonization across the Caribbean provide insight into the beginning stages of an adaptive radiation. Journal of Evolutionary Biology, 33(4), pp.468-494.
Reynolds, R.G., Miller, A.H., Pasachnik, S.A., Knapp, C.R., Welch, M.E., Colosimo, G., Gerber, G.P., Drawert, B. and Iverson, J.B., 2022. Phylogenomics and historical biogeography of West Indian rock iguanas (genus Cyclura). Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 174, p.107548.
Richardson, K.M., Iverson, J.B. and Kurle, C.M., 2019. Marine subsidies likely cause gigantism of iguanas in the Bahamas. Oecologia, 189(4), pp.1005-1015.