Reptile · GBIF taxon 5960674
Rhinoceros Iguana
Cyclura cornutaAlso known as Hispaniolan Rhinoceros Iguana, Hispaniolan Rock Iguana
Rhinoceros iguanas dominate the dry scrublands and limestone hills of Hispaniola with a heavy-bodied, prehistoric presence. Males actively defend large territories, using head bobs and aggressive displays to warn off rivals along rocky outcrops. As vital seed dispersers, they consume a wide variety of native plants and fruits, playing a critical role in maintaining island vegetation.
ReptileDiurnalHerbivorous
1 / 5—observations
—countries
—peak records
EndangeredConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXEndangeredRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Cactus Fruit
- Native Leaves
- Flowers
Predators
- Feral Dogs
- Feral Cats
- Humans
ThreatsHabitat loss, invasive mammalian predators, poaching
HabitatsDry tropical forest, coastal scrub, limestone karst
Life span20–40 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyIguanidae
- GenusCyclura
- SpeciesCyclura cornuta
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Delivers powerful bites and tail whips when cornered; observe safely from a distance.
- Why it is dangerous
- Strong jaws and sharp claws can inflict deep puncture wounds and lacerations if the animal feels trapped.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for prominent horn-like scale outgrowths on the snout and a stocky, greyish-green body.
- What to do
- Never corner or attempt to handle wild individuals; step back slowly if one adopts a defensive posture.
- What to notice
- Recognize its heavy grey-brown body, horn-lined snout, and preference for rocky limestone terrain.
- Support conservation
- Keep a respectful distance, stay on established paths, and never share specific nest burrow locations.
Responsible observation
- Safe Distance: Maintain a gap of at least five meters to prevent stressing these territorial lizards.
- Basking Areas: Look for individuals resting on sun-exposed limestone rocks during mid-morning.
- Habitat Protection: Stick to marked trails in protected dry forests to avoid crushing burrows.
Close Relative Staselnik / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Genus Relative Luke from Oxford, MS / CC BY-SA 2.0 · cc-by-sa
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