Aspects of the life history of Cuban iguanas on Isla Magueyes, Puerto Rico

Cyclura spp on Isla Magueyes have an extended period of courtship that begins in late March or early April and lasts until the females move to their nesting sites in early June. Compared to the nesting behavior of other species of iguanas, Cuban iguanas are extremely secretive, and although defense of the nests by females is variable, it is less vigorous than in some species. Of eggs that failed to produce viable hatchlings, the major source of mortality was ant predation. Incubation lasted 70-78 days. Clutch size (mean 5.6 eggs), hatchling size and hatching behavior are compared to other species of iguanas.