Saban black iguana


The Saban black iguana is a species of iguana endemic to the islands of Saba and Montserrat. It was described in 2020.

Taxonomy

The species was previously considered to represent melanistic individuals of the green iguana. It was reclassified as a separate species based on a number of genomic distinctions and consistent morphological characteristics.

Description

The Saban black iguana is darker coloured than the green iguana, with colouration deepening in older individuals. It possesses a black dewlap, high dorsal spikes, no horns on the snout, and carries a noticeable black spot between the eye and tympanum.

Conservation

It has been suggested that the species is threatened by unsustainable harvest for consumption and the pet trade, and by competition with and hybridization from escaped or released non-native iguana species from the mainland.