ABSTRACT

The Allen Cays rock iguana, Cyclura cychlura inornata, though endangered, has stable and natural populations in the Allen Cays, in the Exuma Islands of the northern Bahamas. Thirty-seven animals (20 male and 17 female) were sampled during a long-term mark and recapture study in May 2004. Complete blood counts were performed on 18 animals and plasma biochemical analyses were performed on all 37 animals. Results of hematologic and plasma biochemical analyses for all animals showed that male Cyclura cychlura inornata had significantly lower levels of aspartate aminotransferase than female Cyclura cychlura inornata. Fecal parasite screens were completed on six animals and fecal cultures were performed on 17 animals. Oxyurid sp. were found in four of six fecal samples, and multiple bacteria, including Salmonella spp., were isolated from cloacal cultures.