Effects of ecotourism on endangered northern Bahamian Rock Iguanas (Cyclura cychlura)

This study evaluated effects of tourist visitation and supplemental feeding on the Northern Bahamian Rock Iguanas (Cyclura cychlura) in the Exumas, The Bahamas. The study examined flight behavior and diet on islands that were visited versus those not visited by tourists. Iguanas on visited islands were less wary of human presence than those on non- visited islands. Unlike on non-visited islands, iguanas on beaches where they were fed by tourists consumed people-influenced items including trash (eg, styrofoam, aluminum foil) …