TITLE:
The Martinican Population’s Perception of the Conservation of the Lesser Antillean Iguana’s (Iguana delicatissima)
AUTHORS:
Philippe Pierre, Philippe Joseph, Yelji Abati, Jean Philippe Claude
KEYWORDS:
Iguana delicatissima, Iguana iguana, Ecology, Conservation, Biodiversity, Martinique, Lesser Antilles
JOURNAL NAME:
Natural Resources,
Vol.16 No.13,
December
29,
2025
ABSTRACT: The Lesser Antillean Iguana (Iguana delicatissima) is a valuable endemic species of the French West Indies, but it is facing serious threats that are putting its survival at risk. The species is currently critically endangered in Martinique, as evidenced by its listing on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Threats include both environmental and anthropogenic factors, making conservation efforts crucial to its preservation. To protect the Lesser Antillean iguana, several measures have been put in place, notably the regulation of the common iguana (Iguana iguana) population. This invasive species is in competition with and hybridizes with the endemic species. A biotope protection decree secures the main habitat of the endemic iguana against anthropic threats, ensuring a safer environment for this vulnerable species. Through a survey, we have collected the opinions of the population of Martinique concerning the conservation of the Iguana delicatissima and its habitat. The Martinique population expresses an interest in the conservation of this species. They see it as part of their natural heritage, and therefore a species to be protected. They are also ready to participate in conservation programs. Finally, a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Threats and Opportunities) analysis of Lesser Antillean Iguana conservation in Martinique was carried out, based on survey responses and selected data from the literature. This study refers to data collected in my Master 2 thesis in environmental management at the University of the Antilles Martinique Campus during the year 2023-2024.