Fauna of Barbados - Reptiles

Reptiles

The Green Iguana (Iguana iguana) formerly resided on the island before being extirpated. An endemic species of Anole Lizard, (Anolis extremus),and the introduced Tropical house gecko (Hemidactylus mabouia) are both common species; while Underwood's Spectacled Tegu (Gymnophthalmus underwoodi), and a native species of Kentropyx Lizard (Kentropyx borckiana) are rarer on the island.

The Red-footed tortoise (Geochelone carbonaria) is widely kept in captivity; it was likely introduced to the island, as no reports of it were made by early European explorers to the island.

Populations of an endemic Liophis Grass Snake (Liophis perfuscus) have been devastated as a result of predation by the introduced Indian Mongoose; with no confirmed sightings of the species since 1961. Another snake species, Mastigodryas bruesi and the World's smallest snake, Leptotyphlops carlae, have also been recorded from the island.

Currently there are two species of Sea Turtle which nest in Barbados, the Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), and the Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea). Though not nesting on the island, the Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) does forage in nearshore Seagrass beds. Coastal infrastructure, such as hotel properties, has encroached upon the nesting grounds of sea turtles, while coastal lights also detrimentally impact upon nesting females.