Iguana Headstart Facility

A series of low cages adjacent to the government administration building are home to dozens of critically endangered Anegada rock iguanas. The BVI National Parks Trust operates the headstart facility, where hatchlings are housed until they grow large enough to survive on their own.

Iguanas do live in the wild, but they are difficult to find. The animals are shy, and they sense your presence long before you know they are there. If you do get near one, you will likely hear it scampering away through the bush before you can lay eyes on it. If you really want to glimpse an iguana—and they are worth seeing—visit the headstart facility.

The facility is open daily during daylight hours, just be sure to close the gate behind you when you leave. For information, contact the National Parks Trust headquarters (Road Town, 284/494-2069, fax 284/494-6383, www.bvinationalparkstrust.org) or ask around for Rondel Smith, the National Parks Trust warden on Anegada, who is a good source of information about the lizards.