Cayman Islands National Biodiversity Action Plan 2009 3.T.3.

1 Terrestrial Species - Reptiles Little Cayman Green Anole

Rev: 19 March 2012

FRED BURTON

Little Cayman Green Anole Anolis maynardi Taxonomy and Range Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Reptilia, Order: Squamata, Family: Polychrotidae Genus: Anolis, Species: maynardi Anolis is a genus of lizards which incorporates some 400 species. The Little Cayman Green Anole Anolis maynardi is a species unique to Little Cayman. Status Distribution: Species endemic to Little Cayman (believed introduced to Cayman Brac). Conservation: Data deficient. Legal: The Little Cayman Green Anole Anolis maynardi currently has no legal protection. Pending legislation, it would be protected under the National Conservation Law (Schedule I). The Department of Environment would be the lead body for legal protection.

For Reference and Acknowledgement: Cottam, M., Olynik, J., Blumenthal, J., Godbeer, K.D., Gibb, J., Bothwell, J., Burton, F.J., Bradley, P.E., Band, A., Austin, T., Bush, P., Johnson, B.J., Hurlston, L., Bishop, L., McCoy, C., Parsons, G., Kirkconnell, J., Halford, S. and Ebanks-Petrie, G. (2009). Cayman Islands National Biodiversity Action Plan 2009. Cayman Islands Government. Department of Environment. Final Formatting and production by John Binns, International Reptile Conservation Foundation.

Section: 3.T.3.1 Terrestrial Species - Reptiles - Little Cayman Green Anole Page: 1

Natural History The Little Cayman Green Anole Anolis maynardi grows to a total length of 21.6cm, and is distinct from the other Cayman anoles by virtue of its exceptionally long pincer-shaped snout. Males are generally larger than females, and exhibit a throat-fan of pale yellow-green skin, which they deploy in displays to other individuals. The anoles are variable in colour, ranging through ochre, green, turquoise, grey and tan, and have the ability to change colour according to mood. Anolis lizards exhibit strong adaptive radiation and convergent evolution. Populations on isolated islands diverge to occupy different ecological niches. Some are treetop foragers, other trunk forages; with twig ecomorphs having shorter limbs than trunk ecomorphs. These adaptive patterns repeat on numerous islands, with animals in similar habitats converging toward similar body forms (Losos et al. 1998). While little is known about the biology of the Little Cayman Green Anole, it is likely that its remarkable snout represents a unique feeding adaptation. Associated Habitats and Species for the Little Cayman Green Anole ASSOCIATED HABITAT PLANS 2.T.3 Dry Shrubland 2.T.4 Forest and Woodland Current Factors Affecting the Little Cayman Green Anole Habitat loss: though both Little Cayman and Cayman Brac are much less developed than Grand Cayman, recent years have seen a proliferation in residential development and roads infrastructure, threatening the once abundant habitat of the Little Cayman Green Anole. Non-native species: predation, particularly by rats and cats, is likely to inflict significant impact on native lizard populations; however, the degree of this has not been quantified. Competition from introduced species, such as the Cuban Bush Anole Anolis sagrei is also a possibility - again this remains to be determined. There is suggestion that potential for competition between these two species may be limited, due to their occupying different ecological levels in the shrubland: the Cuban Bush Anole Anolis sagrei occupies lower levels of the shrubland, whilst the Little Cayman Green Anole Anolis maynardi occupies treetops. In Florida, however, introduced Anolis sagrei has successfully pushed the local Anolis carolinensis northward, despite the fact that when both cohabit the same area A. sagrei are primarily terrestrial or restrict themselves to the lower branches of bushes, while A. carolinensis (similar to Anolis maynardi) remain higher up in the foliage. Introduction: the Little Cayman Green Anole has recently been introduced to Cayman Brac. This population was reported to have established in the vicinity of Stake Bay, ca. 1991, however, it is now appears widespread along the Bluff. The full extent of the Brac population, and the impact on species native to Cayman Brac has yet to be determined. Legal: DoE staff are not currently legally enabled to use firearms to effect lethal control of invasive species. This has resulted in situations in which immediate control of feral cats and dogs to preserve endangered native species has not been possible, likely resulting in the loss of individuals through reliance on less immediate control mechanisms. Opportunities and Current Local Action the Little Cayman Green Anole None. SPECIES ACTION PLAN for the Little Cayman Green Anole OBJECTIVES 1. Improve understanding of Anolis maynardi, and determine Red List status. 2. Promote preservation of in situ populations of Anolis maynardi. TARGET 2015 2015 ASSOCIATED SPECIES PLANS Little Cayman Snail Cerion nanus Sister Islands Rock Iguana Cyclura nubila caymanensis Turnera triglandulosa

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Little Cayman Green Anole PROPOSED ACTION PL1. Pass and implement the National Conservation Law. PL2. Implement the Endangered Species (Trade & Transport) Law. PL3. Protect Anolis maynardi under Schedule I of the National Conservation Law, through establishment of conservation regulations. PL4. Promote amendment of the Planning Law, to facilitate rapid imposition of stop-orders on illegal developments and provide a responsive and effective enforcement mechanism. PL5. Promote establishment of a Development Plan for the Sister Islands, incorporating a long-term vision for the environmental, social, and economic development of the Islands. PL6. Enable DoE Conservation Officers to implement legal eradication of invasive species, as necessary to ensure the survival of endangered native species. SM1. Eradicate feral cats in Little Cayman, and spay / neuter all domestic cats. SM2. Incorporate key areas of natural habitat for Anolis maynardi into system of protected areas. SM3. Use the Environmental Protection Fund to establish a protected area / management agreement with landowners to protect Anolis maynardi populations. SM4. Implement associated HAPs. Advisory A1. Targeted awareness of the need for the National Conservation Law and the Endangered Species (Trade & Transport) Law. A1. REPORT: Extensive public outreach Mar-Sept 2010.

LEAD Policy & Legislation CIG DoE DoE DoP DoP DCB DoE

PARTNERS

TARGET

MEETS OBJECTIVE 1,2 2 1,2 2

DoE CIG CIG DoE CIG

2006 2006 2006 2010

CIG MP DoE

ongoing

CIG

2008

Safeguards & Management DoE CC CC DoE DEH DoA, MP NT, MP DoE CIG NT, MP DoE CIG 2015 2010 2015 2015 2 2 2 1,2

DoE

CIG NT

2006

1,2

Research & Monitoring RM1. Develop survey protocol and map populations of Anolis maynardi on Little Cayman and Cayman Brac. DoE IntC 2010 1,2

RM1. REPORT: In Apr 2009, a pilot capture-release study was conducted by Dr. Jonathon Losos (Harvard), Dr. Anthony Herrel (Dpartement dEcologie et de Gestion de la Biodiversit, Paris), and Dr. Mat Cottam (DoE) on Little Cayman. A healthy (introduced) population was also noted in Cayman Brac, and specimens collected for physiological and embryological studies by Dr. Thomas Sanger (Harvard) Mr. Kristan Godbeer (DoE). RM2. Determine IUCN status of Anolis maynardi. RM3. Identify habitat requirements for Anolis maynardi and key areas of natural habitat. DoE DoE 2012 2010 1,2 1,2

RM3. REPORT: In Apr 2009, a pilot capture-release study undertaken in a strip of seagrape hedge in Little Cayman (extending N 19.6744132 / W 80.0475083 to N 19.6732964 / W 80.0454986) resulted in a population estimate of approximately 314 individuals (ca. 254 individuals per acre). Casual observations in inland shrubland and woodland indicated similar densities. Numbers appeared reduced in dwarf coastal shrubland. None were observed in Red mangrove. A healthy (introduced) population was also noted in Cayman Brac. RM4. Determine nature of interactions with Anolis sagrei. DoE 2012 1,2 RM4. REPORT: A preliminary study conducted by Jonathon Losos and Thomas Sanger (Harvard) indicates the potential for competitive exclusion of Anolis sagrei luteosignifer by Anolis maynardi on the Brac, 2009. RM5. Conduct pilot project towards eradication of feral cats in Little Cayman. DoE CSL DoA 2015 2

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Little Cayman Green Anole PROPOSED ACTION

LEAD

PARTNERS

TARGET

MEETS OBJECTIVE

RM5. REPORT: Pilot project completed by DoE and DoA, 2008. All pet cats in Little Cayman were micro-chipped. Twenty-eight cats were removed through trapping, however, more remain. Trap-shy individuals will require alternative control methods. RM6. Construct quarters for visiting scientists in Little Cayman and Cayman Brac, and support research initiatives complementary to the objectives of the NBAP. DoE IntC 2012 1

RM6. REPORT: Accommodation for up to four individuals on Little Cayman established by DoE, 2008. Communication & Publicity CP1. Raise awareness of the unique nature of Anolis sagrei and other endemic flora and fauna. CP2. Utilise the unique fauna of Little Cayman to promote the Island. CP3. Utilise native flora and fauna, and associated preservation efforts, in the international promotion of the Cayman Islands. DoE NT QEIIBP CIG CIG MP CN GC OS SB LCN DoE DoT NT MP DoE DoT NT MP QEIIBP 2008 2010 2010 1,2,3 1,2,3 1,2,3

CP3. REPORT: A partnership between the DoE and Cayman Islands Philatelic Bureau produced a stamp issue, which included a Green anole stamp with associated ecological interpretation, 2008.

Reference and Further Reading for the Little Cayman Green anole
Echternacht, A.C. and Gerber, G.P. (1990). Comparative ecology and ethology of Anolis conspersus and Anolis sagrei (Sauria, Iguanidae) on Grand Cayman Island. Report No 1., University of Tennessee. (unpublished data) Franz, R., Morgan, G.S. and Davies, J.E. (1986). Some recent introductions of reptiles in the Cayman Islands, W.I. Herpetology Review, 18:10-11. Losos, J.B., Jackman, T.R., Larson, A., de Queiroz, K. and Rodriguez-Schettino, L. (1998). Contingency and determinism in replicated adaptive radiations of island lizards. Science, 279:2115-2118. Seidel, M.E. and Franz, R. (1994). Amphibians and reptiles (exclusive of marine turtles) of the Cayman Islands. In: The Cayman Islands, natural history and biogeography. (eds M.A. Brunt and J.E. Davies), pp. 307-31. The Netherlands: Kluwer Academic Publishers.

Section: 3.T.3.1 Terrestrial Species - Reptiles - Little Cayman Green Anole

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