Population biology and behaviour of the alien species Iguana iguana (Linnaeus, 1758) on a restored wetland in Puerto Rico

Population biology and behaviour of Iguana iguana were analysed on a restored freshwater wetland. The research was conducted throughout March and April of 2008, on an area measuring approximately 40,000m 2 (4ha), where a habitat restoration project (using wetland and mangrove plant species) has been running since 2002. Research included an estimation of I. iguana population density in this area and behavioural observations at restored areas. A very high population density was encountered within the study area (ca. 32 animals/ha; 109 animals/km), although animals were not observed in the restored areas much of the time. Observed activities of I. iguana on in the restored areas comprised basking (the most common observation), foraging, locomotion and displaying behaviours. Plant species consumed during foraging activities were not the same as those used in the restoration process; however, we recommend a constant monitoring of this population throughout other periods of the year to determine whether population control measures are required.