23 
The Ground Lizard ( Amieva fuscata ) and the Tree Lizard ( Anolis 
bimaculatus oculatus ) are the most common lizards at the Cabrits. 
The Ground Lizard is the large 6-inch bluish (male), or copper-brown 
(female) lizard which one often finds basking in the sunlight along 
or near the trails. These lizards are very good runners, and will 
quickly seek shelter. Though good rock climbers, these lizards do 
not climb trees. The adult males are often larger than the adult 
females. The Abolo is the lizard mainly responsible for the rustl¬ 
ing among the dry leaves on the forest floor, and it is in the dry 
north-western coastal scrub-belt of the island that this lizard 
reaches its greatest densities. 
The Tree Lizard or "Zanndoli" is smaller than the Ground Lizard, 
and is most often seen on the trees-. The male is larger and more 
colourful than the female, and has a yellowish fold of skin on 
the throat which it extends in a fan. This display is used in de¬ 
fence of its territory and during courtship. 
The Iguana or "Leza" ( Iguana delicatissima ) is rare at the Cabrits, 
but this species of lizard may occa¬ 
sionally be seen on the ground or 
perched in a tree in the dry forest. 
This animal is able to change its col 
ouration from green to brown, and 
back to green, for purposes of camou¬ 
flage. This is the largest of the 
lizards on Dominica, reaching a 
length of over 3 feet. 
The Iguana, being a reptile, is cov¬ 
ered in scales and bears a crest of 
tough scales from its neck to the end 
of its tail. It is an excellent swim¬ 
mer and will readily take to the water 
to escape capture. It is also a good 
runner. The species is protected un¬ 
der the Laws of Dominica, but was once 
heavily hunted for food as it is con¬ 
sidered to be a delicacy. The Iguana may be found along both east 
and west coasts of the island. 
IGUANA 
Sea turtles : The wildlife described in this publication thus far 
have all been terrestrial species. However, the section on wildlife 
would be incomplete without at least mention being made of the 
largest animals which may be found occasionally on the beaches adja¬ 
cent to the Cabrits peninsula. 
Three species of marine turtles nest on the sandy beaches of 
Dominica, and two are known to nest on the two beaches situated to 
the south-east and north-east of the peninsula. The larger of the 
