Animals in Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands is home to a wide variety of animals, many of which live no where else in the world. Their coastal areas, forests, and dry brush areas allow many different types of animals to flourish. The Cayman Islands have a tropical climate that has allowed fish and bird populations to expand greatly.

One of their most famous inhabitants is the blue iguana, which is endemic to the Cayman Islands and currently listed as critically endangered. This lizard prefers the island's open, sunny areas either in forests or along the shore. It can be recognized by its many spikes and the blue tone of its scales.

Only a few different species of mammals are thought to live on the Cayman Islands. These include several different species of bats as well as whales, porpoises, and dolphins. Fortunately, they have very strict marine conservation laws aimed at protecting many of these species. There is also one rodent, the agouti, which is found in forests and savannas.

Other common animals include freshwater and sea turtles, rays, frogs, and harmless snakes. Birds such as parrots, herons, and red-footed boobies are also easy to spot. In fact, the national bird is the Cayman Parrot, which has bright green feathers and a distinctive call.

Visitors to the Cayman Islands are never disappointed in how easy the animals are to find. Many are even able to spot some of the animals that are unique to the islands. With its warm, varied habitats, it is easy to understand how so many different animals have come to call the Cayman Islands home.