These Bahamian Islands Are Home to a Rare, Pink Species of Lizard Found Nowhere Else on Earth-Here's How to Visit

"The Exuma Island iguana is nearly extinct and roams freely in one of the country's uninhabited islands. The fascinating, prehistoric-looking creatures can only be found in Bitter Guana Cay in the Exumas, a chain of 365 islands and cays that's part of the larger nation of the Bahamas. The cay, which has earned the moniker, Iguana Island, for its unusual residents, also happens to be one of the most stunning places to visit for those who make the trip."

"Scientists believe that over the last three million years, Bahamian iguanas, who prospered in their relative isolation, are believed to have split into three subspecies: the Andros Island iguana, the Allen's Cay iguana, and the Exuma Island iguana. Today, it's estimated that there are a mere 5,000 of the Exuma Island iguanas left on earth, and threats of illegal hunting and predators like wild dogs and pigs remain."

"Due to the number of visitors to the island, the iguanas are known to be friendly and used to people. Their brown bodies have light pink tones and can grow between two and four feet long. Their scientific name, Cyclura, comes from their distinct, thick, ringed tail."

The Exuma Island iguana is a rare, nearly extinct species found exclusively on Bitter Guana Cay in the Bahamas' Exuma chain. These prehistoric-looking reptiles evolved over three million years into three distinct subspecies, with only about 5,000 Exuma Island iguanas remaining. The uninhabited island, located less than 90 minutes from Nassau, features white sand beaches and turquoise waters. Tour companies offer accessible day trips from nearby islands, providing visitors with iguana-approved food to feed the friendly, habituated creatures. The iguanas, which can grow two to four feet long with distinctive ringed tails, face ongoing threats from illegal hunting and invasive predators like wild dogs and pigs.

Read at Travel + Leisure