WILLEMSTAD – August 14 is International Lizard Day, and on Curaçao, these quick-moving, sun-loving reptiles are taking center stage—if only briefly. While not everyone is fond of the creatures darting across walls, gardens, and terraces, experts say lizards play a far greater role in the island’s ecosystem than most people realize, and perhaps more than some would like to know.
From natural pest control to seed dispersal, lizards are essential to maintaining balance in Curaçao’s environment. They help curb insect populations, aid in the spread of plants, and serve as a vital food source for birds, snakes, and other predators. Without them, the island could face an increase in mosquitoes and other pests, along with ripple effects for species that rely on lizards as prey.
Meet Curaçao’s Lizards
Iguana (Yuana) – As plant-eaters, iguanas consume fruits, flowers, and leaves, dispersing seeds through their droppings and helping to maintain plant diversity by preventing certain species from overgrowing.
Gecko (Pegapega) – Famous for their ability to run across walls and ceilings thanks to millions of microscopic toe hairs, geckos are nocturnal hunters that feed on mosquitoes, flies, and cockroaches.
Mispel Snake (Kolebra di Mispel) – Despite its name, this is not a snake but a legless lizard with white stripes along its back. It lives in leaf litter, feeding on insects attracted to fallen mispel fruit.
Blauw-blauw (Blòblò) – Omnivorous and territorial, males are blue-headed with greenish-blue legs, while females and juveniles are brown. They eat fruits, insects, and even eggs.
Anole (Totèki) – Small, brown lizards with black side stripes, anoles display a bright yellow throat fan to defend territory or attract mates, and feed on tiny insects.
An Ecosystem Connection
According to the Caribbean Research and Management of Biodiversity Foundation (CARMABI), lizards are often misunderstood. “Children often ask us during education programs why these animals exist, saying they find them scary or dirty,” the organization noted. “They also tell us their parents use poison or traps to get rid of them.”
However, removing or reducing lizard populations can upset the natural balance, potentially leading to pest outbreaks. “Whether or not we find them cute, all animals—especially those without a ‘cuddly factor’—are crucial links in the ecosystem, of which we ourselves are a part,” CARMABI emphasized.
About CARMABI
Founded in 1955, CARMABI is a non-profit organization dedicated to research, conservation, and environmental education on Curaçao. It manages both terrestrial and marine parks, conducts scientific studies, and provides ecological advice to public and private entities.
This International Lizard Day, the message from conservationists is clear: these scaly residents deserve more respect—not only for their role in nature, but also for the balance and comfort they help maintain in our daily lives.
