Two island groups, with about 300 islands and islets, make up the Turks and Caicos chain. The small Turks Island Passage separates the two groups. Most of the islands are cays, low-level sandy formations. The sediment accumulation occurs when slow moving ocean currents deposit their sand on top of coral reefs.
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Cyclura carinata - The rock iguana found on the Turks and Caicos Islands measures about 36 centimeters in length; females are smaller. Males are territorial throughout the year, but share burrows on a temporary basis when escaping danger. Females protect their burrows only when a clutch of eggs is present and several days after the young hatch; the brooding cycle lasts for 90 days. The number of eggs produced is based on the age and health of the female; it ranges from 2 to 9. Rock iguanas have one breeding season each year.
