GREEN IGUANA
Iguana iguana
DESCRIPTION
The Green Iguana is a large lizard known for its vibrant green coloration, which can vary based on age and environment. Adult iguanas can reach lengths of up to 2 meters and have a distinctive dewlap and spines along their back. They are primarily arboreal, spending much of their time in trees, and are known for their calm demeanor, although they can become aggressive if threatened.
FUN FACTS
- Green Iguanas can hold their breath underwater for up to 30 minutes, allowing them to evade predators by submerging themselves
- | They have a third eye on the top of their head, known as a parietal eye, which helps them detect movement and predators from above
QUICK INFO
Lifespan15-20 years in the wild, up to 30 in captivity
Average Weight4-5 kg
Average Length1.5-2 m
Diet TypeHerbivore
Social Structuresolitary, occasionally seen in small groups
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonSpring (March-May)
- Habitat
- Green Iguanas inhabit tropical rainforests, where they can find ample vegetation for food and trees for shelter. They are also found in urban areas where suitable vegetation exists.
- Biomes
- Tropical Rainforest, Urban
- Native Range
- Green Iguanas are native to Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean islands.
- Continent
- North America, South America
- Countries
- Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic
- Diet
- Green Iguanas are primarily herbivorous, feeding on a variety of leaves, flowers, and fruits. They require a high-fiber diet to maintain their health.
- Diet Type
- Herbivore
- Favorite Food
- leafy greens, fruits
- Social Structure
- solitary, occasionally seen in small groups
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 1-5
- Territorial
- 0
VU
LC
LC
4-5 kg
Weight
1.5-2 m
Length
- Coloration
- vibrant green, can change to brown or gray in some individuals
- Sexual Dimorphism
- males are generally larger and have more pronounced dewlaps
- Lifespan
- 15-20 years in the wild, up to 30 in captivity
- Offspring per Birth
- 20-70 eggs
- Sexual Maturity
- 2-3 years
- Breeding Season
- Spring (March-May)
LC
Least Concern
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population is stable in some areas but declining in others due to habitat loss and hunting.
- Wild Population Estimate
- unknown
- Population Trend
- Decreasing
- Endangered
- 0
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat destruction, hunting for meat and pets, and the pet trade. Invasive species also pose a threat to their populations.
- Predators
- birds of prey, snakes, large mammals, domestic cats and dogs
- Defense Mechanisms
- Green Iguanas can drop from trees to escape predators and have a strong bite if threatened.
- Found in Zoos
- Common