Background Summary Information:
The green iguana is the largest member of the New World family of
lizards called Iguanidae. In this family, there are more than 50
genera, one of which is called Iguana. Within the species Iguana
iguana, there are two or three sub species. Iguana iguana
delicatissima lack circular shields found below the eardrum.
Iguana iguana rhinolopha has a slight protuberance on the snout.
Some zoologist do not consider Ig. ig. rhinolopha a subspecies
because they believe that some iguanas just happen to have a
horn-like scale on their snouts. Iguana iguana iguana is the
species a buyer is most likely to acquire in a pet store.
Picture of adult iguana
Iguanas live in tropical and semi-tropical regions. They are distributed over Mexico, Central America, tropical South America, and several islands of the West Indies. Iguana have also been found in Southern Florida. It is suspected that the Floridian Iguanas reached the area through accidental escapes and owner releases.
Iguanas are kept by several people as pets. However, most people buy them on impulse rather than researching the proper care and maintenance of iguanas. Most owners do not realize that these amazing reptiles grow to be 5 or 6 feet long, and that males can become quite aggressive what they get older.
Iguanas are arboreal. Their trees of choice are located near some type of body of water, like a river. This gives them an escape route from predators by dropping into the water. Iguanas are excellent swimmers. Another advantage to living in trees is that the iguanas have an endless supply of food and camouflage. Adult iguanas are herbivores. They feed on leaves, blossoms, buds, and fruit. Juvenile iguanas also eat plants but they include insects in their diets.
Picture of juvenile iguana
At one time, wild iguana populations were becoming endangered due to the people harvesting adults for food and the pet industry and deforestation of their habitat. Even the eggs are considered a delicacy. Iguanas are often seen hanging around in tropical markets. They are tied up and protected from overheating. They iguanas can live for several days without food and water. This method provides buyers with fresh meat without the need for refrigeration. In Latin America, the iguana is called 'gallina de pala' chicken of the tree.
A Final note to students
I will be traveling to Cozumel in July of 1997. I have several scuba dives planned and a trip to Maya ruins in Tulum. I will be visiting a section of rain forest near Tulum. If you come up with any questions about the tropical rain forest or coral reefs in Mexico, I'll try to research them while I'm there. If you miss the deadline of July 1st, don't worry, I'll be making more trips in the future. You can E-mail me at:
I'd like to leave you with a little poem titled 'Lizard Longing' from the book, I'm Gonna Tell Mama I Want an Iguana.. I would like to dedicate it to my mother for puting up with all of the creepy crawlies and lovable pets I brought home to live with us.
Happy Hunting
Tanya Lange
©Tanya Lange 1997
©BellNET 1997
BellNET WebMaster
Last updated on December 22, 1999.