Iguana

Iguana is a genus of herbivorous lizards that are native to tropical areas of Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. The genus was first described in 1768 by Austrian naturalist Josephus Nicolaus Laurenti in his book "Specimen Medicum, Exhibens Synopsin Reptilium Emendatam cum Experimentis circa Venena". Two species are included in the genus Iguana: the green iguana, which is widespread throughout its range and a popular pet, and the Lesser Antillean iguana, which is native to the Lesser Antilles and endangered due to habitat destruction and hybridization with introduced green iguanas.

Description

Iguanas can range in size from 1.5 to 1.8 meters (5 to 6 ft) including their tail. The two species of lizard within the genus Iguana possess a dewlap and a row of elongated scales running from the midline of their necks down to their tails. Iguanas have varying types of scales covering different areas of their body, for example, there are some large round tuberculate scales scattered around the lateral region of the neck among smaller, overlapping scales.

Behavior

Iguanas are mainly herbivorous, but like most reptiles, they are opportunistic and will supplement their diet with insects, small animals, and bird's eggs when given the opportunity. They are active during the day and spend most of their time in the trees. They are excellent climbers and swimmers, which helps them to escape from predators.

Reproduction

Iguanas are oviparous, with females laying clutches of 20 to 71 eggs once per year during a synchronized nesting period. The female iguana gives no parental protection after egg laying, apart from defending the nesting burrow during excavation. The hatchlings emerge from the nest after 10–15 weeks of incubation.

Conservation

The Lesser Antillean iguana is listed as a CITES Appendix I animal, and the green iguana is listed as a CITES Appendix II animal. The green iguana is considered to be a least-concern species due to its wide distribution, but the Lesser Antillean iguana is considered to be endangered and is declining due to habitat destruction and hybridization with green iguanas.

See also

• Green Iguana
• Lesser Antillean Iguana
• Reptiles
• Herbivorous Animals

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