Care Guide Reference

Iguanas

Iguanas

Iguanidae is a group of relatively large lizards, adapted to dry climates. There are currently eight iguanid genera, and approximately 35 species currently recognized. They are distributed throughout much of tropical America, up into southern temperate North America, throughout the Antilles, on the Galapagos, and in Fiji.
True iguanas are among the largest of the iguanians, ranging from 14 cm snout-vent length to more than two meters in Iguana iguana.

Iguanids may be terrestrial, rock-dwelling, or arboreal. Arboreal species leave the trees only rarely, often to lay eggs. Many iguanids are adapted for arid landscapes. Some have spiny tails, which they use in defensive behavior. In contrast to their close relatives, all iguanids are herbivores as adults, consuming primarily leaves, fruits, and flowers. Most iguanids are territorial, and male territorial displays, including push-up behaviors, may double as courtship displays. All iguanids are oviparous. Several iguanid species are popular in the pet trade, and some populations have been put at risk as a result of over-zealous collecting of wild animals.

The classification of these creatures is still under hot debate.