Caribbean iguana | Facts & Information

# Caribbean Iguana | Facts & Information

Caribbean Iguana | Discover Fascinating Facts and Information About Caribbean Iguana

The Caribbean iguana is a large lizard that lives only in the trees of the Caribbean tropical and mangrove forests. It is one of two species of the genus Iguana that is endangered due to habitat destruction, predators or hunting.

Caribbean Iguana

Caribbean iguanas occupy a special place in the world of fauna in the warm regions of Central and South America. These extraordinary reptiles impress with their amazing appearance and unique behavior. The Caribbean iguana (Iguana iguana) is a species of iguana found throughout the Caribbean region, including Mexico, Belize, Honduras, Guatemala, and Costa Rica. With a history of millions of years, these fascinating reptiles are considered a true symbol of Central American biodiversity.

Often associated with tropical islands, the Caribbean iguana is adapted to warm and humid environments, being an expert in tree dwelling. These animals can be found in dense forests, as well as along riverbanks or in mountainous areas at altitudes of up to 2000 meters. With a length that can reach up to 2 meters, these iguanas are the largest species of iguanas in Central America.

One of the most impressive aspects of the Caribbean iguana is its striking appearance. It has a long and slender body covered in rough scales in various shades of green, brown, and gray. Another remarkable feature is their long and powerful tail, which is usually used for balancing and hanging from trees. They also have a dorsal crest, which starts from the head and extends to the base of the tail. This crest is larger in males and is often used to impress potential rivals or partners.

Caribbean iguanas are herbivorous creatures, primarily feeding on leaves, flowers, fruits, and other plant material. Among their favorite foods are the young leaves of trees, as well as fiber-rich tropical fruits. These iguanas can spend hours climbing among tree branches in search of food.

Another interesting characteristic of Caribbean iguanas is their social behavior. Although they are mainly solitary, these reptiles can often be observed in small groups, especially during the breeding season. Males are highly competitive with each other, using aggression and displays of dominance to obtain mates. After a mating period, the female lays her eggs in a nest dug in sand or soil; after approximately 85 days, the eggs will hatch, giving life to the new wave of young iguanas.

Caring for Caribbean iguanas can be a complex and demanding task. These animals require a suitable habitat, with a spacious and well-equipped terrarium that allows them to climb and hide. Temperature and humidity need to be maintained at optimal levels, and the iguanas must be fed correctly and supplemented with vitamins and minerals. Although they can be domesticated in certain situations, Caribbean iguanas require special attention to ensure that they are healthy and happy.

In conclusion, the Caribbean iguana is a fascinating and impressive animal. With their distinctive appearance and distinctive behavior, these reptiles are true treasures of the tropical regions of Central and South America. Although they require special care in their upbringing, a relationship with a Caribbean iguana can bring joy and wonder into anyone's life.

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Origin

It can be found in the literature under the names: West Indian iguana, Iguane des Petites Antilles, Lesser Antillean iguana or iguana del Caribe. The scientific name" iguana delicatissima " comes from Latin and means extraordinary Iguana. The species was first described by australian naturalist Josephus Nicolaus Laurenti in 1768.

The Caribbean Iguana or Lesser Antillean iguana is an endangered species and is protected in several states. Hunting or capturing them is prohibited.

Feeding the Caribbean Iguana

The Caribbean Iguana is mainly herbivorous. It feeds on leaves, flowers, fruits and buds from over 100 plants. Plant matter contains a lot of potassium and few nutrients.

The reptile has to consume a lot of plant matter to meet the needs of metabolism.

Excess potassium is removed with the help of a nasal gland.

It usually feeds in the morning on plants that for some species are toxic. When opportunities arise, eat meat.

Caribbean iguana features

The Caribbean Iguana has a shorter head and no streaks along the tail. It is larger than the green iguana.

The two species of the genus iguana, namely the green iguana and the Caribbean iguana are most easily distinguished by size, the first being smaller and by the ear hole that is also found in the green iguana.

The color of the Caribbean iguana varies according to specimens on different islands, but the base color is gray with a green tint on the underside. At the head you can see large scales, pink jaws and scales near the eyes have a bluish tinge.

Males are larger than females. They are 40cm long plus 32cm tail length when they are adults. Females are a third smaller weighing just 2.6 kg compared to 3.5 males.

The biggest predators are humans, cats and mongooses.

Caribbean iguana breeding

Dominant males change color to dark gray and during the breeding season the pink pigment in the Jaws is brighter. Females have a bright deep green color throughout the body, except for the tail which is brown. The pups that are born are bright green in color, but with white jaws and three white stripes on the body. When they become adults the White Stripes disappear and the tail will turn brown.

Reproduction is synchronized with the growth of plants in the rainy season. Each dominant male defends its territory occupied by up to 7 females. Females can lay between 8 and 18 eggs. The Burrow is about a meter long and deep in the ground and is large enough for the female to return inside.

The eggs are incubated and warmed by the sun for three months. To begin with, midges spend their lives on the ground, but over time they begin to climb trees. The eggs of the Caribbean Iguana are hunted by snakes, birds, opossums and lizards.

Sexual maturity is reached around the age of 3 years.