They belong to the family of the Iguanidae, they are scaly sauropsid reptiles and are endemic to tropical climates such as the Caribbean, Central America and South America. They are cold-blooded animals and need warmth to survive They can live up to 20 years of age if cared for properly.
They are excellent climbers and most of them live at the top of the trees for survival, as well as others that, on the contrary, are found on the ground, in desert and rocky areas and even near the sea. Below and according to their classification, you will find all the genres and types of Iguana:
Genera of the Iguanae family
Within the Iguanidae there are 8 different genera:
- Amblyrhynchus - 1 species in the Galapagos Islands
- Brachylophus - 3 species in Vanuatu and Fiji
- Conolophus - 3 species in the Galapagos Islands
- Ctenosaura - 14 species in Central and North America
- Dipsosaurus - 1 species in North America
- Sauromalus - 6 species in North America
- Cyrclura - 10 species in the Caribbean
- Iguana - 2 species in Central America and the Caribbean
It is common to confuse all the species of Iguanidae and call them all Iguanas but as we can see it is a genus included in the Iguanae family.
Green Iguana
The Iguana is the best known and most common genus, within it we find two species:
- The Green Iguana or Iguana Iguana is the species most used for breeding. It is found in Central and South America and can measure up to 2 meters in length and weigh up to 15 kg. Their skin is green and they blend in perfectly with the vegetation. They have small scales and a dorsal crest from the head to the tail, very showy in the case of males. In nature, they live in areas with thick vegetation and their average temperature is between 27ºC and 28ºC with humidity above 70%. They display a dewlap and perform displays in defense and courtship rituals. They need very special care in captivity such as having an acclimatized terrarium, fresh food, natural light, UV and it should be known that they can transmit Salmonella.
- The Caribbean Iguana or Iguana Delicatissima is similar in appearance to the Green Iguana but has changes in color and morphology. It is a large lizard that is in severe decline due to habitat destruction (only two successful cases of captive breeding exist). Varies in color between different populations on the island but tend to be gray with pale ivory-colored scales on the head. They can measure up to 80 centimeters and are mainly herbivorous.
In the photograph you can see the classic Green Iguana.
Fiji Crested Iguana
Within the genus Brachylophus we find three species:
- The Fiji Crested Iguana inhabits dry forest, the most endangered vegetation in the Pacific. The skin is light green, it has a prominent dewlap and it measures about 70 cm. It is herbivorous and has one of the longest incubation periods of any reptile species. This species is in danger of extinction due to the loss of its natural habitat due to fires, agricultural development and other causes, which is why it has experienced local extinctions in the years and for this reason it is protected in the "Crested Iguana Sanctuary".
- The Fijian Banded Iguana is beautiful thanks to the extraordinary green color with transverse bands. Arboreal, they are easily camouflaged on the oceanic islands on which they live. They are agile and climb and jump easily. This specimen is also in danger of extinction
- Bulabula is also endemic to the Fiji Islands and inhabits the wetter forests. It has spiny ridges along the back of the body and is herbivorous, having a special predilection for "Hibiscus" flowers and fruits such as bananas and papayas.
The picture shows the Fiji Crested Iguana.
Land Iguanas
Land iguanas or of the genus Conolophus are emblematic of the Galapagos Islands and group three species:
- The Conolophus pallidus only occurs in Santa Fe. It is pale yellow with a long snout and pronounced dorsal spines. They grow up to 3 meters and sleep in burrows to conserve body heat. It is a vulnerable species because it is threatened.
- The Conolophus subcristatus is also vulnerable because it is threatened. It is bright yellow with white sections.
- The Conolophus marthae only inhabits Isabela, it is in critical danger of extinction as there are no more than 100 specimens. It has a plumper body, is pink in color, and has a spiny crest along its back.
Conolophus subcristatus appears in the photograph.
Black spiny-tailed iguana
In this case we find 14 different species of this genus called Ctenosaura, indigenous to Mesoamerica. It represents a very diverse group that inhabits the lowlands and dry forests of Mexico and Central America. They can be grouped into different Clades, that is, geographic areas.
These are the 14 species:
Northeastern Spinytail Iguana, Campeche Spinytail Iguana, Baker's Spinytail Iguana, Balsas Armed Lizard, San Esteban Iguana, Yucatán Spinytail Iguana, Yellowback Spinytail Iguana, Cape Spinytail Iguana, Sonora Black Iguana, Honduran Paleate Spinytail Iguana, San Pedro Nolasco Iguana, Oaxacan Spinytail Iguana, Roatán Spinytail Iguana, Guatemalan Spinytail Iguana, Mexican Spinytail Iguana, Honduran Club Tail Iguana, Club Tail Iguana, and Black Spinytail Iguana
The best known and most famous is the Black Spiny-tailed Iguana and along with all its companions it is of primary importance to promote its conservation because the giant steps of man engulf the different habitats in which they live.
They measure between 27 and 35 cm and are robust and muscular. The scales are short and the tail has rings of very long spiny scales.
Desert Iguana
The desert iguana belongs to the genus Dipsosaurus Dorsalis and It is one of the most common lizards in the Sonoran and Mojave deserts. It is medium in size and can reach 61 centimeters. Pale gray in color with a row of scales descending from smaller to larger.
Lives in a dry habitat below 1,000 meters and also in rocky beds. They withstand high temperatures and climb trees in search of shelter and defense. It is believed that they only lay one clutch per year and are mainly herbivorous. It has several predators such as birds of prey, foxes, rats, snakes and of course, the human being.
Northern Chuckwalla
There are 6 different types of Sauromalus, the most common and well-known is the Northern Chuckwalla or Sauromalus Ater:
Sauromalus ater, Sauromalus australis, Sauromalushispidus, Sauromalus obesus, Sauromalus slevini and Sauromalus varius
The Northern Chuckwalla is found in the southwestern deserts of North America. It has a large and flat body and can reach 40 cm and reach a kilo. Covered by small scales, it has a different color depending on its habitat and age.
They are harmless and famous for their way of reacting to threats: they swallow air and distend their bodies inside cracks in the rocks. The wedge effect prevents it from being captured.
They are territorial and the abundance of resources tends to create a hierarchy among them based on size. They defend territories with displays of color and physical strength. Adapted to the desert, they are active during the day at temperatures up to 39ºC. They hibernate and are herbivores, feeding on cacti and occasionally insects.
Rhinoceros Iguana
There are 10 different species of the genus of the Cyrclura including species and subspecies:
Turks and Caicos Iguana, Jamaican Iguana, Rhinoceros Iguana, Northern Bahamas Iguana, Cayman Blue Iguana, Cuban Iguana, Anegada or Puerto Rico Iguana, Ricord Iguana, the Bahamas or San Salvador
The most common of this genus is the Rhinoceros Iguana endemic to the island of Hispaniola. In danger of extinction due to the pressure of man on the environment, it is the most aggressive of all, it can even attack man. It can weigh up to 5 kg and measure up to 1.10 meters. Their life expectancy is 16 years and they barely lay 11 eggs a year, which makes their survival difficult. It moves along the ground raising its head in search of food such as leaves and fruits and if it feels threatened it brings its legs to its neck or strikes very violent blows with its tail.
Marine iguana
It is also known as Amblyrhynchus and comes from the Galapagos Islands. It inhabits rocky shores and is the only Iguanae that depends on the marine environment, feeding exclusively on algae. Only the adults swim out to sea while the females and hatchlings feed when the tide goes out and the algae are exposed.
The males reach 1.3 meters in length and 15 kg in weight while the females only measure 0.6 meters. They spend a lot of time sunbathing on the rocks, they are even able to stop or slow down their heart so as not to lose heat without any risk. To avoid the accumulation of s alt, they secrete it concentrated in the form of crystals through a nasal s alt gland.
Where can I get an Iguana
From our site we recommend you to adopt this wonderful animal because there are many people who, observing how they grow, decide to abandon them.
Another option is the legal and responsible purchase of this wonderful species. Discard buying from individuals, online and non-approved vendors. Specialized breeders will advise you on its care, which is very specific, and will also guarantee a he althy reptile in the right conditions.
As you may have read in most of the species that we have detailed, the majority of Iguanidae are in danger of extinctionFind out about the specimen you want to acquire and be aware that there are specimens that are better off living in their natural environment.
Protect their environment and their daily routines and report to the authorities any serious case that could harm this species that struggles to survive.
Do you want to know more about Iguanas?
Discover the iguana as a pet to find out if this is your ideal companion, you can also learn in depth about the care of an iguana to find out all the details here, on our site.
