Common Green Iguana

The ancestor of this saurian already lived in the Carboniferous period (more than 300 million years ago), although it was not until the Jurassic period (180 million years ago) that it took on the appearance of a lizard.

Where is the animal to be found?

It is native to subtropical America. It lives in southern Mexico, Central America, the northern part of South America (as far as Peru, Brazil and Paraguay); and in the Lesser Antilles where it was introduced by man, as well as in Florida and the Hawaiian Islands.

It is found in a humid equatorial climate, with a low thermal amplitude and an annual average of 25°. It is arboreal and usually lives in forests near rivers, freshwater ponds, and mangroves.

How can it be recognised?

In the wild, they can grow up to 2.5 metres long, including the tail. In captivity, they hardly grow any longer than 1.5 metres.

The iguana's tail accounts for 60% of its body length.

Females reach sexual maturity at 3 years old. They lay between 10 and 80 eggs that hatch after 90 days of incubation.

What is distinctive about it?

Iguanas need sunlight to keep warm and to absorb calcium. To find the best climatic conditions, they use their UV-sensitive eyes and a third heat-sensitive eye located on their skull

Threat and protective measure

It benefits from protection and control measures with regard to its trade.