Iguanas are closed relative of lizards from the reptile family and one of the species under the class Iguanidae. Iguanas are native of tropical areas of Caribbean and the Central and South America.
Though Iguana are not considered as an ideal pet, they can grow to 5-6 feet long and can become quite aggressive during the breeding season. But they are becoming increasingly popular pet in the United States of India and most of the world. Green Iguana is the most common species which is kept as the pet.
And before keeping them as a pet, a person should be aware of the Iguana facts, so that they can live healthy and reach their usual age of 20 years of more.
Some common facts of Iguana:
- Iguanas are basically herbivorous creatures and they feed on all the vegetable diet, and feeding Iguana on insects can shorten its life span.
- Iguanas are peaceful and non emotional animals.
- Iguanas tend to be of different colors like green, brown, blue, pink Iguanas in Galapagos Island and some are of orange colors also, but the characteristic features of all of them are same. The main characteristic features are a row of spines on the back to their tail, and a third eye called “parietal eye” on the top of their head.
- Iguanas have got excellent vision and can easily see up to long distances and also see colors, shapes, shadows and movements.
- It is very difficult to spot the Iguanas as they can very well blend with their surroundings.
Habitat Facts of Iguana:
Iguanas love to live in canopies near swampy places like mangrove swamps and lakes. As there swimming is very fast, so they can feed very easily.
Food for Iguana:
Iguanas are mostly vegetarians; specially the green iguanas and they do not eat or fed any animal protein.
However, some Iguanas of wilder species can feed on insects, Rhubarb is poisonous for Iguanas. They need to be well supplemented with vitamins and minerals, so a lot of fruits and green food like spinach, strawberries, green beans, watercress and peppers should be included in their diet.
Some facts of Iguana about their behavior and needs:
Iguanas have the breeding season of about three months and adult male Iguana generally becomes aggressive at that time. Female produce eggs, in the absence of males also.
Iguanas need ultraviolet light, sunlight and temperature up to 95 degrees F for digestion of food.
Some funny facts of Iguana:
Iguanas can be as small as 14 inches and as long as 7 feet also.
Green Iguana is also known as “Bamboo Chicken”.
Iguanas are very clever and smart creatures and can easily escape from the cages, if not properly locked. So, always lock them properly.