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SPECIES PROFILE
Green Iguana (Iguana iguana)
Iguana
IUCN STATUS
Least Concern
CONSERVATION STATUS
Least Concern
CLASS
Reptilia
GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE
Mexico to southern Brazil
DIET
Herbivorous
HABITAT
Riverside rainforest and mangroves
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Chordata
CLASS
Reptilia
ORDER
Squamata
FAMILY
Iguanidae
GENUS
Iguana
📋 Description
SIZE
Up to 1.7 m incl. tail
COLORATION
Green to grey-brown with a spiny crest and banded tail
ADAPTATIONS
Excellent swimmer and climber; drops from trees into water to escape
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Riverside rainforest and mangroves
DIET
Herbivorous
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Mexico to southern Brazil
REPRODUCTION
Lays 20-70 eggs in sandy burrows
DIET DETAILS
Leaves, flowers and fruit
⚠️ Threats & Conservation
PRIMARY THREATS
Pet trade, hunting for meat
💡 Interesting Facts
1
A strong swimmer, it dives into rivers and can stay submerged for many minutes to escape danger.
2
A third 'eye' on top of its head senses light and helps detect predators from above.
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
Los Llanos
Orinoco Delta
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
Year-round
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
Scan branches overhanging rivers and lakes at midday; iguanas bask high up and drop into the water if disturbed.
