Reptiles · Squamata · Iguanidae

Green Iguana

Iguana iguana

Least Concern

The species is abundant and widely distributed; it faces no significant short-term risk. See full glossary

It is one of the few reptiles in which young males actively shield the females of their family group, putting their own bodies between them and a predator.

Weight

1.2 kg – 9 kg

Size

up to 2 m

Lifespan

12 years

Diet

Herbivore

Feeds mainly on plants.

Activity

Diurnal

Active mainly during the day.

Social structure

Family group

Lives in small family groups with close bonds.

Sighting difficulty

Easy

RainforestHerbivore Diurnal Family group Reptile Rainforest

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Fun facts

Young males shield the females of their group by putting their own bodies in the way.
It can stay underwater for up to 4 hours to escape a threat.
It is an excellent swimmer despite spending most of its life in the trees.
fisiologíaIt can stay submerged for several minutes at will to hide from predators, slowing its heart rate as it does.

Life cycle & biology

Skeleton type: Vertebrate - internal bony skeleton (reptile)
Habitat & environment: Tropical forest, especially wooded riverbanks, from Mexico to Brazil
Birth weight: 12 grams; 17-25 cm long at hatching
Size at birth: 17 - 25 cm long at hatching, already bright green and independent from birth
Sexual maturity: 2-4 years
Gestation / incubation: 90-120 days
Litter / clutch size: 10 to 76 eggs per clutch (most commonly 20-40)
Lifespan in captivity: Documented record of up to 19-20 years in captivity