Common Green Iguana Natural History
Size
Green Iguanas can weigh up to 8kg but 4kg is closer to their average weight. They can also grow up to 2 meters in length.
Habitat and Distribution
These lizards can be found in Central and South America including in Bolivia, Costa Rica, Colombia, Guatemala, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago, to name a few. They spend most of their time in the rainforest canopy- preferably near water, only really descending to the ground to lay eggs, mate and change tree.
Age
In the wild Green Iguanas have an average lifespan of 20 years.
Diet
Despite being classed as omnivores these reptiles feed mostly on leaves, flowers and fruits in the wild.
Groups and Breeding
Females use their long claws to dig a hole in the ground before laying a clutch of between 20-40 eggs during the winter season. Eggs take about 90 days to hatch- usually in May.
Threats
These animals are currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List and have a fairly healthy population across their large range. However, they do face threats from residential development and hunting. Plus, they are prey to other animals such as hawks, snakes, dogs and owls.
Interesting Facts
Green Iguanas are excellent swimmers and to evade threats will launch themselves from the rainforest’s canopy into nearby water and swim away. They have been known to survive jumps like this from 40ft heights.
Despite their name, Green Iguanas can occur in a variety of colours including blueish, green, grey, orange and red.
The Common Green Iguana During Your Day Out in Kent
Here at WWP we have two of these iguanas who share an enclosure together in the Reptile House. Our female, Khaleesi is the more traditional green colour, easily distinguished from our male, Devil who has a red colouration.