Green Iguana
Iguana iguana
-These arboreal lizards reside in tree canopies throughout Central and South America
-They have been introduced to southern Florida and Hawaii, as well
-Basking in the sun on tree branches, these reptiles will go down to the ground to mate, to dig burrows for eggs, and to dive into water and swim to evade predators
-These lizards can reach head to tail lengths of about 6.5 feet and weigh typically around 11 pounds
-Their long tails are used as whips to ward off predators, and if caught, can detach and regrow over the course of a couple months
-Herbivorous: they feed on plant matter made up of leaves, flowers, and fruit
-Their body coloration can vary depending on mood, temperature, health, or social status
*In the morning while their body temperatures are low = darker skin color to aid in sun absorption
*Mid-day=become lighter and paler as they warm up, and absorb less sun rays
*Males during breeding season become golden-orange to attract mates
-Offspring: over the course of 3 days, females may lay up to 65 eggs
HERE AT ALAMEDA:
The male you see is named Mr. Iguana. He enjoys a rub when he is shedding (even the skin over the spines on his back will shed!) We pay close attention to his body coloration to help us know how he is feeling and how best to take care of him. He is very personable and is in the Lemur enclosure where he can relax in the greenery and surroundings. He loves to sunbathe.However in the winter he has to be inside due to his necessary heat needs.
Iguana iguana
-These arboreal lizards reside in tree canopies throughout Central and South America
-They have been introduced to southern Florida and Hawaii, as well
-Basking in the sun on tree branches, these reptiles will go down to the ground to mate, to dig burrows for eggs, and to dive into water and swim to evade predators
-These lizards can reach head to tail lengths of about 6.5 feet and weigh typically around 11 pounds
-Their long tails are used as whips to ward off predators, and if caught, can detach and regrow over the course of a couple months
-Herbivorous: they feed on plant matter made up of leaves, flowers, and fruit
-Their body coloration can vary depending on mood, temperature, health, or social status
*In the morning while their body temperatures are low = darker skin color to aid in sun absorption
*Mid-day=become lighter and paler as they warm up, and absorb less sun rays
*Males during breeding season become golden-orange to attract mates
-Offspring: over the course of 3 days, females may lay up to 65 eggs
HERE AT ALAMEDA:
The male you see is named Mr. Iguana. He enjoys a rub when he is shedding (even the skin over the spines on his back will shed!) We pay close attention to his body coloration to help us know how he is feeling and how best to take care of him. He is very personable and is in the Lemur enclosure where he can relax in the greenery and surroundings. He loves to sunbathe.However in the winter he has to be inside due to his necessary heat needs.