Iguanas are a type of herbivorous lizard found in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean, mostly near rivers and beaches. They are typically 5-6 feet long and usually weigh around 11 pounds. The average lifespan of an iguana is about 20 years.

An iguana’s diet usually consists of fruit, leaves, and flowers. Iguanas spend a large amount of time in jungle canopies. Iguanas are great swimmers, and, if threatened, they will jump from a tree branch into the water to avoid danger, where they can hold their breath for up to 30 minutes. If they miss the water and accidentally hit the ground, they will usually be fine, as they can fall from up to 40 feet and survive. Despite spending a large amount of time in canopies or in the water, iguanas are very agile on the ground. Iguanas have a row of spines running from their back to their tail, known as a dewlap. If they need to fight, iguanas can use their strong jaws, razor-sharp teeth, or sharp whip-like tail to defend against predators. Like most lizards, their tail can be detached and grow back.

Iguanas were first scientifically described in 1768, by an Austrian nationalist named Josephus Nicolaus Laurenti. There are two species of Iguana, the Green Iguana and the Antillean Iguana. Green Iguanas are much more common, with Antillean Iguanas only being found in the Caribbean. Antillean Iguanas are currently facing severe population decline due to habitat destruction, invasive species, and hunting. They are critically endangered and are smaller than the Green Iguana, being only 4 feet long. Their situation is becoming worse due to stray dogs, cats, and mongooses hunting them.

When a female Iguana gives birth, it lays the eggs, covers them up, and leaves. Even though they are called Green Iguanas, they come in multiple colors, such as green, blue, orange, or purple. They have excellent camouflage, and can easily blend in to their surroundings in order to hide from predators. Iguanas can be quite social, and sometimes live and eat together. However, sometimes male Iguanas fight over territory. During floods, some Iguanas have the ability to slightly “inflate” themselves in order to float better.

Even though many people keep Iguanas as pets, many do not do well in captivity, and sometimes will die within a few years. Iguanas have a flap of skin under their head to regulate body temperature, despite being cold-blooded. In my opinion, Iguanas are pretty cool.