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  5. Reptiles
  6. Iguanas

Iguanas

  • 16 Large male iguana in El Salvador 800A
    16 Large male iguana in El Salvador 800A
  • 44. iguana4 800
    44. iguana4 800
  • 43. animals iguana costa rica 800
    43. animals iguana costa rica 800
  • 16 Large male iguana in El Salvador 800A
  • 44. iguana4 800
  • 43. animals iguana costa rica 800
    • 16 Large male iguana in El Salvador 800A
    • 44. iguana4 800
    • 43. animals iguana costa rica 800

    Iguana is a genus of herbivorous lizards that are native to tropical areas of Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. The genus was first described in 1768 by Austrian naturalist Josephus Nicolaus Laurenti in his book Specimen Medicum. Two species are placed in the genus, the green iguana, which is widespread throughout its range and a popular pet, and the Lesser Antillean iguana, which is native to the Lesser Antilles.

    The word "iguana" is derived from the original Taino name for the species, "iwana." In addition to the two species in the genus Iguana, several other related genera in the same family have common names of the species including the word "iguana".

    The species is a popular quarry for pets and has been widely introduced beyond its native area, into Ishigaki Island, Florida Peninsula, and Hawaii.

    Iguanas can range from 1.5 to 1.8 m (5 to 6 ft) in length, including their tails. Iguanas have keen vision and can see shapes, shadows, colors, and movement at long distances. Their visual acuity enables them to navigate through crowded forests and locate food. They employ visual signals to communicate with other members of the same species. Iguanas have developed an herbivorous lifestyle, foraging exclusively on vegetation and foliage.

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