Fauna
Reptile

Green Iguana

Iguana iguana

Also known as American Iguana, Common Green Iguana

Green iguanas are massive arboreal lizards known for their prominent throat dewlaps, rows of dorsal spines, and remarkable agility high in the canopy. Adults spend daylight hours basking on branches overhanging tropical rivers, dropping into the water below at the first sign of danger. While bright green when young, mature adults often shift to duller shades of gray, orange, or deep brownish-green.

ArborealHerbivorousReptile
Green Iguana reference1 / 7
"Green Iguana" by wwarby is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/. · cc-by
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyTree Leaves, Tropical Flowers, Wild Fruits
Predators
  • Hawks
  • Boa Constrictors
  • Crocodilians
ThreatsHabitat destruction, poaching for local meat, pet trade
HabitatsTropical rainforests, gallery forests, mangrove swamps
Life span12–20 years
Classification
  1. FamilyIguanidae
  2. GenusIguana
  3. SpeciesIguana iguana
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Adults can deliver sharp bites and strong tail whips if threatened; observe from a safe distance.
Why it is dangerous
Possesses sharp serrated teeth, long claws, and a muscular whip-like tail capable of breaking skin and causing severe cuts.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Look for a large lizard with a sagging throat dewlap, a row of flexible dorsal spines, and a heavy banded tail.
What to do
Keep a respectful distance of several meters, especially near basking sites, and never corner or attempt to capture wild adults.
Responsible observation
  • Observation: Watch for basking individuals high in riverbank trees using binoculars to avoid scaring them into the water.
  • Distance: Maintain at least five meters from wild iguanas to prevent stress and defensive tail-whipping.
  • Basking Signals: An extended dewlap and head bobbing indicate territorial display or mild agitation.
Related species
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