 
A green iguana in profile.
|
|||||||
A pair of rhinoceros iguanas, their young and two green iguanas enjoy basking in the warm sunshine at the Australia Zoo, far from their native homes in the Americas.
Rhino, a 23-year-old rhinoceros iguana, is one of the zoo's most beloved lizards. He loves a scratch and massage and will stand up on all fours just to make sure you don't miss any spots.
Elle, a 10-year-old rhinoceros iguana, is Rhino's girlfriend. Elle loves eating all the hibiscus flowers when Rhino is not around. Much to the zoo's delight she is also a mother to some very cute little rhinos.
Rhinoceros iguanas live in the dry, rocky coastal forests of Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.
They spend their days foraging for cactuses and other thorny plants, as well as fruits and flowers. Though generally herbivorous as adults, juveniles love insects and adults will eat any small animal that they can easily overpower.
The rhinoceros iguana generally walks with a ponderous, cumbersome gait, its head held high, scouting for forage. When in danger it can retreat very quickly, and may even trash its tail and bite in defense.
Marilyn and Spinner are a pair of 10-year-old, female green iguanas living at the Australia Zoo. While Spinner will only accept a pat with a look to say that it is really against her better judgment, Marilyn quite happily accepts a scratch and is truly a lovely natured animal.
Because they are adapted to the tropical climate of Central and northern South America, Marilyn and Spinner are locked away at night in their warm, indoor enclosure. In the morning, though, there is nothing they love more than being let out into the warm sun with their food dishes waiting.
The green iguana is often found in tall forest trees along rivers, lakes or mangrove swamps, where it can easily drop into the water to escape from predatory birds or mammals. Its coloration provides excellent camouflage amongst the foliage, and its long legs and claws are specially adapted to aid in climbing.
|
Name: Rhinoceros Iguana (Cyclura cornuta)
Primary Classification: Iguanidae (Iguanas and Relatives) Location: The Dominican Republic, Haiti and Puerto Rico. Habitat: Mainly dry, rocky forests in coastal areas with abundant cactuses and other thorny plants. Diet: Fruits, flowers, leaves and some insects. Size: Up to 4 ft in length and 22 lbs in weight. Description: Grayish-brown, dark brown, dark gray or black in color. Several enlarged, raised scales on the snout that resemble horns. Large and heavy-bodied. Crest of scales along back. Conservation Status: Vulnerable Major Threat: Habitat destruction and predation from invasive mammals. What Can I Do?: Visit The International Iguana Society for information on how you can help.
Name: Green Iguana (Iguana iguana)
|
||
Change your media preferences