Primarily a tree-dwelling reptile (3), the green iguana is a specialised leaf-eater, consuming the tender green leaves and flowers of a selection of trees, shrubs and herb vegetation (4). For over 90 percent of the time, green iguanas are inactive and often when they do move, they travel slowly. However, if required, green iguanas are capable of running fast and will dive into water to escape predators (4), revealing their excellent swimming abilities. This explains the iguana's preference for habitat close to watercourses (3). Green iguanas are territorial during the breeding season (4), and will defend their home range against intruders (3). If a green iguana ventures into the territory of another it will be met firstly with pronounced head-nodding behaviour, believed to be an intimidating action. This may be followed by an extensive threat ritual, when the iguanas vertically flatten their bodies and erect their dorsal crests to create the appearance of being much larger. If the altercation does not end there, serious fights with injuries can follow. The dewlap, which can be lowered by a bone in the neck, is also used in threat displays, as well as for communicating with other green iguanas (3). Green iguanas breed during the dry season, during which time a territorial male occupies his territory with several females (4). A month or two after mating, the females move to communal nesting sites where they lay a clutch of 17 to 76 eggs in burrows dug into the ground. Iguana hatchlings emerge from the nest after three months of incubation, coinciding with the onset of the rainy season, a strategy to ensure plentiful, lush, green vegetation for the growing iguanas to feed on (4). Green iguana hatchlings are incredibly vulnerable to predators, including other reptiles, birds and mammals (7), and only about 2.6 percent live to the age of one year. Sexual maturity is reached after two to three years (4).

The green iguana is one of the best-known reptiles due to its popularity in zoos and with private reptile keepers (3). It has a very distinctive appearance, with a large head, a pronounced dewlap, and an impressive crest of comb-like spines that runs down the centre of the back and tail (3) (5), measuring around three centimetres high (2). While, like its name suggests, this iguana is usually a shade of green, (from dull, grassy green to vivid turquoise), bright orange individuals may occur in the northern parts of its range (3), and the colour may also vary with temperature, particularly when young, being bright green when hot and dull and dark when cold (2). The green iguana's scaly skin is either uniformly coloured, or bears blackish stripes or a contrasting brownish pattern (3). Prominent large, circular scales are present on the lower jaw below the clearly visible tympanum. Male green iguanas can be distinguished from females by the more pronounced spiny crest and larger head (5), the more noticeable femoral pores (2), and the broader cloaca opening (6).

The green iguana, Iguana iguana is a popular pet trade species not native to Florida, but increasingly encountered as an escaped exotic in the southern half of the state.I. iguana is variable in color, young animals being bright green and then becoming more uniform grayish green in color with age. Green iguanas also have a limited ability to alter color based on mood or social interaction or in response to environmental conditions, with males exhibiting more color variation than females (Frye 1995).A prominent hanging dewlap under the throat, a dorsal crest of robust dermal spines running from neck to tail, a set of large scales on each side of the head, a membrane-covered tympanum, and a long, tapering, variably ringed tail are distinguishing features of the species (Oldham and Smith 1975, De Vosjoli 1992; Frye 1995, Gingell and Harding 2005). The eyes are laterally positioned and are protected by an immovable upperlid and a movable lower eyelid. A light-sensing organ-the parietal "eye"-is present on top of the head and is important in cueing diel coordination and gonadal maturation. The parietal eye exhibits rudimentary visual sensory abilities, namely the ability to perceive shadows from above the animal (Frye 1995).

Green iguanas, Iguana iguana, occur throughout Central and South America, from Sinaloa and Veracruz, Mexico, south to the Tropic of Capricorn in Paraguay and southeast Brazil. This large lizard also inhabits many islands throughout the Caribbean region and the coastal eastern Pacific, and has been introduced into southern Florida and in Hawaii. This is the largest known lizard to occur within the borders of the United States (Conant and Collins, 1998; Campbell, 1998).

Biogeographic Regions: nearctic (Introduced , Native ); neotropical (Introduced , Native )

occurs (regularly, as a native taxon) in multiple nations

Canada

Origin: Exotic

Regularity: Regularly occurring

Currently: Present

Confidence: Confident

Type of Residency: Year-round

United States

Origin: Exotic

Regularity: Regularly occurring

Currently: Present

Confidence: Confident

Type of Residency: Year-round

Global Range: Native to Neotropics. Present on many West Indies islands. Virgin Islands: St. Thomas and some satellites, St. John (including Whistling Cay), St. Croix, Tortola, Virgin Gorda; Cayman Islands: Grand Cayman; Saba, Montserrat, Guadeloupe, Iles des Saintes, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Grenadines, Grenada; Swan Island; islas San Andres and Providencia. Introduced in southern Florida (Townsend et al., 2002, Herpetol. Rev. 33:75; Meshaka et al. 2004; Krysko et al. 2005); Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico; Hawaii (established on Oahu; McKeown 1996).

Continent: Middle-America Caribbean South-America North-America
Distribution: USA (introduced to Florida and Hawaii) S Mexico (Yucatan, Campeche), Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Belize,  Costa Rica, Panama Colombia, Brazil (Bahia, Pernambuco), Venezuela, Isla Margarita, Guyana, Surinam, French French Guiana,  Peru, Bolivia (Beni, Pando, Santa Cruz), Paraguay, Antilles: Virgin Island, Cayman Island, St. Barthelemy, Montserrat, Guadeloupe,  Ile Desecheo Saintes, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Grenadines, Grenada, Swan Island, Trinidad, Tobago, La Tortuga Island, Isla San Andres, Isla de Providencia, Puerto Rico  
Type locality: “Indiis”

The green iguana is native to Latin America, including parts of Mexico, mainland and island regions of Central- and South America, and the Lesser Antilles. It has been introduced into Florida, Hawaii and Puerto Rico where it is considered a serious pest (McKeown 1996, Engeman Smith and Constantin 2005, ISSG). Iguana iguana has been reported from south Florida (Dade County) since 1966, and has probably been established and breeding there since 1980 (King and Krakauer 1966, Butterfield et al. 1997). More recently (2003), a presumed new breeding population has been identified from Palm Beach County, while an increasing number of animals (not reported breeding) are being encountered in Martin and St. Lucie counties (Krysko et al. 2005).The apparent northward expansion of I. iguana into the central India River Lagoon watershed is of potential concern. Animal Control offices in both Martin and St. Lucie Counties have reported an increase in the number of green iguana sightings throughout the Treasure Coast area (Indian River Press Journal 2007).

The green iguana has a wide distribution ranging from the Mexican states of Sinaloa and Veracruz, through Central America and into South America as far south as Peru, Paraguay and northern Argentina, including many neotropical islands (4).

Within three years, a young, 12 gram hatchling iguana can become a 1 kg adult (de Vosjoli, 1992). Upon hatching, the length of green iguanas ranges from 17 to 25 cm. Most mature iguanas weigh between 4 and 6 kg, but some in South America, with proper diet can reach up to 8 kg. These large lizards can reach head to tail lengths of around 2 m.

Although called green iguanas, these animals are actually variable in color. The adults become more uniform in color with age, whereas the young may appear more blotchy or banded between green and brown. Color of an individual may also vary based upon its mood, temperature, health, or social status. Such color alteration may aide these animals in thermoregulation. In the morning, while body temperature is low, skin color will be darker, helping the lizard to absorb heat from sunlight. However, as the hot mid-day sun radiates upon them, these animals become lighter or paler, helping to reflect the sun rays and minimizing the heat absorbed. Active dominant iguanas usually have a darker color than lower-ranked iguanas living the same environment (Frye, 1995). Most color variation seen in this species is exhibited by males, and may be attributed in part to sex steroids. Six to eight weeks prior to and during courtship, males may acquire a bright orange or gold hue, although coloration is still related to dominance status (Frye, 1995). Mature females, for the most part, retain their green coloring.

Other distinguishing features of this species include a pendulous dewlap under the throat, a dorsal crest made up of dermal spines that run from the mid neck to the tail base, and a long tapering tail. The dewlap is more developed in adult males than females. Extensions of the hyoid bones stiffen and support the leading edge of this structure, which is used in territorial defense or when the animal is frightened. This fleshy structure also serves in heat absorption and dissipation when it is extended.

The laterally situated eyes are protected mainly by a immovable eyelid and freely mobile lower eyelid (Oldham and Smith, 1975). On the dorsal midline of the skull behind the eyes is a parietal eye. This sense organ, although not a true "eye," serves as a meter for solar energy, and aids in the maturation of sex organs, thyroid gland, and endocrine glands (Frye, 1995). The visual effect of this "eye" is mostly limited to the detection of predatory shadows from above.

The scales or plates on the head are larger and more irregular than the scales on the rest of the body. Below the tympanum there is a large rounded scale called the subtympanic plate.

Range mass: 4 to 8 kg.

Average mass: 7 kg.

Range length: 2 (high) m.

Average length: 1.75 m.

Other Physical Features: ectothermic ; heterothermic ; bilateral symmetry

Sexual Dimorphism: male larger; sexes colored or patterned differently; male more colorful; ornamentation

Length: 200 cm

Hatchlings are typically 17-25 cm in length. Growth is relatively rapid, and a 12 g hatchling can grow to a 1 kg adult in 3 years. Mature animals can attain total lengths of 2 m and can weigh as much as 8 kg, although 4-6 kg is more typical (De Vosjoli 1992, Gingell and Harding 2005).Captive-reared green iguanas can live for more than 20 years, while wild individuals are believed to have a lifespan of around 8 years (De Vosjoli 1992, Frye 1995).

Although a growing assortment of exotic iguanids, polychrotids (anoles), geckonids (geckos), and other non-native lizards are now encountered in Florida, relatively few of these could be easily misidentified as I. iguana. Black spinytail iguanas (Ctenosaura similis) and Mexican spinytail iguanas (C. pectinata) are potential exceptions, but looking for the diagnostic features described above should allow Iguana iguana to be differentiated from these animals.

Green Iguanas are arboreal lizards that live high in the tree canopy. Juveniles establish areas lower in the canopies while older mature iguanas reside higher up. This tree dwelling habit allows them to bask in the sun, rarely coming down except when females dig burrows to lay eggs. Although preferring an arboreal (forested) environment, they can adjust well to a more open area. No matter where they inhabit, they prefer to have water around as they are excellent swimmers and will dive beneath the water to avoid predators (Conant and Collins 1998).

Habitat Regions: tropical ; terrestrial

Terrestrial Biomes: forest ; rainforest

Aquatic Biomes: lakes and ponds; rivers and streams; temporary pools; coastal ; brackish water

Wetlands: swamp

Other Habitat Features: suburban ; agricultural

Comments: Acacia thickets, mangrove edge; near water in otherwise xeric areas; in bushes and trees, on open rocky ground, cliff faces, rocky crevices (Schwartz and Henderson 1991). Mostly arboreal; juveniles sleep in low trees and bushes; adults probably in large trees, rock piles, rock crevices, or burrows (Schwartz and Henderson 1991). Small juveniles more terrestrial (Fitch and Henderson 1977). Good swimmer. In Panama, usually stayed close to lake shoreline (Bock et al. 1989, Rand et al. 1989). Eggs are laid in burrows dug in open areas, often a sand bank (Fitch and Henderson 1977). Usually returns to same nesting site each year (Bock et al. 1989).

Green iguanas most commonly inhabit tropical forest close to water (3), from sea level up to an altitude of 1,000 metres (4), although they avoid areas of deep forest where the sun cannot reach the ground to incubate the nest (2).

Non-Migrant: Yes. At least some populations of this species do not make significant seasonal migrations. Juvenile dispersal is not considered a migration.

Locally Migrant: No. No populations of this species make local extended movements (generally less than 200 km) at particular times of the year (e.g., to breeding or wintering grounds, to hibernation sites).

Locally Migrant: No. No populations of this species make annual migrations of over 200 km.

Green iguanas are primarily herbivorous. They occasionally eat a small amount of carrion or invertebrates. Green leafy plants or ripe fruits are their preferred foods.

Green iguanas use their tongues to help manipulate the food and bite small enough pieces to swallow, with little or no chewing. The food mixes with enzymes in the stomach before moving to the small intestine where pancreatic enzymes and bile are mixed with it. Most digestion occurs in the sacculated colon, where microflora break down the cellulose (Frye, 1995). Microflora are essential for hind-gut digestion of the hard to digest diet of this species. Hatchling iguanas are inclined to eat feces from adults, which may be an adaptation for acquiring this much need microflora (Alberts et.al., 2004). This microflora breaks the food down and makes it available for absorption.

Iguanas require a high amount of dietary protein in their first two to three years for adequately fast growth. During this time period, young iguanas may consume insects and spiders. Older iguanas that have reached close to maximum growth consume a low phosphorous, high calcium, leafy diet for their maintenance requirements.

Iguanas are ectothermic. Their body temperature is mainly dependent upon the environmental temperature. Low environmental temperatures inhibit an iguana's appetite and digestive enzymes. Active eating usually occurs when the environmental temperatures are between 77 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit (Frye, 1995). Basking is an important aid to digestion. Iguanas may cease eating prior to or during skin shedding. Females may refuse to eat during later stages of egg development. Individuals who are overly stressed or in a new environment may also refuse to eat.

Animal Foods: eggs; insects; terrestrial worms

Plant Foods: leaves; fruit; flowers

Primary Diet: herbivore (Folivore , Frugivore ); omnivore

Comments: Eats mainly leaves, flowers, and fruits of trees and vines. Also eats invertebrates, small vertebrates, and carrion. (Fitch and Henderson 1977).

Iguana iguana is primarily herbivorous, consuming leafy plants and ripe fruits as preferred dietary items. A small percentage of invertebrate matter and carrion is also typically consumed (Gingell and Harding 2005).

In addition to helping disperse seeds, iguanas provide a source of food for larger predatory animals, including humans. Like other amphibians and reptiles, iguanas can be indicators of environmental changes (Kaplan, 2002). Reptiles are more sensitive to environmental changes than are humans, and by watching their responses, we can be alerted to possible problems before they are large enough for us to detect with our own senses.

Ecosystem Impact: disperses seeds

One of the best methods for iguanas to avoid predation is their cryptic coloration. Because they look like so much of their green environment, they can remain immobile when a predator has been spotted, and go unnoticed themselves. Young iguanas may be found in small groups, and use the "selfish-herd" or "more eyes are better" strategy to avoid predators. Iguanas prefer to bask in tree limbs that over-hang water so when threatened by a predator they can dive into the water and swim swiftly away. In addition to these strategies for avoiding predation, green iguanas are able to shed a large portion of their tail, thus distracting predators and allowing the "rest" of the animal to escape.

Hawks and other large birds are potential predators of juvenile iguanas. Humans are another one of major predators of green iguanas. Humans eat both iguanas and their eggs. Humans also use these reptiles for crocodile bait, and poach them for the pet trade.

Like many other animals, green iguanas also suffer from habitat destruction.

Known Predators:

• Homo sapiens
• hawks
• large birds

Anti-predator Adaptations: cryptic

Green iguanas are known carriers of several Salmonella spp. bacterial strains considered to be pathogenic. Salmonella colonize the intestines and is shed in feces. Tortora at al. (1998) note that the carriage rate in pet reptiles may be as high as 90%.Invasion History: The pet trade has provided a steady source of introduction of Iguana iguana to Florida. Iguanas escaped from captivity were reported from south Florida as early as 1966, at Key Biscayne, Hialeah, Coral Gables, and near the Miami International Airport (King and Krakauer 1966). Populations have since become established at least as far north as Palm Beach County on the Atlantic coast and Lee County on the Gulf coast of the state, and an increasing number of animals (not yet reported breeding) are now reported from Martin and St. Lucie counties (Bartlett 1980, Bartlett and Bartlett 1999, Townsend et al. 2002, Krysko et al. 2005). The animals are frequently encountered in Everglades National Park, and have been reported in the Keys at least as far south as Stock Island (Meshaka et al. 2000).In addition to Florida, I. iguana has been introduced to Hawaii where it is also a nuisance species (McKeown 1996). Potential to Compete With Natives: I. iguana is the largest known lizard to occur in the U.S. (Conant and Collins 1998, Campbell 1998). McKie et al. (2005) reported concern over the potential for iguanas to disrupt native bird nests or destroy nestlings and eggs. Possible Economic Consequences of Invasion: The potential economic consequences associated with expanding Florida green iguana populations are believed to be minor, mostly related to the destruction of tropical garden and landscape foliage caused by iguana foraging (Gingell and Harding 2005). Health-related issues arising from iguanas being carriers of Salmonella are anticipated to be very minimal.In other parts of the world, green iguanas are an important source of food and leather, but they are unlikely to be utilized in this manner in Florida.

Data collated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission suggests breeding populations of I. iguana are established in at least 5 Florida counties. The statewide trend appears to be expansion of the overall population and invasive range.

Hatchlings in Panama dispersed average of 250 m (maximum 1750 m) from nest site to hatchling habitat where they became sedentary; females traveled average of 425 m (maximum 1400 m) from home range to nesting site (Bock and McCracken 1988); 2 females moved 470 m and 1140 m from center of home range to nesting area (Rand et al. 1989); regarded as sedentary outside breeding season, core area of home range over 6 months ranged from about 1200 sq m in a juvenile to about 9500 sq m in large adult male (another study found smaller male home range size) (Rand et al. 1989).

These animals are known to use visual signals, such as head bobbing and dewlap extension, as means of communicating with rivals. In extreme cases, physical contact is involved in altercations. In addition, males scent mark females as well as branches. Hissing, which is a form of auditory communication, sometimes occurs.

Communication Channels: visual ; tactile ; acoustic ; chemical

Other Communication Modes: mimicry ; pheromones ; scent marks

Perception Channels: visual ; tactile ; acoustic ; chemical

Comments: Active all year in native range.

Approximately 65 days after mating, a female is ready to lay her eggs. The size and number of eggs produced varies depending upon her size, her nutritional status, and her maturity. Eggs measure around 15.4 mm in diameter, and 35 to 40 mm in length (Frye, 1995). Over a three day period, an average of 10 to 30 leathery white or pale-cream colored eggs are deposited into a nest. Nests are located 45 cm to more than a meter deep, and may be shared with other females if nesting areas are limited. After laying the eggs, females may return to the nest several times but do not stay to guard it.

Incubation lasts from 90 to 120 days. Temperature should range from 85 to 91 degrees Fahrenheit. The hatchlings pip the egg open using a special egg tooth, called the caruncle, that falls off shortly after hatching. Absorbed yolk provides most of the nourishment for the first week or two of an iguana's life.

There are no major morphological changes in these animals as they age, except that they grow. However, diet is related to age. The young, with higher need for protein, are more likely to consume insects and eggs than are mature individuals.

Iguanas can live for more than 20 years in captivity, although wild iguanas are thought to live only about 8 years. Proper nutrition for growth is a concern for captive management of these animals. Improper housing and nutrition can shorten a captive iguana's lifespan.

Range lifespan

Status: captivity: 20 (high) years.

Average lifespan

Status: wild: 8 years.

Average lifespan

Status: captivity: 10 years.

Average lifespan

Sex: female

Status: captivity: 12.4 years.

Maximum longevity: 19.8 years (captivity)

Most green iguanas reach sexual maturity between three and four years of age, although maturity can be reached earlier. Iguanas tend to breed in the dry season, ensuring that young hatch in the wet season when food is more readily available (de Vosjoli, 1992).

Mating appears to be polygynandrous. Courtship occurs within a defined territory where more than one female may be present. Conflicts between males are not uncommon. Courtship behavior of males includes head bobbing, extending and retraction of the dewlap, and nuzzling or biting a female’s neck (Frye, 1995). Dominant males may also mark rocks, branches, and females with a waxy pheromone-containing substance secreted from their femoral pores.

During mating, the male approachs the female and climbs on her back, straddling her. To restrain his mate, he grips the her shoulder skin with his teeth, sometimes causing wounds. The male then pairs his cloacal vent up with the female's and inserts one of his hemipenes into her cloaca. Copulation can last for several minutes. Female iguanas can can save sperm for several years (Frye, 1995), allowing them to fertilize eggs at a much later date.

Mating System: polygynandrous (promiscuous)

Females lay their eggs about 65 days after mating (eggs take 59 to 84 days to develop before they are laid). Over the course of three days, females may up to 65 eggs, each measuring around 15.4 mm in diameter, and 35 to 40 mm in length (Frye, 1995). Eggs are deposited into nests which are located 45 cm to more than a meter deep, and may be shared with other females if nesting areas are limited.

Incubation lasts from 90 to 120 days. Temperature should range from 85 to 91 degrees Fahrenheit. The hatchlings pip the egg open using a special egg tooth, called the caruncle, that falls off shortly after hatching. Absorbed yolk provides most of the nourishment for the first week or two of an iguana's life. Young are independent from birth.

Timing of sexual maturity varies. Animals may be able to breed as early as their second year, but may not breed until as late as their fifth year.

Breeding interval: These animals breed annually.

Breeding season: Green iguanas breed in the dry season.

Range number of offspring: 65 (high) .

Average number of offspring: 10-30.

Range gestation period: 59 to 84 days.

Average gestation period: 65 days.

Range age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female): 2.5 to 5 years.

Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female): 3-4 years.

Range age at sexual or reproductive maturity (male): 3 to 5 years.

Key Reproductive Features: iteroparous ; seasonal breeding ; gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate); sexual ; fertilization ; oviparous ; sperm-storing

Parental investment includes the risk of mating and laying eggs. Eggs are provisioned with nutrients by the mother. Females choose nesting sites, presumably as a means of caring for their offspring. However, after eggs are laid, there is no direct investment in the young.

Parental Investment: pre-fertilization (Provisioning, Protecting: Female); pre-hatching/birth (Provisioning: Female, Protecting: Male, Female)

Oviposition strongly synchronous (February-March) in Panama (Bock and Rand 1989). Nesting occurred mainly from mid-April through May on Curacao (Copeia 1993:790-798). Clutch size 11-54, largest in large females. Most eggs hatch in about 10 weeks, April to June (Fitch and Henderson 1977). See Mora (1989) for information on communal nesting in Costa Rica. Excessive soil moisture due to above average rainfall may result in nesting failure (Bock and Rand 1989). Large males may do most of breeding.

Reproduction is sexual, sexes are separate and fertilization is internal. Individuals generally become reproductive at 3-4 years of age, although some animals mature up to a year earlier or later. Females remain reproductive for several years (Frye 1995). Peak breeding occurs in the dry season, ensuring that most young hatch in the wet season when food resources are most abundant.A polygynandrous mating system (both males and females pair with multiple mates) seems to be typical of the species, and a variety of male-male antagonistic displays (e.g., head bobbing, dewlap exhibiting) and male-female courtship displays (e.g., nuzzling, biting) are usually involved. Dominant males mark territories and mates with a pheromone-containing substance secreted from femoral pores (De Vosjoli 1992, Frye 1995, Meshaka et al. 2004).Females can store sperm for several years after mating, using it to fertilize eggs at a later date (De Vosjoli 1992, Frye 1995).

Clutch sizes are relatively large, averaging 20-70 eggs. Females deposit eggs approximately 65 days after mating, usually over the course of three days, into nests excavated to a depth of 0.45-1 m. If suitable nesting sites are limited, several females can share nests (De Vosjoli 1992, Frye 1995).Incubation takes 90 to 120 days at a nest tenperature of 30-32°C. Hatchlings break through egg shells with the aid of a caruncle (egg tooth) that is shed shortly after hatching. Young are precocial and independent from the time of hatching, but they derive most of their nourishment in the first few weeks of life from yolk that has already been absorbed (Gingell and Harding 2005).

Pores expel fluid: iguana
 

A gland in the leg of the iguana excretes liquid via epidermal and dermal tubes and pores in the skin.

   
  "[The iguana] excretes liquid (sometimes volatile lipids) from a gland on ventral side of the femur. The liquid is expelled through epidermal and dermal tubes ending in a row of pores on the skin. Gland length varies depending on the season, especially in males." (Biomimicry Guild unpublished report)
  Learn more about this functional adaptation.

The following is a representative barcode sequence, the centroid of all available sequences for this species. 

 
There is 1 barcode sequence available from BOLD and GenBank.   Below is the sequence of the barcode region Cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI or COX1) from a member of the species.  See the BOLD taxonomy browser for more complete information about this specimen.  Other sequences that do not yet meet barcode criteria may also be available.
 

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Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLDS) Stats
Public Records: 1
Species: 4
Species With Barcodes: 1

Although some populations have suffered from poaching and collection for the pet trade, green iguanas are not considered a conservation risk at this time. All Iguana species are listed under CITES Appendix II.

US Federal List: no special status

CITES: appendix ii

Canada

Rounded National Status Rank: NNA - Not Applicable

United States

Rounded National Status Rank: NNA - Not Applicable

Rounded Global Status Rank: G5 - Secure

Listed on Appendix II of CITES (1).

Throughout Latin America, the green iguana is hunted for its beautiful, commercially-valuable skin, prized flesh, and eggs (4) (8). It is one of the neotropical reptiles most frequently hunted for food, to feed the family or for sale, and is killed by rifles or captured by dogs. They are also captured live; newly-hatched iguanas may be exported for the pet trade, while captured females may be cut open to extract the eggs and then released (4); these females subsequently die (2). This level of exploitation, in combination with deforestation, has decimated populations in some parts of its range (4).

Management Requirements: Bock and McCracken (1988) recommended that genetic structure of populations be considered when selecting breeding stock for reintroduction efforts. See Phillips et al. (1990) for information on egg incubation methods that maximize size of offspring for release into the wild.

Needs: See Fitch and Henderson (1977) for brief discussion of conservation issues.

There are a number of projects currently underway in Latin America which captive breed green iguanas and release them back to the wild, to supplement the reduced wild populations; for example, the Kekoldi Indigenous Reserve in Costa Rica and Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary in Belize (9) (10). The green iguana is also listed on Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), meaning that any international trade should be carefully monitored to ensure it is compatible with the species' survival (1).

The most adverse effect green iguanas have on humans would be eating exotic tropical foliage in gardens. They do not pose any major problems for humans.

Iguanas are farmed in some countries as a source of food and leather, as well as for the pet trade. Due to their large size, iguana hides provide a source of luxury leather that can be made into boots, belts or purses. The pet industry also prizes iguanas; most are sold in the United States, Europe, and Japan. Iguanas also make an interesting tourist attraction in resort areas.

Exploitation of iguanas has resulted in marked declines in their numbers in some parts of their range. (Campbell, 1998).

Positive Impacts: pet trade ; food ; body parts are source of valuable material; ecotourism ; research and education

Comments: Hunted for meat in some areas of native range (Fitch and Henderson 1977).

Comments: See Bock and McCracken (1988) for information on genetic variability in Panama and Venezuela.