Iguanas are of the lizard family and are native to the Caribbean and
South and Central America. There are two kinds of iguanas – the green
iguana and the Lesser Antilles iguana. An iguana is characterized by a
row of spikes along the length of its spine to the tip of the tail. The
spikes are highest in the neck area and gradually get shorter as they
reach towards the tail.
An iguana does have two eyes, but there
is a third eye in the top of their head. This is called the Parietal
eye and looks like a pale spot on the head. They do have excellent
vision and can see for a long distance and can see shapes. This is
essential for them to survive in the jungles of their natural habitat.
They also need this vision to help them find food.
The Green
Iguana is the one most used as pets. If you do have an iguana as a pet,
you do have to spend a lot of time caring for its needs in order to
keep it healthy. Although they will eat meat, feeding them excessive
amounts will result in kidney failure. The main diet of the iguana
consists of fresh leafy vegetables. Although they will eat lettuce, it
does not provide them with any nutritional content.
You should
keep your iguana in a large aquarium without the water in it. It does
need heat, typically temperatures ranging from 75 to 90 degrees. The
pet iguanas sold in pet stores are tame and will live peacefully with
humans. Occasionally, you may find an iguana that is not tame and it
may bite or be dangerous, especially with children. They do not like to
be picked up, petted or handled for any length of time. They can also
be toilet trained to go outside to use the bathroom. Socialization of
iguanas, though, may take many years. |
