Iguana

This New World reptile is believed to be the common ancestor of the various iguana species found on the Galapagos Islands. This species has an extensive range as they are found from southern Mexico through Central America and into northern South America. They may attain lengths of over six feet but the average is three to five feet. Only a short portion (1/3) makes up the head and body, the rest is tail.

Both males and females have prominent dewlaps but only the males have the large dorsal crest. Adults are primarily herbivorous but will feed on animals occasionally. The juveniles tend to be more carnivorous, preferring small animals as their main diet. They weigh fifteen to twenty pounds when full grown and may live twenty years.

The iguanas are found in the forested areas along rivers usually in the upper foliage. When disturbed or threatened they will leap to the ground or into the water. They are good swimmers and can remain submerged for some time to escape danger. Their primary defense is their tail, which is used as a whip.

Females lay eggs which number up to thirty. Eggs are buried and left to incubate on their own. Hatching occurs after 60 days, and the young dig themselves out and go their own way. Although they are extensively hunted for their eggs and flesh that is considered to be like chicken, their reproductive capacity appears to be high enough to sustain adequate population levels in many areas of their range. Habitat destruction may be a more critical factor to population density. Food availability also appears to have an effect on individual growth and reproductive level.

Because of an illegal introduction, this species has become established in Manoa Valley, Nu`uanu Valley, and `Aina Ha`ina on O`ahu.

Zoo diet for our iguana is 1 cup soaked alfalfa pellets and 2 cups chopped fruit and lettuce, and topped with a hibiscus flower. Lizzy, was born circa 1996 and was a Petting Zoo favorite until he retired in 2006. A young male named Drako arrived in 2005. He and Lizzy are now sharing an enclosure with Drako mostly perched on an upper branch with Lizzy below. He is shown here shedding his old skin.