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Iguanas come from the lizard family iguanidae. There are several Types of Iguanas although they possess similar characteristics. Their eyelids, long tails and their four long-winded legs are some of their most distinguishable characteristics. Iguanas are cold blooded just like other reptiles and their life span extends to 20 years.
Locations such as Central America, Southern America, Mexico, Hawaii, the Lesser Antilles Islands and Parts of Northern America like Florida and California are natural habitats for the iguana.
Most species of iguana live on trees and hence are arboreal although some species can be found in rocky areas and deserts. Marine iguanas are those that reside in seaside locations near caves.
The Iguanidae family of reptiles has eight types under it. These include: Genus Brachylophus, Genus Amblyrhyncus, Genus Sauromalus, Genus Cyrclura, Genus Ctenosauria, Genus Conolophus and Genus Dipsosaurus.
The rock iguana or binomially, The Genus Cyrclura, is found in several locations in the Caribbean islands. This particular species is hardly traded or sold since they are an endangered species and are hence protected. They are mostly bred in captivity. This is one of the Types of Iguanas commonly kept as a pet.
The Genus Amblyrhyncus or more commonly, the Galapagos Marine Iguana or simply the marine iguanas or, is particularly difficult to confine due to its diet. It feeds on the marine algae, an organism whose commercial production is nearly impossible.
The marine iguana’s closest relative is the Genus Conolophus. It is more commonly known as the Galapagos Land Iguana. Cactus and plants are its diet of choice.
The Genus Amblyrhyncus or more commonly, the spiny tailed iguanas are indigenous to regions of Central America and Mexico. Their length only spans five inches to thirty five inches and hence are relatively smaller when measured up to other species of iguana. A distinguishing feature of this iguana lies in the huge scales present on its tail. Their diet consists of small insects and fruits and flowers. They are thus categorized as omnivores.
The South American desert iguanas or Genus Dipsosaurus are characterized by their full- bodied nature as well as an elevated apex and a back covered by expanded scales. The color of their bellies varies between shades of white and cream and is covered with white dots. Furthermore, its tail is covered in stripes. When grown, their body length is up to fifteen inches and its tail is double the length of the body.
The Chuckwalla, or Genus Sauromalus, is an iguana indigenous to Mexico and the United States. It is strictly a vegetarian and is thus classified as an herbivore. Its diet consists of leaves, fruits and flowers. Furthermore, they have fat bodies and their skin drape loosely over them. They are fond of heat and rarely move until the temperature is a hundred degrees Fahrenheit.
Extra heat is dissipated by changing color so as to reflect solar rays or they make seek shelter in the shade. They seldom move about and thus make for a good pet to be reared in captivity.
The Fijian banded Iguana or the Genus Brachylophus is indigenous to Tonga Island and Fiji Island.
Some Types of Iguanas have entered the list of endangered species. The unlawful possession of any species of iguana is a punishable offence. The registration of your pet iguana is nowadays a requisite for keeping them. Finally, consult a trusted veterinary for tips and information for the care and upkeep of an iguana prior to keeping them as a pet.
Locations such as Central America, Southern America, Mexico, Hawaii, the Lesser Antilles Islands and Parts of Northern America like Florida and California are natural habitats for the iguana.
Most species of iguana live on trees and hence are arboreal although some species can be found in rocky areas and deserts. Marine iguanas are those that reside in seaside locations near caves.
The Iguanidae family of reptiles has eight types under it. These include: Genus Brachylophus, Genus Amblyrhyncus, Genus Sauromalus, Genus Cyrclura, Genus Ctenosauria, Genus Conolophus and Genus Dipsosaurus.
The rock iguana or binomially, The Genus Cyrclura, is found in several locations in the Caribbean islands. This particular species is hardly traded or sold since they are an endangered species and are hence protected. They are mostly bred in captivity. This is one of the Types of Iguanas commonly kept as a pet.
The Genus Amblyrhyncus or more commonly, the Galapagos Marine Iguana or simply the marine iguanas or, is particularly difficult to confine due to its diet. It feeds on the marine algae, an organism whose commercial production is nearly impossible.
The marine iguana’s closest relative is the Genus Conolophus. It is more commonly known as the Galapagos Land Iguana. Cactus and plants are its diet of choice.
The Genus Amblyrhyncus or more commonly, the spiny tailed iguanas are indigenous to regions of Central America and Mexico. Their length only spans five inches to thirty five inches and hence are relatively smaller when measured up to other species of iguana. A distinguishing feature of this iguana lies in the huge scales present on its tail. Their diet consists of small insects and fruits and flowers. They are thus categorized as omnivores.
The South American desert iguanas or Genus Dipsosaurus are characterized by their full- bodied nature as well as an elevated apex and a back covered by expanded scales. The color of their bellies varies between shades of white and cream and is covered with white dots. Furthermore, its tail is covered in stripes. When grown, their body length is up to fifteen inches and its tail is double the length of the body.
The Chuckwalla, or Genus Sauromalus, is an iguana indigenous to Mexico and the United States. It is strictly a vegetarian and is thus classified as an herbivore. Its diet consists of leaves, fruits and flowers. Furthermore, they have fat bodies and their skin drape loosely over them. They are fond of heat and rarely move until the temperature is a hundred degrees Fahrenheit.
Extra heat is dissipated by changing color so as to reflect solar rays or they make seek shelter in the shade. They seldom move about and thus make for a good pet to be reared in captivity.
The Fijian banded Iguana or the Genus Brachylophus is indigenous to Tonga Island and Fiji Island.
Some Types of Iguanas have entered the list of endangered species. The unlawful possession of any species of iguana is a punishable offence. The registration of your pet iguana is nowadays a requisite for keeping them. Finally, consult a trusted veterinary for tips and information for the care and upkeep of an iguana prior to keeping them as a pet.
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