Green iguanas are one of a kind reptiles which are commonly found throughout South and Central America. These breeds of iguanas are also spotted in Mexico, Paraguay, Brazil, and the Caribbean Islands.
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All About Green Iguanas
There is no definite proof that green iguanas rank among the endangered animals but then it is sometimes misconstrued to be one because it is a major attraction to hunters.
Hunters love to capture the big female iguanas. The green iguana is also a favorite delicacy of some and it is known by the name of “Bamboo Chicken”.
Physical Appearance
The full grown green iguanas typically grow in between four and six feet long but there are some that extend up to seven feet. The tail takes up almost all of the length since it is almost half of the entire body measurement.
Despite their being green, there is likewise the dominant black stripe coloring on its body. Not because they are called green iguanas they will settle for the monochromatic color of green.
The shade also differs from the very bright green to the grayish and dull green. The skin of green iguanas is mostly rough. Primarily because of the pointy scales along the animal’s back.
They are equipped with claws and long fingers so that they can easily grasp and climb.
The Habitat of Green Iguanas
They are typically raised in tropical rainforest areas. Specifically in areas with lower altitudes and accessible water resources like streams and rivers.
Most of their formative years are confined in the forest top at about forty up to fifty feet high atop the ground.
The Admirable Adaptations of Green Iguanas
Aside from the invariable claws and long fingers possessed by the green iguanas, they also have a lot of proficient and admirable adaptations with them. They are keen in terms of their senses of hearing, sight, and smell.
One of their defense mechanisms is their tail. Which is obviously sharp and is snapped high into the air when danger is sensed. Once a predator gets the chance to grab the tail, it snaps off. And a new one grows in again without any damage at all to the iguana.
Tough Skin
Their skin is tough—it is able to avoid scratches, cuts, and is also water-resistant. The pigmentation on the skin of the green iguana helps out in their camouflaging especially when there are predators in the area.
But then when their predators detect them, the green iguanas are able to swiftly jump from the trees and then dive directly into the water. Mind you, they are excellent swimmers.
They’re Strong
Apart from these excellent adaptations, the green iguanas are also strong. Imagine that if they do fall to the ground from 40 to 50 feet up they still manage to remain unhurt.
The male iguanas have what is known as the dewlap on their skins.
This is the special flap on their skins which they use to impress the female iguanas or to intimidate their oncoming predators. With these dewlaps, they manage to let themselves appear bigger.
Store Fat
Another excellent characteristic of green iguanas is that they are able to keep fat under their own necks and jaws for quite a time especially when there is not much food at hand.
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