cells’) allow them to distinguish ultraviolet wave-
The Green Iguana has an extensive natural range
lengths, assisting to ensure they absorb sufficient
encompassing much of Central America, South
UVA and UVB radiation for production of vitamin D. America and the Caribbean. It has also successfully
colonised Puerto Rico and parts of Hawaii, Florida
Minutes pass. Indigenous Latin music - pasillo -
and Texas. Ironically, these animals are often
wafts through el parque, along with a whisper of
anything but green, with colour variants including
wind. Still, many of the iguanas remain planted in bluish, black, orange and pink. Median size is
the grass, as if in a trance. In this vulnerable
approximately 1.5m (4.9ft), with males weighing
position, some protection from airborne predators, about 3.6kg (8lb) and females 1.4-2.7kg (3-6lb),
such as hawks, is afforded by the ‘third eye’ atop
although some specimens have been recorded to
the reptiles’ heads. This ‘parietal eye’ or ‘pineal
measure more than 2m (6.6ft) and weigh in excess
Ironically, these iguanas are often anything but
green, with colour variants including bluish, black,
orange and pink.
eye’ is a photosensory organ shared with many
other lizards and the tuatara, and is discernible
only as a small pale-white spot on the skin. Little
more than a primitive lens and retina, this struc-
ture is nevertheless capable of recognizing shadows
and movement, and can therefore help warn of
danger from above. Juvenile iguanas subsist in
family groups for the first year of their lives, and in
a behaviour unique to the species, males offer
additional protection to females by using their
bodies as shields. Who says chivalry is dead?
of 9kg (20lb). Although primarily arboreal, Green
Iguanas have a strong affinity for water, being
accomplished swimmers, and will take to the water
if pursued. Males are distinguished by prominent
femoral pores, as well as a larger dorsal crest. The
unseemly dewlap that hangs limp beneath their
jowls assists in temperature regulation. This
strange flap of skin is also employed in social
interactions, along with frequent ‘head bobbing’.
In addition, the dewlap is deployed in threat
display, accompanied by head bobbing, hissing and
a defensive stance. The tail can be used as an
Below: bluish-green female Green Iguana.
Image by Panu Ruangian.
Above right: orange male Green Iguana in repose.
Image by Gaschwald.