Iguanas In The Wild

According to Darwin's theory of evolution, each species on the planet has evolved to fit a specific niche, to which they are ideally suited.

At a basic level, things which breathe air generally live on the land. Those that breathe with gills live in the water. (Though, of course, there are exceptions, like mudskippers, a species of fish capable of all but leaving the water, yet breathing through a small pipe in it's tail which it leaves submerged when out of the water).

Taking this to a more complex level though the iguana posseses long, powerful claws (which you should be careful with if handling them in captivity) make tree climbing far easier for such a large and heavy reptile.

It is not unusual for adult iguanas to weigh in at some 5-6 feet in length, with the males often slightly larger than the females.

The iguanas powerful tail also helps to provide support when climbing, often acting as a fifth limb, and makes up over 50% of the body length of an iguana.

To point out another exception iguanas are capable of losing their tails if it is grabbed harshly by a supposed attacker (or it's owner) in order to allow the iguana to make safe it's escape while the attacker is left wondering what happened.

In these cases, the tail will generally not regrow fully, and will usually show a definate "stumpy" appearance.

This same powerful tail, together with the iguana's powerful body and elongated shape also make it an ideal swimmer, and one will see them swimming at speed with their limbs lying flat against the body and they "snake" their way through the water.

Like most reptiles, iguanas possess tough scales, or scutes, which help to protect the body from abrasions such as when climbing or fighting.

Yes, iguana fights are a fast of life.

Generally, iguanas live a solitary life, only coming together to breed.

When two male iguanas meet up, there is often fierce rivalry and all-out fights may occur between them to secure the best territory.

This can end in a blood-bath as claws, tails and teeth are used in all-out ware.

Whilst adult iguanas in the wild are almost solely vegetarian, younger iguanas require a higher protein content in their food is they are to attain their adult size, which they generally do in 4 years or so.

Growing from 10" or thereabouts for a hatchling, to a 6 foot monster in a few years requires a lot of food intake, and the iguana's teeth also come in handy when it comes to catching small insects as youngsters.

Iguanas In The Wild Including adaptation of iguana life, the green iguana third eye, green iguanas behavior, iguana habitat and iguanas life history.