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Due to its comparatively simple breeding requirements, the iguanas are very popular, especially among beginners in reptile breeding in terrariums. Reptiles fascinate for their diversity of species, but they also require some special care that must be taken into account when choosing an animal. Here you can read more about the appearance, the origin and conservation of iguanas. Immerse yourself in the world of reptiles and learn exciting information about the different species.
Things You Should Know About Your Iguanas
Many species of iguanas live in the forests of South and Central America, preferring this warm and humid vegetation of the region, where they can be found climbing trees. But, depending on the species, these lizards also live on the ground or in rocky outcrops. Iguanas belong to the order of Pangolins and are closely related to the Chameleons and the Red-headed rock agama. In total, there is almost 40 different species, from the Common collared lizard (Crotaphytus collaris) until the Long-nosed leopard lizard (Gambelia wislizenii), which are divided into eight genera.
The iguanas differ in color and size. There are species that only grow a few centimeters, while others can reach a majestic total length of more than two meters. It is characteristic that the tail is longer than the body. In the color, the Green iguana (Iguana iguana) is especially known. But, may also have gray accents, blue, brown and even red on their scales. Males also change color from green to brown during the mating season..
The iguanas have a life expectancy of 10 to 20 years. You should take this fact into account before buying a iguana. It also, iguanas live in a social group in the wild and should not be kept alone at home. It is better to keep a pair or two females in combination with a male.
The optimal accommodation for iguanas
The iguanas need space, enough opportunities to climb and different levels of trees, branches and plants. How they can reach a total length of two meters at the time they fully grow, the enclosure must already offer enough space in advance for reptiles to develop freely. Hiding places are also part of the terrarium. Caves made of cork or other natural materials are suitable for this. Iguanas are also excellent swimmers. A combination of many climbing possibilities and a natural substrate with a water basin are ideal for reptiles.
Since iguanas come from warm and humid regions, a tropical climate is a basic requirement for the well-being of lizards. So, the terrarium should be heated and kept moist with an irrigation system. A humidity of the 90 % is optimal. The temperature must be higher than 35 degrees, but iguanas feel more comfortable at night if the temperature cools to a few 25 degrees.
Another important point in the optimal configuration of the terrarium is the light intensity, since this should not only be especially high, but also contain UV-A and UV-B irradiation.
What do iguanas eat??
Although it may seem that iguanas have rodents and other small animals on their daily menu, are purely vegetarian. An exception is very young iguanas, who eat small insects from time to time due to their higher protein needs. Otherwise, reptiles prefer leaves, the plants, fruits and vegetables. The ideal is a lettuce rich in nutrients and vitamins in a proportion of 80 % and fruits and vegetables in a proportion of 20 %. To meet calcium needs, cuttlefish bones or food supplements containing calcium are suitable.
Iguanas need a lot of attention
The maintenance of a iguana can be complex. These may include, reptiles take up a lot of space and require a coordinated technical system in the enclosure to achieve optimal weather conditions. Feeding is not usually complicated, but must be provided in the appropriate proportions.
Wide climbing possibilities are essential to keeping iguanas. Even outside the terrarium, an iguana can enjoy the fresh air in summer in a safe area of the garden, for example. It is important that nothing poisonous is found in its vicinity. Since variety is also part of the natural needs of an iguana, terrarium furniture can also be varied or reorganized regularly.
When it comes to cleaning, you have to take into account some things. Food and fresh water should be a matter of course every day. If there is a pile of water in the ground, reptiles can urinate on it when climbing. So, you should also make sure that the water is always fresh and clean..
In general, iguanas are popular pets and are suitable for beginners if cared for properly. But, your requirements and, above all, the space they need are huge. This should be considered before buying. With proper care, these lizards can also be tamed and bring joy to the whole family.
List of Iguanas for their maintenance in captivity

Oaxacan spinytail iguana
As to the nature, the Oaxacan spinytail iguana is relatively tame, eat from the hand and not ...

Blue iguana
The Blue iguana (Cyclura lewisi) came to have only between 10 and 25 specimens in the wild. Source Content / ...

Lau banded iguana
The Lau banded iguana is considered a national treasure by the government of this country, and his image has ...

Cuban iguana
As the largest member of its kind, the Cuban iguana (Cyclura nubila) reaches a total length of 150 cm and ...

Angel Island chuckwalla
The Angel Island chuckwalla it is the second largest species of the genus Sauromalus (chuckwallas), reaching 44 cm of body length and ...

Western spiny-tailed iguana
The Western spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura pectinata) It is one of the largest members of the Spinytail iguanas (Ctenosaura) and ...

Black iguana
The Black iguana it is a large and bulky lizard, and adult males reach 45 cm length with ...

Rhinoceros iguana
The Rhinoceros iguana (Cyclura cornuta) It is one of the most requested pets by iguana keepers., But due to ...

Green iguana
The Green iguana It is a large reptile with a powerful body that can reach a length of almost ...