|
|
St. John Fauna: Iguanas (Iguana iguana)
The Iguana is a type of lizard found in the Caribbean and in tropical Central and South America.
The name “iguana” comes from the Taino language. They live in trees and can grow to be as much as six feet long. They have spines on their backs and tails that they use for defense by whipping their tails. Their tails will break off if grabbed allowing the iguana to escape, whereupon it will grow a new tail.
Their dewlaps, which hang from their lower jaws are used to regulate body temperature and to attract iguanas of the opposite sex
Iguanas eat plants utilizing their sharp teeth to shred leaves and plant matter. They seem to especially love hibiscus flowers.
|
       |
