Green Iguana - Iguana iguana

Scientific Name

Iguanas are certainly one of the most popular lizards to be kept as pets (probably one of the world’s most popular pet reptiles).
Easy to keep as long as a large area is provided.
Iguanas are one of the more recent “fad” pets, becoming readily available in many pet stores, often at very low prices.
These are young iguanas that don’t seem to be too difficult to care for, a myth often perpetuated by retailers hoping to sell them. Of course, they are very cute too!
Similar to other reptiles, iguanas have fairly strict feeding and housing requirements.
When they grow up, they are often very large in size (if they survive), and they can be difficult to tame and always become aggressive.
This is not to say those iguanas cannot make good pets – but they need the proper care right from the start, and owners need to have the right expectations.

They are found from Central to South America, including Brazil, Mexico, to Paraguay.

Rainforests, usually where near river banks.
A large water bowl should be provided for soaking, not for drinking, as a Green iguana would never drink by its mouth.
It would absorb enough water from the environment and water spray.

It has been found that many reptiles carry Salmonella, meaning it is present in the digestive tract without causing disease.
You need to follow common hygiene practices when handling iguanas to prevent unforeseen problems.
If there are young children, pregnant women, immunocompromised people, or elderly persons come to contact with the iguana, extra care will have to be taken to prevent Salmonella infections.