Green Iguana: The Forest Guardians
The green iguana, a large and colorful lizard found in Central and South America, is a symbol of the tropics. These herbivores are primarily tree-dwellers, spending most of their time basking in the sun or munching on leaves, fruits, and flowers. Their long tails, which make up over half their body length, are powerful tools for defense, used to whip predators when threatened.
Green iguanas are excellent swimmers, diving into rivers to escape danger. During the breeding season, males develop bright orange coloration to attract females. These lizards are also remarkable for their regeneration ability; if they lose a tail, it grows back over time.
Although iguanas are adaptable, habitat destruction and the exotic pet trade have put pressure on their populations. Conservationists emphasize the importance of protecting rainforests, which serve as their primary habitat, to ensure the survival of this fascinating species.