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IUCN SSC Iguana Specialist Group 2019 Report Chuck Knapp Stesha Pasachnik Co-Chairs Mission statement Targets for the 2017-2020 quadrennium Chuck Knapp (1) The mission of the IUCN SSC Iguana Specialist Assess (2) Stesha Pasachnik Group (ISG) is to prioritise and facilitate conser- Red List: complete Red List assessments for 40 vation, science, and awareness programmes species of iguanas. Red List Authority Coordinator that help ensure the survival of wild iguanas Plan Tandora Grant (3) and their habitats. To achieve this, we imple- Planning: (1) complete action plans for 22 ment, advise and fundraise for programmes species of iguana; (2) compile and curate Location/Affiliation that include population surveys, protected public outreach assets that can be modified (1) areas management, invasive species control, Shedd Aquarium, Chicago, Illinois, US and used by group members; (3) develop a (2) field research, genetic studies, education and Fort Worth Zoo, Fort Worth, Texas, US rapid response protocol for assisting partners (3) captive breeding/headstarting initiatives. Head- San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation impacted by hurricanes. Research, San Diego, California, US starting, in which hatchling iguanas are raised in a safe, captive environment until they reach Act Number of members a larger, less vulnerable size, is proving invalu- Conservation actions: advance the conserva- able in rescuing several Critically Endangered tion and management of at least 50% of threat- 94 iguanid taxa from the brink of extinction. ened iguana taxa. Social networks Network Projected impact for the 2017-2020 Website: www.iucn-isg.org Membership: maintain and increase the use quadrennium of the membership listserv by 50%. By the end of 2020, we envision improved Communicate status for many of our threatened species in Communication: (1) publish four annual issues Central America, the Caribbean, Fiji, and the of Iguana Specialist Group Newsletter; Galapagos. Most of our programmes focus on (2) increase publications in the virtual library species that are Critically Endangered (CR) or by 50 articles; (3) update the Invasive Iguana Endangered (EN) due to habitat alteration and Position Statement. invasive alien species (IAS). The Jamaican Rock Scientific meetings: convene four annual Iguana (Cyclura collei) is a flagship species meetings. for our group and one of the most threat- ened species of iguana in the world. Efforts Activities and results 2019 are underway to expand its area of occupancy through intensive IAS control efforts. Due to Assess recent devastating events, intensive efforts are Red List underway to prevent the extinction of Lesser i. We intend to complete Red List assess- Antillean Iguana (Iguana delicatissima) by hybri- ments for 40 species of iguanas by the end of disation with Common Green Iguana (Iguana the quadrennium. We adjusted our completion iguana). Capacity building is ongoing for several year to meet the 20 March 2020 Global Reptile species in Honduras, listed in a threatened cate- Assessment deadline. We originally miscalcu- gory. Taxonomic work is underway to better lated the number of assessments needed for understand the diversity within Iguaninae and this goal. Thirty-six Red List assessments will be thus guide our management and conservation completed by March 2020. (KSR #1) actions. Lesser Antillean Iguana (Iguana delicatissima) on Petite Terre, 27-year old male headstarted Jamaican Iguana Guadeloupe. The recent Red List assessment for this species showed (Cyclura collei) ready for release and radiotracking study a significant increase in threat level and was elevated to CR Photo: Stesha Pasachnik Photo: Mathijs van den Burg Act Acknowledgements Conservation actions We thank the International Iguana Founda- i. We have advanced conservation and manage- tion (IIF), and their donors, for the financial ment through research, outreach, and capacity support of seven projects conducted in 2019, building. Examples include: record number of totalling $60,623, focused on iguana conser- hatchling Jamaican Rock Iguanas brought into vation in Central America, the Caribbean, Fiji, the headstart facility, rapid response to the and the Galápagos. Further, we are grateful to threat of an invasive species on Dominica, a the IIF for the End of Year campaign focusing reduction in endemic iguana consumption in on the restoration of the Goat Islands, Jamaica, Guatemala, public outreach concerning tourism which raised over $40,000 for these efforts. and iguana feeding in the Bahamas, and an We also acknowledge the efforts of Ty Park updated population estimate for the Utila Spiny- for organising the Iguanafest – a fundraiser to tailed Iguana (Ctenosaura bakeri). (KSR #12, 13, support iguana conservation in 2019. We thank Fijian Crested Iguana (Brachylophus vitiensis), 24, 30, 31, 32, 34, 37) those members who made donations in 2019 subject of a revision to the Species Recovery Plan Network to our annual meeting travel fund, contributed Photo: Peter Harlow to Red List assessments, and participated in Membership other ISG activities. Lastly, we thank all those i. We saw a significant increase in usage of the who attended our annual meeting on Roatan, Plan membership listserv from both our general Honduras, for their contribution in realising two Planning membership and our Steering Committee. conservation action plans for iguanas endemic i. Due to ambitious intentions of assessing the Communicate to the Bay Islands of Honduras. entire Cyclura genus, we will not meet our goal Communication of completing action plans for 22 species of i. Our 2016 newsletter was released in 2017. Our Summary of activities 2019 iguana. However, single species action plan- 2017 newsletter was released in 2018. Our 2018 Components of Species Conservation Cycle: 5/5 ning continues and we have four action plans newsletter will be circulated in 2020. We are in progress. We are considering one additional hoping to release our 2019 newsletter shortly Assess 1 | action plan in 2020. (KSR #15) thereafter. (KSR #28) Plan 3 ||| ii. We have compiled and curated public ii. Six hundred and eighty-seven new articles Act 1 | outreach assets that can be modified and used have been added to our virtual library since the Network 1 | by group members; however, due to capacity beginning of 2017. (KSR #28) Communicate 4 |||| issues we have been unable to upload these iii. Update of the Invasive Iguana Position State- resources to a central location. (KSR #18) Main KSRs addressed: 1, 12, 13, 15, 18, 24, 28, ment was completed in 2018. An amended 30, 31, 32, 34, 37 iii. Individual countries have developed version of our position statement has been KSR: Key Species Result response protocols for assisting partners approved and endorsed by The Bahamas impacted by hurricanes, but we have yet to National Trust. (KSR #28) develop a standard protocol due to differences Scientific meetings in conservation needs and mitigation strategies. i. An annual meeting was held on Roatan, (KSR #18) Honduras, in 2019. We will hold our 2020 annual meeting in Dominica. (KSR #28).
Recommended publications
  • Cyclura Or Rock Iguanas Cyclura Spp

    Cyclura Or Rock Iguanas Cyclura Spp

    Cyclura or Rock Iguanas Cyclura spp. There are 8 species and 16 subspecies of Cyclura that are thought to exist today. All Cyclura species are endangered and are listed as CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) Appendix I, the highest level of pro- tection the Convention gives. Wild Cyclura are only found in the Caribbean, with many subspecies endemic to only one particular island in the West Indies. Cyclura mature and grow slowly compared to other lizards in the family Iguani- dae, and have a very long life span (sometimes reaches ages of 50+ years). The more common species in the pet trade in- clude the Rhinoceros Iguana (Cyclura cornuta cornuta), and Cuban Rock Iguana (juvenile), the Cuban Rock Iguana (Cyclura nubila nubila). Cyclura nubila nubila Basic Care: Habitat: Cyclura care is similar to that of the Green Iguana (Iguana iguana), but there are some major differences. Cyclura Iguanas are generally ground-dwelling lizards, and require a very large cage with lots of floor space. The suggested minimum space to keep one or two adult Cyclura in captivity is usually a cage that is at the very least 10’X10’. Because of this space requirement, many cyclura owners choose to simply des- ignate a room of their home to free-roaming. If a male/female pair are to be kept to- gether, multiple basking spots, feeding stations, and hides will be required. All Cyclura are extremely territorial and can inflict serious injuries or even death to their cage- mates unless monitored carefully. The recommended temperature for Cyclura is a basking spot of about 95-100F during the day, with a temperature gradient of cooler areas to escape the heat.
  • West Indian Iguana Husbandry Manual

    West Indian Iguana Husbandry Manual

    1 Table of Contents Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 4 Natural history ............................................................................................................................... 7 Captive management ................................................................................................................... 25 Population management .............................................................................................................. 25 Quarantine ............................................................................................................................... 26 Housing..................................................................................................................................... 26 Proper animal capture, restraint, and handling ...................................................................... 32 Reproduction and nesting ........................................................................................................ 34 Hatchling care .......................................................................................................................... 40 Record keeping ........................................................................................................................ 42 Husbandry protocol for the Lesser Antillean iguana (Iguana delicatissima)................................. 43 Nutrition ......................................................................................................................................
  • How to Tell the Difference Between Native Rock Iguanas and Invasive Green Iguanas by Elaine A

    How to Tell the Difference Between Native Rock Iguanas and Invasive Green Iguanas by Elaine A

    How to Tell the Difference Between Native Rock Iguanas and Invasive Green Iguanas By Elaine A. Powers Illustrated by Anderson Atlas Many of the islands in the Caribbean Sea, known as the West Rock Iguanas (Cyclura) Indies, have native iguanas. B Cuban Rock Iguana (Cyclura nubila), Cuba They are called Rock Iguanas. C Sister Isles Rock Iguana (Cyclura nubila caymanensis), Cayman Brac and Invasive Green Iguanas have been introduced on these islands and Little Cayman are a threat to the Rock Iguanas. They compete for food, territory D Grand Cayman Blue Iguana (Cyclura lewisi), Grand Cayman and nesting areas. E Jamaican Rock Iguana (Cyclura collei), Jamaica This booklet is designed to help you identify the native Rock F Turks & Caicos Rock Iguana (Cyclura carinata), Turks and Caicos. Iguanas from the invasive Greens. G Booby Cay Rock Iguana (Cyclura carinata bartschi), Booby Cay, Bahamas H Andros Rock Iguana (Cyclura cychlura), Andros, Bahamas West Indies I Exuma Rock Iguana (Cyclura cychlura figginsi), Exuma Islands, Bahamas Exumas BAHAMAS J Allen’s Cay Rock Iguana (Cyclura cychlura inornata), Exuma Islands, J Islands Bahamas M San Salvador Andros Island H Booby Cay K Anegada Iguana (Cyclura pinguis), British Virgin Islands Allens Cay White G I Cay Ricord’s Iguana (Cyclura ricordi), Hispaniola O F Turks & Caicos L CUBA NAcklins Island M San Salvador Rock Iguana (Cyclura rileyi), San Salvador, Bahamas Anegada HISPANIOLA CAYMAN ISLANDS K N Acklins Rock Iguana (Cyclura rileyi nuchalis), Acklins Islands, Bahamas B PUERTO RICO O White Cay Rock Iguana (Cyclura rileyi cristata), Exuma Islands, Bahamas Grand Cayman D C JAMAICA BRITISH P Rhinoceros Iguana (Cyclura cornuta), Hispanola Cayman Brac & VIRGIN Little Cayman E L P Q Mona ISLANDS Q Mona Island Iguana (Cyclura stegnegeri), Mona Island, Puerto Rico Island 2 3 When you see an iguana, ask: What kind do I see? Do you see a big face scale, as round as can be? What species is that iguana in front of me? It’s below the ear, that’s where it will be.
  • Ctenosaura Similis (Gray, 1831) (Squamata: Iguanidae) in Venezuela

    Ctenosaura Similis (Gray, 1831) (Squamata: Iguanidae) in Venezuela

    HERPETOTROPICOS Vol. 4(1):41 Herpetological Notes / Notas Herpetologicas Copyright © 2008 Univ. Los Andes129 Printed in Venezuela. All rights reserved ISSN 1690-7930 FIRST RECORD OF THE SPINY-TAILED IGUANA CTENOSAURA SIMILIS (GRAY, 1831) (SQUAMATA: IGUANIDAE) IN VENEZUELA DIEGO FLORES 1 AND LUIS FELIPE ESQUEDA 2 1 Biology student, Escuela de Ciencias, Universidad de Oriente, Cumaná, Venezuela. E-mail: [email protected] 2 Research associate, Laboratorio de Biogeografía, Facultad de Ciencias Forestales y Ambientales, Universidad de Los Andes, Mérida 5101, Venezuela. E-mail: [email protected] The spiny-tailed iguanas of the genus Ctenosaura Wiegmann, 1828, range from coastal central Mexico to Panama, inhabiting tropical arid and moist lowlands below 500 m, along Atlantic and Pacific coasts. They comprise about 17 species (Queiroz 1987, Buckley and Axtell 1997, Köhler et al. 2000). Most species posses restricted distributions, although some, like Ctenosaura acanthura, C. hemilopha, C. pectinata and C. similis, show a wider distribution. The later has the greatest distribution, being present from the Mexican isthmus of Tehuantepec, to Colombia, including southern Mexico, Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Belize, Costa Rica, Panama, Providence and San Andres islands (Smith and Taylor 1950, Smith 1972, Henderson 1973, Köhler 1995a,b). The first author spotted a population of Ctenosaura iguanas in eastern Venezuela, specifically in Anzoátegui state, at the borders of municipios Diego Bautista Urbaneja, Sotillo, and Bolívar. A collected specimen, deposited in the herpetological collection of the Laboratory of Biogeography at University of Los Andes in Mérida (museum number ULABG 7315), substantiates the distribution record. Morphological details and coloration of the specimens (Fig.
  • Iguana Iguana

    Iguana Iguana

    Genetic evidence of hybridization between the endangered native species Iguana delicatissima and the invasive Iguana iguana (Reptilia, Iguanidae) in the Lesser Antilles: management Implications Barbara Vuillaume, Victorien Valette, Olivier Lepais, Frederic Grandjean, Michel Breuil To cite this version: Barbara Vuillaume, Victorien Valette, Olivier Lepais, Frederic Grandjean, Michel Breuil. Genetic evidence of hybridization between the endangered native species Iguana delicatissima and the invasive Iguana iguana (Reptilia, Iguanidae) in the Lesser Antilles: management Implications. PLoS ONE, Public Library of Science, 2015, 10 (6), 10.1371/journal.pone.0127575. hal-01901355 HAL Id: hal-01901355 https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01901355 Submitted on 27 May 2020 HAL is a multi-disciplinary open access L’archive ouverte pluridisciplinaire HAL, est archive for the deposit and dissemination of sci- destinée au dépôt et à la diffusion de documents entific research documents, whether they are pub- scientifiques de niveau recherche, publiés ou non, lished or not. The documents may come from émanant des établissements d’enseignement et de teaching and research institutions in France or recherche français ou étrangers, des laboratoires abroad, or from public or private research centers. publics ou privés. Distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution| 4.0 International License RESEARCH ARTICLE Genetic Evidence of Hybridization between the Endangered Native Species Iguana delicatissima and the Invasive Iguana iguana (Reptilia, Iguanidae) in
  • Suggested Guidelines for Reptiles and Amphibians Used in Outreach

    Suggested Guidelines for Reptiles and Amphibians Used in Outreach

    RECOMMENDATIONS FOR REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS USED IN OUTREACH PROGRAMS Compiled by Diane Barber, Fort Worth Zoo Originally posted September 2003; updated February 2008 INTRODUCTION This document has been created by the AZA Reptile and Amphibian Taxon Advisory Groups to be used as a resource to aid in the development of institutional outreach programs. Within this document are lists of species that are commonly used in reptile and amphibian outreach programs. With over 12,700 species of reptiles and amphibians in existence today, it is obvious that there are numerous combinations of species that could be safely used in outreach programs. It is not the intent of these Taxon Advisory Groups to produce an all-inclusive or restrictive list of species to be used in outreach. Rather, these lists are intended for use as a resource and are some of the more common species that have been safely used in outreach programs. A few species listed as potential outreach animals have been earmarked as controversial by TAG members for various reasons. In each case, we have made an effort to explain debatable issues, enabling staff members to make informed decisions as to whether or not each animal is appropriate for their situation and the messages they wish to convey. It is hoped that during the species selection process for outreach programs, educators, collection managers, and other zoo staff work together, using TAG Outreach Guidelines, TAG Regional Collection Plans, and Institutional Collection Plans as tools. It is well understood that space in zoos is limited and it is important that outreach animals are included in institutional collection plans and incorporated into conservation programs when feasible.
  • ISG News 9(1).Indd

    ISG News 9(1).Indd

    Iguana Specialist Group Newsletter Volume 9 • Number 1 • Summer 2006 The Iguana Specialist Group News & Comments prioritizes and facilitates conservation, science, and onservation Centers for Species Survival Formed j Cyclura spp. were awareness programs that help Cselected as a taxa of mutual concern under a new agreement between a select ensure the survival of wild group of American zoos and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The zoos - under iguanas and their habitats. the banner of Conservation Centers for Species Survival (C2S2) - and USFWS have pledged to work cooperatively to advance conservation of the selected spe- cies by identifying specific research projects, actions, and opportunities that will significantly and clearly support conservation efforts. Cyclura are the only lizards selected under the joint program. The zoos participating in the program include the San Diego Wild Animal Park, Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, The Wilds, White Oak Conservation Center and the National Zoo’s Conservation and Research Center. USFWS participation will be coordinated by Bruce Weissgold in the Division of Management Authority (bruce_weissgold @fws.gov). IN THIS ISSUE News & Comments ............... 1 RCC Facility at Fort Worth j The Fort Worth Zoo recently opened their Animal Outreach and Conservation Center (ARCC) in an off-exhibit Iguanas in the News ............... 3 A area of the zoo. The $1 million facility actually consists of three separate units. Taxon Reports ...................... 7 The primary facility houses the zoo’s outreach collection, while a state-of-the-art B. vitiensis ...................... 7 reptile conservation greenhouse will highlight the zoo’s work with endangered C. pinguis ..................... 9 iguanas and chelonians.
  • CARE of the GREEN IGUANA

    CARE of the GREEN IGUANA

    Client Education—Green Iguana CARE of the GREEN IGUANA Iguanas in the Wild The green or common iguana (Iguana iguana) is a tree-dwelling reptile native to the tropical and subtropical regions of central and South America and parts of Mexico. The iguana is a solitary creature. Soon after hatching, the young go off to live alone. Iguanas come together only during the breeding season. The green iguana is a strict vegetarian, feeding primarily on vines, stems, leaves and flowers. The iguana also has a good sense of sight, smell and hearing. It tends to be a wary creature and will hide or flee at the first sign of danger. During the day, iguanas bask on tree branches that hang over the water. When threatened or frightened, the iguana will drop into the water or the ground below. Keeping a Pet Iguana Unlike domestic pets that have lived with human beings for multiple generations, pet reptiles, (even those that are captive bred) are still essentially wild animals. Our goal for keeping iguanas in captivity should be to copy their natural environment and diet as closely as possible. With proper care, iguanas can live for up to 12 to 15 years and reach six feet in length. Your Iguana’s Environment Iguanas are asocial, territorial animals and should be housed singularly. Young iguanas may seem to coexist well at first, but problems soon arise since the larger, more aggressive iguana will physically intimidate its cage mates and monopolize food and heat sources. Iguanas, particularly those less than 2 years of age, should be confined to their enclosure.
  • Iguanid and Varanid CAMP 1992.Pdf

    Iguanid and Varanid CAMP 1992.Pdf

    CONSERVATION ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR IGUANIDAE AND VARANIDAE WORKING DOCUMENT December 1994 Report from the workshop held 1-3 September 1992 Edited by Rick Hudson, Allison Alberts, Susie Ellis, Onnie Byers Compiled by the Workshop Participants A Collaborative Workshop AZA Lizard Taxon Advisory Group IUCN/SSC Conservation Breeding Specialist Group SPECIES SURVIVAL COMMISSION A Publication of the IUCN/SSC Conservation Breeding Specialist Group 12101 Johnny Cake Ridge Road, Apple Valley, MN 55124 USA A contribution of the IUCN/SSC Conservation Breeding Specialist Group, and the AZA Lizard Taxon Advisory Group. Cover Photo: Provided by Steve Reichling Hudson, R. A. Alberts, S. Ellis, 0. Byers. 1994. Conservation Assessment and Management Plan for lguanidae and Varanidae. IUCN/SSC Conservation Breeding Specialist Group: Apple Valley, MN. Additional copies of this publication can be ordered through the IUCN/SSC Conservation Breeding Specialist Group, 12101 Johnny Cake Ridge Road, Apple Valley, MN 55124. Send checks for US $35.00 (for printing and shipping costs) payable to CBSG; checks must be drawn on a US Banlc Funds may be wired to First Bank NA ABA No. 091000022, for credit to CBSG Account No. 1100 1210 1736. The work of the Conservation Breeding Specialist Group is made possible by generous contributions from the following members of the CBSG Institutional Conservation Council Conservators ($10,000 and above) Australasian Species Management Program Gladys Porter Zoo Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum Sponsors ($50-$249) Chicago Zoological
  • Roatán Spiny-Tailed Iguana (Ctenosaura Oedirhina) Conservation Action Plan 2020–2025 Edited by Stesha A

    Roatán Spiny-Tailed Iguana (Ctenosaura Oedirhina) Conservation Action Plan 2020–2025 Edited by Stesha A

    Roatán spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura oedirhina) Conservation action plan 2020–2025 Edited by Stesha A. Pasachnik, Ashley B.C. Goode and Tandora D. Grant INTERNATIONAL UNION FOR CONSERVATION OF NATURE IUCN IUCN, International Union for Conservation of Nature, helps the world find pragmatic solutions to our most pressing environment and development challenges. IUCN works on biodiversity, climate change, energy, human livelihoods and greening the world economy by supporting scientific research, managing field projects all over the world, and bringing governments, NGOs, the UN and companies together to develop policy, laws and best practice. IUCN is the world’s oldest and largest global environmental organization, with more than 1,400 government and NGO members and almost 15,000 volunteer experts in some 160 countries. IUCN’s work is supported by around 950 staff in more than 50 countries and hundreds of partners in public, NGO and private sectors around the world. www.iucn.org IUCN Species Programme The IUCN Species Programme supports the activities of the IUCN Species Survival Commission and individual Specialist Groups, as well as implementing global species conservation initiatives. It is an integral part of the IUCN Secretariat and is managed from IUCN’s international headquarters in Gland, Switzerland. The Species Programme includes a number of technical units covering Wildlife Trade, the Red List, Freshwater Biodiversity Assessments (all located in Cambridge, UK), and the Global Biodiversity Assessment Initiative (located in Washington DC, USA). IUCN Species Survival Commission The Species Survival Commission (SSC) is the largest of IUCN’s six volunteer commissions with a global membership of more than 9,000 experts.
  • Herpetological Journal FULL PAPER

    Herpetological Journal FULL PAPER

    Volume 27 (April 2017), 201–216 Herpetological Journal FULL PAPER Published by the British Predation of Jamaican rock iguana Cyclura( collei) nests Herpetological Society by the invasive small Asian mongoose (Herpestes auropunctatus) and the conservation value of predator control Rick van Veen & Byron S. Wilson Department of Life Sciences, University of the West Indies, Mona 7, Kingston, Jamaica The introduced small Asian mongoose (Herpestes auropunctatus) has been widely implicated in extirpations and extinctions of island taxa. Recent studies and anecdotal observations suggest that the nests of terrestrial island species are particularly vulnerable to mongoose predation, yet quantitative data have remained scarce, even for species long assumed to be at risk from the mongoose. We monitored nests of the Critically Endangered Jamaican Rock Iguana (Cyclura collei) to determine nest fate, and augmented these observations with motion-activated camera trap images to document the predatory behaviour of the mongoose. Our data provide direct, quantitative evidence of high nest predation pressure attributable to the mongoose, and together with reported high rates of predation on hatchling and juvenile iguanas (also by the mongoose), support the original conclusion that the mongoose was responsible for the apparent lack of recruitment and the aging structure of the small population that was ‘re-discovered’ in 1990. Encouragingly however, our data also demonstrate a significant reduction in nest predation pressure within an experimental mongoose-removal area. Thus, our results indicate that otherwise catastrophic levels of nest loss (at or near 100%) can be ameliorated or even eliminated by removal trapping of the mongoose. We suggest that such targeted control efforts could also prove useful in safeguarding other threatened insular species with reproductive strategies that are notably vulnerable to mongoose predation (e.g., the incubation of eggs on or underground).
  • Iguanas in Florida N Green and Spinytail Iguanas Are Native to Central and South America, but Are Commonly Found in the Exotic Pet Trade

    Iguanas in Florida N Green and Spinytail Iguanas Are Native to Central and South America, but Are Commonly Found in the Exotic Pet Trade

    Iguana fast facts n Iguanas are large lizards that can grow over 4 feet in length. Iguanas in Florida n Green and spinytail iguanas are native to Central and South America, but are commonly found in the exotic pet trade. n Iguanas bask in open areas and are often seen on sidewalks, docks, patios, decks, in trees or open mowed areas. n They can run or climb swiftly when frightened and dive into water or retreat into burrows or thick foliage. n Green iguanas can range from green to Black spinytail iguana, Adam G. Stern grayish black in color and have a row of spikes down the center of the head and back. n During the breeding season, adult male green iguanas can sometimes take on an orange hue. n Spinytail iguanas can range from gray to dark tan in color with black bands and have whorls of spiny scales on the tail. n Green iguanas are mainly herbivores and feed primarily on leaves, flowers and fruits of Mexican spinytail iguana, Kenneth L. Krysko various broad-leaved herbs, shrubs and trees, but will feed on other items opportunistically. If you have further questions or need more n Spinytail iguanas are omnivorous, eating help, call your regional Florida Fish and primarily vegetation, but have been Wildlife Conservation Commission office: documented eating small animals and eggs. Three members of the iguana family are now established in South Florida and occasionally observed in other parts of Florida: the green Main Headquarters iguana, the Mexican spinytail iguana, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission black spinytail iguana.