Bonaire only has one species of Iguana, the Green Iguana or the Common Iguana (Scientific name: Iguana iguana). These species can reach up to two meters and can weigh up to 5 kilograms, and are among the largest lizards in the Americas.

The Green Iguana’s habitats include the rain forests of northern Mexico, the Caribbean islands (Like our very own Bonaire), southern part of Brazil and central America. They are mostly herbivores and eat leaves, fruit and flowers. They are active during the day and like to live near water.

Iguanas are really good swimmers and are hardy enough to survive a fall on solid ground from as high as 40 feet. They have a stout appearance at first but don’t be fooled! They are very fast and agile on land, with a tail that can make up to half their body length. As in the case with other lizards, their tails can detach if caught and will grow back without permanent damage, they can also use their tails as whips to drive off predators. They also have strong jaws with razor-sharp teeth.

Interesting Facts about Green Iguanas

- They can stay underwater for up to 30 minutes
- They are larger than the Gila Monster, the largest lizard in the U.S.
- They like to reside in trees overhanging a water source
- When propelling themselves through water they let their limbs hang loosely by their sides whilst propelling themselves with powerful strokes from their tails.
- They are well-known burrowers and can burrow up to 0.3 to 2.4 m deep
- Green Iguana’s have different color configurations in different geographical locations, the Green Iguanas on the ABC islands range from Green to Lavender, Black and even Reddish Brown
- The dewlap, the piece of skin hanging under their chins, is used to regulate body temperature and used in courtships and territorial displays.