Iguana Species · Central & South America
Green Iguana
The common pet-shop iguana — far too large and specialist for most homes.
By the WARN Research & Conservation TeamChecked against IUCN Red List & CITES sourcesLast updated
In brief
The Green iguana (Iguana iguana) is the cheap pet-shop lizard that outgrows nearly every home — reaching 1.5–2 metres including tail with powerful claws, whipping tail and herbivorous specialist needs. Its defining trait is catastrophic mismatch between hatchling price and adult welfare requirements; rescues worldwide report chronic surrender within two years.
Green Iguana: At a Glance
| Origin | Central & South America |
|---|---|
| Size | Large (4–8 kg adult) |
| Typical weight | 4–8 kg (9–18 lb) adult; hatchlings sold at 30–50 g create false size expectations |
| Lifespan | 15–20 years (green iguana in captivity); wild species vary |
| Scales & colour | Green to grey-green rough scales with dewlap and dorsal crest spines; colour shifts with temperature and mood. Adult males develop larger jowls and crest — not a beginner reptile at any age. |
| Temperament | Arboreal, herbivorous, defensive when mature |
| Conservation note | Accredited rescues and specialist reptile facilities only — not typical domestic pets. Green iguanas need custom arboreal enclosures metres long, UVB, strict herbivorous diet and tolerate handling poorly at maturity. |
History & Origins
Green iguanas range from Mexico to Brazil, arboreal in tropical forest feeding on leaves and flowers. Pet trade imports millions of hatchlings annually while rescues overflow with adults exceeding standard ceiling height. British RSPCA and exotic welfare groups advise against green iguana purchase — legality does not equal suitability. Most hatchlings sold are wild-caught or ranch-raised with poor early nutrition.
Green Iguana Fun Facts
- Green iguanas can drop and regrow tails — regrown tails differ in scale pattern.
- Strict herbivores — animal protein causes kidney and liver disease.
- Adult males turn orange during breeding season in adequate UVB.
- Cheap hatchling price hides enclosure costs exceeding thousands of pounds.
Green Iguana Common Health Issues
Conditions seen more often in this breed, and how owners and vets help manage them. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice — always speak to your vet.
Metabolic bone disease
Incorrect UVB, calcium and diet cause soft jaws, fractures and paralysis in iguanids kept in inadequate enclosures.
Care: Only specialist facilities with veterinary oversight should keep green iguanas long term — not impulse pet purchases.
Reproductive disease in captivity
Egg binding and follicular stasis kill mature females on incorrect diets and small enclosures.
Care: Spaying under exotics vet care and proper enclosure scale — prevention beats emergency surgery.
Inappropriate captivity stress
Small tanks cause stereotypic pacing, anorexia and tail whipping injuries to keepers.
Care: Surrender to accredited rescues rather than maintaining failing home setups.
Most iguanas are not beginner pets
Green iguanas grow to two metres and live twenty years — most owners are unprepared. Released pets become invasive. Consider adoption only if you can meet specialist reptile welfare standards.
