Iguanas Ecology

What You Need to Know about Iguana Ecology



Iguanas, specially the wild ones are crucial part of the ecosystem; a slight change in the population of Iguanas in the wild can harm the total balance of the ecosystem. So when setting up your own pet house you need to know things about the proper iguana ecology so that it can feel comfortable in your captivity.



One thing that you will probably notice is that iguana ecology is not an easy task to replicate and the iguanas themselves are not that easy to take care of too. Iguanas like most reptiles are solely dependant on their environment for their most basic needs like heat and body chemistry. Iguanas use wavelengths of light on its environment to aid with their metabolism.



These animals are very well-tailored to their natural habitat, which are humid and warm environment which can be very different from the confined cells that they are when in your captivity. So if you can provide an environment that is conducive to live in for the iguanas they might get sick or even die.



Basically an iguana needs the following to survive under captivity: A large cage or room is a crucial thing in your iguanas growth, you have to keep in mind that a fully grown and properly cared for iguana can grow up to six feet long. A large 55 gallon aquarium is barely enough in your iguanas first year growth.



At most the minimum height of an iguana’s cage should be six feet tall and twice the length of the Iguana. Iguanas are know to be arboreal so they feel much comfortable up on high places like a tree so be sure to include even just a small branch on you cage for them to hang on. The total width of your iguana’s cage must be at least half the iguana’s length.



The rule of the thumb should be the larger the cage the healthier.



A small cage can harm your iguana’s growth and can even injure and stress them out. They can even cause muscle weakness due to the small amount of space that they can crawl in causing them to be stagnant on one place and build fat and hinder the much needed exercise to burn them.



The room temperature should also be taken into consideration, a basking should be provided with a temperature of ninety to ninety-five degrees Fahrenheit and the air temperature should not be lower than that what they are accustomed to which is eighty degrees Fahrenheit.



Proper room temperature aids the iguanas with their digestion process. On the other hand, the inadequate supply of it can cause illness in your iguana’s digestive system.



Your iguana should also have a day and night cycle so you have to find ways to provide heat without the lights on night times.



As you can notice, providing your iguana with the right kind of habitat is crucial to its health and growth. These things that are stated about are a must for an iguana to be able to survive in your captivity. Not being able to provide this stuff may cause death to your pet. Just try to get the right information about your iguanas need and everything will work out just fine. Having an iguana pet is not an easy thing but it I surely an enjoyable sight to watch your iguana grow.

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A Society that Cares: The Green Iguana Society



How much do you know about green iguanas?



Here are some fast facts about these animals:

• Green iguanas are also called common iguanas.

• They are so “common” that many people like them for a pet.

• Though green iguanas are expected to be green, they may also be brown in color.

• Iguanas are herbivores, eating fruits, flowers, growing spurts, and leaves of trees, on which they usually live.

• They can be found in South and Central America, some islands in the Pacific, and Florida, United States.

• If well taken care of, a green iguana in captivity can live for more than 20 years. The oldest pet green iguana on record lived as long as 29 years.

• Green iguanas are considered as a threatened species because its habitat is slowly disappearing.



There are a lot of other things that one can know about the green iguana. Bearing the information above and much more in mind, three individuals decided to form an organization of online volunteers that will provide accurate information, such as the ones above, to people who want to learn about the iguanas.



And so, in the fall of 1999, the Green Iguana Society was born.



Green Iguana Society



The founders of Green Iguana Society had the following goals for the organization’s website:



• It will be a venue for finding out how to feed green iguanas and how to become an owner of one, as well as the kind of veterinarian one should consult.

• The website will serve as a valuable and convenient source of information, such that enthusiasts need not go through tons of reptile writings, or frightened away by overzealous crusaders.

• It will be an important provider of correct information anytime interested people need or want any information about the green iguana.

• And last, but not the least, the website will encourage people to move toward improved caring for the iguana and a greater comprehension of the issues involved with owning one.



The website tackles many aspects of taking care of the green iguana. From approved pieces of information and recommended products, myths and common misconceptions, kind of food and feeding, health and safety issues, to veterinarians and related societies, the website is indeed a reliable source of information for the green iguana aficionado.



Some FAQ’s



Here are some of the frequently asked questions about the Green Iguana Society:



• Why should I involve myself with the Green Iguana Society?

According to the founders of the Green Iguana Society, through joining the organization, you would put across the message that you love green iguanas, you want to keep on learning on the subject of green iguanas and the kind of care they need, and the ways by which you can help share your knowledge in caring for the wonderful animals.



• How much will it cost me to become a member of the Green Iguana Society?

There is no membership fee needed to be a part of the organization. Fees for newsletters and other benefits may be sought later if there would be adjustments in the level of membership in the future.



• Will I be included in a list of members in the website?

Years ago, the founders of the organization started a listing of members in the website. However, as the years went by and many people from all over the world joined the Green Iguana Society, the founders were no longer able to keep track of all those who took part in the organization’s mission and had to remove the list of members.



• How old should I be before I can join?

You should be fourteen years old or more in order to become a member of the Green Iguana Society. Thirteen year old kids or younger may join the Kids Club however.



• What should I do to join?

The website instructs potential members to fill out a form. You should provide as many information as you can and hit the Send button. That easy.



There are still lots more to learn about the green iguanas and the Green Iguana Society. Why not try to find out more? Do some Internet surfing now and be a part of the society that cares!

Iguana1

How to Pick a Healthy Iguana



So, you’ve decided to get a pet.



But you don’t know what kind yet.



You leave the comfort of your home sweet home and go to the local pet shop. After looking at several types of dogs, cats, birds, and even fish, you suddenly realize that you want something out of the ordinary; something that would definitely turn heads.



You look around, wary that you might not find the perfect pet, when suddenly you chance upon a tank or two of very green lizards with dewlaps hanging from their chins. Some are just hatchlings, while others look somewhat old. You get excited and want to know what the animals are. You ask the clerk or pet shop owner about them. He/she tells you.



He/she also gives other interesting information, like the reptiles came from Peru, Surinam, Honduras, Columbia, or Mexico; there are more than 700 species of these animals; or the lizards are called “Bamboo Chicken” in some places.



You listen more and nod your head in agreement while telling yourself that you must get this animal for a pet. At long last, you tell yourself. You’ve found the pet of your dreams – the iguana.



However, you want to make sure that the animal is healthy. You are not just willing to spend your money on an animal that would die quickly. So, what are you supposed to do?



The answer is easy: conduct a touch test.



The shop owner must allow you to hold the chosen iguana in your two hands. You may use the finger of one hand to inspect the different body parts of the animal.



What things do you look out for?



In terms of its common appearance, consider the following:



• The skin should be firm, clear, clean, and free of bites and scratches. (Bites and scratches might get infected later on.)

• The stomach should be free of burns. (Burns may eventually heal, but the skin would always be very sensitive to heat.)

• The stomach has no ground-in stool. (A dirty stomach indicates that the animal is living in an unhygienic environment which can make it sick and weak.)

• The opening is free of dried stool and urine. (The presence of these shows that the lizard might have parasites and protozoa in its stomach.)

• The iguana resists strongly when its body parts are moved. (Weakness and instability may be a sign that the lizard is injured or suffering from calcium insufficiency.)

• The limbs, tail, and the whole body have no lumps, bumps, or swelling. (Cysts, infections, and fractures need veterinary treatment.)

• The rear legs and thighs are shaped normally. (A swollen leg may indicate a fracture; two legs or thighs, an insufficient supply of calcium.)

• The limbs are sturdy and full while the body is smooth and vibrant looking. (If the limbs are very thin, the lizard may be starving or dehydrated. If the body looks wrinkled and dull, there may be bacterial or parasite infections.)



For its head, eyes, ears, nose, and mouth, you may take note of the following:



• The eyes should be clear. (If they are bleary, crusted, or weepy, there might be an infection in the respiratory system or inflammation of the eyes.)

• The nose has no dried or wet mucus. (Dried or bubbly mucus is an indication of infection in the respiratory system.)

• The insides of the mouth should look healthy. (Infections would cause rotting of the insides of the mouth.)

• The jaw is not swollen. (If it is, then, the animal might have a metabolic disease.)

• There are no swellings or lumps on its face, dewlap, or neck. (Swellings may indicate abscesses.)



In terms of behavior, observe the following:



• A healthy baby would try to get away.

• An unresponsive iguana in your hands may be extremely ill.



These are just some of the things you have to look out for when buying a pet iguana.



Now that you know how to spot a healthy iguana and you have already spotted a healthy one, you leave the store with a smile on your face. It will not be an easy job to raise your newly bought iguana, but it is sure worth a try.

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Get Acquainted with the Green Iguanas



The green iguanas or those which take the name of "Iguana iguana" are commonly found all over the South and Central America, in Mexico, in the southeastern part of Brazil, eastern Pacific, and the Caribbean. Breeds of the green iguana are now also spotted in Hawaii and Florida. The green iguana is popularly the largest type of lizard that happens to inhabit much of the territories of United States.



The Physical Description of the Green Iguana



In a matter of three years, the young twelve-gram green iguana can turn into a one kilogram adult green iguana. Right after they get hatched, their length varies from 17 to up to 25 centimeters. Most of the well-fed matured green iguanas come to weigh at about 4 and 6 kilograms but at times they reach the 8 kilogram weight.



The term green iguana does not stereotype these reptiles. The matured iguanas come in uniform colors whereas the younger ones vary between brown and green. Their colors can also get affected by their health, mood, temperature, and social statures.



One of the distinct features they have is the dewlap that can be found under their throats. The dewlap is much dominant in the male green iguanas rather than in the females. The laterally positioned eyes of the green iguanas are being protected by some immovable eyelids and mobile lower eyelids. The parietal eye functions as some kind of a meter for the solar energy and contributes much to the maturity of the endocrine and thyroid glands in these reptiles. Lastly, the plates or scales on their heads are much irregular and larger compared to the scales found on the rest of their body parts.



The Habitat of the Green Iguana



Arboreal lizards—these are what green iguanas are and they therefore enjoy living on top of tree canopies. The younger green iguanas tend to stay in the lower portions but the matured ones like it high above. This kind of dwelling technique allows them to do basking in the sun and they rarely go down with the exception of the time when the female green iguanas deem the need to dig their burrows so they can lay their eggs. They still prefer to have water around their habitat so that they can easily escape the predators who love to attack them. They are great swimmers so they most of the times successfully manage to avoid their predators.



The Development of an Iguana



Right after an estimated 65 days upon the mating period, the female green iguana is now ready to lay her eggs. The number and size of the eggs depend upon the size of the female iguana. Within a three-day period, about 10 to 30 pale-colored eggs get deposited into the nests. Other nests can be shared by many female iguanas especially when there is a very limited space for them. Actually, the female iguanas do not guard their nests but they do visit their eggs from time to time. The incubation for the iguana eggs last from about 90 up to 120 days. The hatchlings are the ones that crack their egg shells open by making use of their special egg teeth which are known as the caruncle. The yolks in the eggs are the providers of nourishment for the young iguanas.

Iguana Tattoo

Some Things to Consider before Getting an Iguana Tattoo



When you're thinking about getting an iguana tattoo, you should definitely try and ponder the implications of it first. Here are some factors to consider when you want to get an iguana tattoo:



1) Symbolism – iguana tattoos and other types of lizard tattoos are usually used to symbolize the human soul's search for light. However, there are other symbolisms attributed to this type of tattoo. Before getting an iguana tattoo, you should make sure that you know what it symbolizes. You should try to find a meaning that you can identify with.



An iguana tattoo costs pain to get and also costs pain to remove. You should try to make that pain worthwhile and try to find an iguana tattoo that symbolizes something very powerful in your life. However, remember that all symbols are subject to interpretation. Remember that your interpretation of an iguana tattoo may not necessarily be the same interpretation that others hold. When you realize this fact, you should also remember that your interpretation is the one that holds more weight.



2) Identification – some people may not find any symbolic interpretations of iguana tattoos that they can identify with. However, they still get this type of tattoo mainly because they can identify with the animal. Do you have any distinct characteristics that are similar to an iguana's? Of course, this does not mean that you look like an iguana.



Identifying yourself with the different traits of an iguana means you need to do some research about iguanas. Can you identify yourself as a survivor? If you think you are, then you should get an iguana tattoo because iguanas are animals which are able to remain active when other lizards have already retreated from the heat.



3) Interests – there are people who get iguana tattoos mainly because of their interests in the animal. Some people who get iguana tattoos may have pet iguanas or at least hope to own one someday. Some people may consider iguanas to be their favorite animals and may have various reasons for thinking so. The point is, they have very distinct interests for iguanas.



4) Artistry – when you have thought about your personal reasons for getting an iguana tattoo, it's time to decide which iguana tattoo to get. You could opt for something simple and which wouldn't hurt when being drawn. You could also opt for an intricate iguana tattoo, with shades of color that would astound every beholder.



Nowadays, people are able to get designs through the internet and have those designs copied by a local tattoo artist. When getting an iguana tattoo, be sure that you know exactly where you will be getting it. You need to pick a place which could assure your health as well as the artistry of the iguana tattoo. Talk to different people to get recommendations about the place where you are going to get your iguana tattoo.



5) Placement – the placement of the iguana tattoo is also important. Some people like to place their iguana tattoo on a place where flexing of the muscles would make the tattoo move. This gives the tattoo a lifelike appearance when they move. Teenagers sometimes like to place their first tattoos where they are hidden, unseen by their parents or by anyone they do not want to see.