AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Iguana iguana
Green Iguana
Linnaeus, 1758
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
The green iguana is one of the largest lizards in tropical America. It has a crest of dermal spines and a large subtympanic scale.
Added by
Gerardo Venegas
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Under Review
Last modified by
Gerardo Venegas
Other Names (Global)Regional and multilingual names used for this species across different countries and languages.
Common green iguanaAmerican iguana
Iguana verdeGarroboGallina de paloIguana comúnTaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Reptilia
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Squamata
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Iguanidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Iguana
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Linnaeus, 1758
Record Completeness
97%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Decreasing
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Herbivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Inhabits tropical ecosystems such as mangroves and gallery forests, always near bodies of water to take refuge.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
It is a diurnal and arboreal reptile that uses behavioral thermoregulation, spending hours in the sun to reach its optimal temperature.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Lives solitarily, although juveniles may form temporary groups (crèches). Males defend territories during reproduction.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Folivorous herbivore; it possesses symbiotic bacteria to ferment cellulose. Juveniles may occasionally consume insects.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Primary consumer serving as prey for birds of prey, snakes, and medium carnivores. Contributes to seed dispersal.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Oviparous. Females undertake migrations to dig nests in sandy soils and deposit up to 71 eggs.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
30.0 - 200.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
1.50 kg - 8.00 kg
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.20 - 71
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
18 - 36 Months
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
65 - 90
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males15 - 20 Years
Females15 - 20 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Adult males are significantly larger and more robust than females, with more developed crests and dewlaps.
Females Multi-lang
Females are generally smaller and often present less striking colorations and reduced crests.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Caudal autotomy: it can shed its tail to distract predators.
Parietal eye: detects light changes and movement from above.
Exceptional swimming ability: swims with lateral tail movements.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Illegal hunting and human consumption of adults and eggs.
Loss of riparian habitat due to deforestation of riparian zones.
Illegal trafficking for the international pet trade.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Known in Central America as 'chicken of the trees' because of its meat flavor.
Juveniles form groups called crèches for mutual protection.
Image GalleryPhotographs of this species or habitat in its natural environment.
External ReferencesScientific publications, field guides, and databases that document this species or area.
- [https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/174302/1414031](https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/174302/1414031)