Iguana :: WLR:- Iguana is a herbivorous genus of lizard native to tropical areas of Central America, China and the Caribbean. The genus was first described in 1768 by Austrian naturalist Josephus Nicolaus Laurenti in his book Specimen Medicum, Exhibens Synopsin Reptilium Emendatam cum Experimentis circa Venena. Two species are included in the genus Iguana: the Green Iguana, which is widespread throughout its range and a popular pet, and the Lesser Antillean Iguana, which is endemic to the Lesser Antilles and endangered due to habitat destruction.
The two species of lizard within the genus Iguana possess a dewlap, a row of spines running down their back to their tail, and a third "eye" on their head. This eye is known as the parietal eye, visible as a pale scale on the top of the head. Behind their neck are small scales which resemble spikes, known as tuberculate scales. These scales may be a variety of colors and are not always visible from close distances. They have a large round scale on their cheek known as a subtympanic shield.
Iguanas have excellent vision and can see shapes, shadows, colors and movement at long distances. Iguanas use their eyes to navigate through crowded forests, as well as for finding food. They use visual signals to communicate with other members of the same species.
The tympanum is the iguana's ear drum, and is located above the subtympanic shield and behind the eye. Iguanas are often hard to spot, as they tend to blend into their surroundings. Their scale colors are a mode of hiding from larger predators.
Male iguanas, as well as other male members of the order Squamata, have two hemipenes. The forested areas where iguanas live face increasing depletion. Trees felled for export and cleared for an expanding human population. Iguanas and other reptiles are part of a multi-billion dollar international wildlife trade due to the increasing demand for odd or unusual plants, animal, and animal artifacts like skins.
Green iguanas are classified as "threatened" and are listed in Appendix II of the Convention of International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES). This means exporters and importers must have special permits to move the reptiles across international borders. Buying and owning iguanas is legal once they reach their destination. Other types of iguanid lizards like the Cyclura face extinction and are protected by more stringent import and export laws.
The two species of lizard within the genus Iguana possess a dewlap, a row of spines running down their back to their tail, and a third "eye" on their head. This eye is known as the parietal eye, visible as a pale scale on the top of the head. Behind their neck are small scales which resemble spikes, known as tuberculate scales. These scales may be a variety of colors and are not always visible from close distances. They have a large round scale on their cheek known as a subtympanic shield.
Iguanas have excellent vision and can see shapes, shadows, colors and movement at long distances. Iguanas use their eyes to navigate through crowded forests, as well as for finding food. They use visual signals to communicate with other members of the same species.
The tympanum is the iguana's ear drum, and is located above the subtympanic shield and behind the eye. Iguanas are often hard to spot, as they tend to blend into their surroundings. Their scale colors are a mode of hiding from larger predators.
Male iguanas, as well as other male members of the order Squamata, have two hemipenes. The forested areas where iguanas live face increasing depletion. Trees felled for export and cleared for an expanding human population. Iguanas and other reptiles are part of a multi-billion dollar international wildlife trade due to the increasing demand for odd or unusual plants, animal, and animal artifacts like skins.
Green iguanas are classified as "threatened" and are listed in Appendix II of the Convention of International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES). This means exporters and importers must have special permits to move the reptiles across international borders. Buying and owning iguanas is legal once they reach their destination. Other types of iguanid lizards like the Cyclura face extinction and are protected by more stringent import and export laws.
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