The Green Iguana is an arboreal herbivorous species of lizard, which can reach 2 meters (6.6 feet) long. The green iguana has different shades, from light green to gray-green. It has tough skin and a row of spines along the back. With its long fingers and claws it climbs and clings. This lizard is spread over a vast area, from Mexico to southern Brazil and Paraguay, and in the Caribbean. Besides the long fingers and claws mentioned above, this lizard has other interesting features. It has well developed the sense of smell and hearing and an excellent vision. The long and very sharp tail is used as a defense mechanism. If a predator grabs and breaks the lizard’s tail, this regenerates without permanent damage. The skin color gives the lizard the possibility to camouflage, thus avoiding predators.

The green iguana is a diurnal and cold-blooded animal, which means that its body does not produce heat. To keep warm, the lizard lies in the sun, on warm rocks, absorbing the sun’s heat. Like many tropical species, the green iguana is threatened by habitat destruction. It is also a victim of the pet industry.