Rhinoceros Iguana
Cyclura cornuta
Conservation Status
EndangeredReptilia · Iguanidae
About
The rhinoceros iguana is an endangered species of iguana that is endemic to the Caribbean island of Hispaniola and its surrounding islands. A large lizard, they vary in length from 60 to 136 centimetres, and skin colours range from a steely grey to a dark green and even brown. Their name derives from the bony-plated pseudo-horn or outgrowth which resembles the horn of a rhinoceros on the iguana's snout. It is known to coexist with the Ricord's iguana ; the two species are the only taxa of rock iguana to do so.
Fun Fact
Male rhinoceros iguanas grow distinctive horn-like protrusions on their snouts and engage in dramatic slow-motion head-butting battles to establish dominance over territories.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Found most abundantly in scrub woodlands of the Hispaniolan dry forests (characterized by xeric, rocky terrain of eroded limestone with minimal flora), coastal terraces, lowlands of the mainland, plus several offshore islands and small cays, all with slightly different habitat types.
Diet
Consumed by cycluras have an adaptive advantage by sprouting before the end of very short rainy seasons.
Lifespan
To be updated
Threats
- Invasive Species Predation and Competition
- Habitat Loss to Development
- Hunting