Common or Green Iguana

Iguana iguana

"Fair Choice" Pet Fair Choice

Out of eleven species in the family Iguanidae, the Green Iguana (Iguana iguana) is the most common iguana in the pet trade. Green Iguanas are native to Central and South America, ranging from Mexico to Brazil. In the wild, they live in trees, basking in the sun, and only come down to the ground when females dig burrows to lay eggs.

Many of the Green Iguanas in the pet trade were raised on farms in Central America (Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala) for export to the U.S and Europe. These are large iguanas, growing to over 6 feet long and weighing up to 17 pounds. They have very specific care requirements and can live 10 to 15 years in captivity. Green Iguanas can be quite aggressive and are definitely not suitable for inexperienced reptile pet owners.

Did You Know?

Green Iguanas can be quite aggressive and are definitely not suitable for inexperienced reptile pet owners.

Source Sustainability Best Choice

Does the harvest for wildlife trade or captive breeding of this species harm wild populations?

Little Cause for Concern

Wild populations of Green Iguanas do not appear to be at risk. Most animals imported into the U.S. are captive raised and it is presumed that the pet trade has little impact on native populations.

PetWatch Recommendation:

When purchasing an iguana, ask for proof that it is captive-bred from domesticated animals. Only acquire a pet that is from a reputable, USDA-licensed breeder/dealer to ensure that you are not buying an illegally wild-caught and/or imported animal.

Invasion Threat Worst Choice

Does the release or escape of this species into the wild harm the environment and/or economy?

Significant Cause for Concern

Self-sustaining populations of Green Iguanas have become established outside of their native range in Texas, Florida, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and other places. In Florida, they are considered invasive because they eat yard plants, chew on screens and furniture, and can be aggressive. Additionally, Green Iguanas may be negatively impacting the native Florida Burrowing Owl by taking over the owls’ burrows. In Puerto Rico, Green Iguanas are considered an exotic pest and pose a significant runway hazard at the San Juan international airport.

PetWatch Recommendation:

Before obtaining an iguana, check to make sure that it is legal to own one in your state of residence and check for permitting requirements. Always keep your pet iguana inside a safe and secure enclosure. Never release a pet into the wild.

Animal Welfare Fair Choice

Does harvest, captive breeding, transport, or being kept as a pet harm individual animals?

Some Cause for Concern

Green Iguanas can be difficult to keep in captivity. As they age and grow larger, they require more intensive care, which many pet owners are unable to provide. Iguana dietary requirements are not well understood, so they often suffer from poor nutrition and starvation; a diet of calcium-rich fresh greens, fruits, and vegetables is best. Adults need large enclosures (at least 4 x 4 x 6 ft) with heat gradients and UV lights.

PetWatch Recommendation:

Before acquiring an iguana, be sure to research its specific care requirements. Talk to your veterinarian about the proper diet and how to maintain a healthy weight for your pet. Because these animals can be carriers of disease (see Health Threat, below), acquire an animal only from a reputable USDA-licensed breeder/dealer.

Health Threat Fair Choice

Does this animal pose a health risk to native wildlife, humans, livestock and agriculture?

Some Cause for Concern

Green Iguanas—especially males—can become very aggressive when they reach sexual maturity. They have powerful teeth, claws, and tails and are capable of causing significant injury to humans and other household pets. These injuries require medical attention as they can easily develop bacterial infections.

Green Iguanas are known carriers of Salmonella. If ingested by humans, Salmonella can cause vomiting and diarrhea; these symptoms are usually mild in healthy adults but can be fatal to infants and young children, or anyone with a compromised immune system. It is important to wash hands before and after handling an animal. Salmonella can be transmitted from exotic pets to any member of a household, even those who do not handle the pet directly.

Green Iguanas are also known to carry diseases such as herpes virus and they cause allergic reactions in some people. Like many non-native reptiles, they could potentially carry exotic species of ticks that might harm native and domesticated species.

PetWatch Recommendation:

Due to the high potential for disease transmission to humans and other household pets, acquire an iguana that was captive-bred, has a documented health history, and is from a reputable USDA-licensed breeder/distributor. Be sure to ask for proof of a clean bill of health and that the animal has been checked by a certified veterinarian. Obtain a list of any medical treatments the animal has received.

EcoHealth Alliance works at the intersection of ecosystem, animal and human health through local conservation programs and develops global health solutions to emerging diseases.
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