A large, tough-looking yet surprisingly gentle lizard species native to the Caribbean island of Hispaniola, which includes both the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Despite its rugged appearance, the rhinoceros iguana is herbivorous, calm, and intelligent, making it one of the most fascinating reptiles in the West Indies.

Rhinoceros iguanas are heavy-bodied and strong. Their skin is thick, scaly, and usually a mix of gray, olive green, or brown, helping them blend in with the rocky, dry coastal forests and scrublands they inhabit. Along their backs, they sport a spiky crest made up of pointed scales, giving them a dinosaur-like profile. Their toes are clawed for digging, and their muscular legs allow them to move quickly when startled, though they prefer to spend their days basking in the sun or foraging at a slow pace.

These iguanas are primarily herbivores, feeding on leaves, fruits, flowers, and shoots, but they occasionally consume insects or carrion if available. In their native habitat, they play a critical role as seed dispersers, helping to maintain healthy vegetation in fragile island ecosystems. They are most active during the day and often seen basking on rocks, which helps regulate their body temperature. Males are territorial and may engage in head-bobbing displays and pushing contests during the breeding season, but fights are rare.

Fun fact: Rhinoceros iguanas are known to be one of the most intelligent reptiles, capable of recognizing their human caregivers in captivity and even responding to their names. Another cool detail — they have a “third eye” on the top of their heads, called a parietal eye, which doesn’t form images but helps them detect light and movement, acting almost like a built-in skylight to warn them of predators from above.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Dominican Republic

2018

Haiti

2018