Marine iguana

Despite looking like miniature dragons, marine iguanas eat grass

Charles J. Sharp

The capacity of marine iguanas to forage in shallow marine areas makes them the most famous. They consume marine algae grown on rocky shorelines and underwater since they are herbivores.

Marine iguanas are mostly terrestrial animals, even though they feed in the water. They are frequently seen warming up in the sun.

Humans’ introduction of cats and dogs has significantly reduced the population of marine iguanas because they prey on the young, ill-equipped to defend themselves against powerful land predators. Additionally, the issues on the islands have gotten much worse due to increased human activity, which demands immediate atten

Distribution

Country
Population est.
Status
Year
Comments
Ecuador
19,800-210,000
VU
2019
Galápagos

Did you know?

  • The marine iguana is one of the few strictly vegetarian lizards in the world. It mainly eats seaweed.
  • The saw-like ridge of spines on the iguana’s back not only gives a sinister appearance but also helps regulate its body temperature as the iguana basks in the sun.
  • Marine iguanas sneeze. They do this because when eating, they swallow saltwater, and once back on land, they have to get rid of the salt. As they sneeze, the saltwater comes out.
  • An iguana can grow another tail if it is cut off.
  • Iguanas are able to stop their heart from beating for as long as one minute.

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Terrestrial / Aquatic

Altricial / Precocial

Polygamous / Monogamous

Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic

Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal

Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd

Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore

Migratory: Yes / No

Domesticated: Yes / No

Dangerous: Yes / No