Rhinoceros Iguana - Five Sisters Zoo

The Rhinoceros Iguana, named for the scaly horn on top of its head, is native to only a few Caribbean islands. Like other ectotherms (animals that can’t maintain their own internal temperature) they are most active during the day, using the sun’s warmth to heat their body and to forage for food. Their colouring is a dull grey and brown, enabling them to effectively hide from prey and predators in a rocky habitat.

Facts

Diet: Omnivore; primarily leaves, shrubs, and fruit but will also consume carrion, small mammals and invertebrates.

Weight: 4.5-9kg

Length: 1.2m

Habitat: Haiti, Dominican Republic and Hispaniola; tropical forest and shrubland, with access to rocky terrain to provide both hiding spaces and sun exposure for basking.

Lifespan: 15-17 years in the wild, up to 40 years under human care

Adapted to Survive

  • The scale that forms the ‘horn’ on the iguana is thought to help protect against predators and for use in breeding by males to compete with other males
  • Long and powerful tail can be used as a whip to deter predators or aggressive iguanas

Threats

  • Invasive species
  • Habitat loss and fragmentation
  • Climate change

IUCN Conservation Status

Endangered

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