Factfile
Where they live
W. Indies on Island of Hispaniola (Haiti and Dominican Republic) and smaller surrounding islands
Habitat
dry rocky terrain in coastal areas is preferred. Also found in scrub woodlands, semi-deciduous forest and sub tropical moist forest
Size
body length 56cm (male) and 51cm (female), tail length 50-60cm
Weight
up to 10kg
Lifespan
25 years
Threats
the single largest threat is habit loss due to deforestation. It is also killed by introduced predators such as domestic cats dogs and by mongooses. They are also illegally hunted for the pet trade and for food.
Did you know...
- The horns of the rhinoceros iguana are more prominent in males
More about rhinoceros iguanas...
The rhinoceros iguana is also known as the horned ground iguana. These common names are a reference to the enlarged, horn-like scales found on the snout of the animal.
Rhinoceros iguanas are active by day (diurnal) and like many reptiles spend the day in a mixture of basking in the sun to warm their bodies, feeding and then retreating to the shade when they become too hot. This is the only kind of temperature control afforded to ectothermic (cold-blooded) animals. They spend the night in caves, hollow trees, rock crevices and burrows.
Rhinoceros iguanas are primarily herbivores feeding on leaves, shoots, fruits, flowers and seeds. However, land crabs, insects and carrion are also eaten.
Breeding takes place at the start of the rainy season in April to May. Females lay a clutch of up to 32 eggs, about 40 days after mating. The eggs are laid in a nest dug in sand and which is guarded by the female for the first few days after laying. The incubation period for the eggs is around 85 days.
How you can help...
Adopt a Iguana (Rhinoceros)!
Help prevent animals from becoming extinct by adopting an animal, you'll be supporting our zoo too!
Gold Adoption
Help support our zoo with a Gold adoption package with an additional zoo admission ticket, and personalised message displayed outside your adopted animalʼs enclosure.
£55.00
Find out moreSilver Adoption
Help support our zoo with a Silver adoption package it includes an adoption certificate, a zoo admission ticket and lots of zoo treats!
£41.50
Find out more
