Iguana Habitats

    Iguanas live in different parts of the world, like in the American tropics, Madagascar and Fiji.  In the Western Hemisphere you may find them in tropical climates of Mexico, Central and South America and in the West Indies.

    Iguanas are cool blooded so they prefer to live where it is hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 80 to 90 degrees.

    Many iguanas live in tropical rain forests often near rivers, streams, and ponds at altitudes from sea level to high mountainous altitudes.  Iguanas can also adapt to open areas, brush, and deserts. 

    Different types of iguanas live in various places.  Ground iguanas, such as the Cyclura, inhabit the islands of the Caribbean.  Large iguanas, sometimes known as the Monitor, are found on the Galapagos Islands.  Spiny-tailed iguanas, or black iguanas, know as Ctenosaura, are found from Central America into northern Mexico and inhabit brush and scrub areas primarily.  A small iguanid, Dispsosarus dorsalis, known as desert iguana, inhabit deserts with creosote bush in the southwestern United States.  A marine iguana lives on the Galapagos Islands and is found along coastal rocks.  

    Iguanas stay in their borrows or in trees at different times during the day.  In the daytime they stay in trees, go out to bask in the sun and search for food such as fruits, flowers and leaves. At night they stay in trees if it is hot, and in their borrows, if it's cold.  Iguanas enter their borrows when in danger, like if there is a hurricane.