Iguana
Iguana iguana
There is moderate risk associated with keeping this species as a pet, as explained below. Prospective pet owners should research if they can safely keep the animal for its lifetime, including housing, proper food and veterinary care, and be sure it came from a legal source and can be kept as a pet in their jurisdiction.
© Don Getty
Assessment results
Moderate risk
Conservation | Moderate risk
This animal is likely to be threatened by extinction in the wild, and/or it is subject to international trade controls due to demand in the pet trade. Please check that the animal you want comes from a reputable seller or rescue center that follows best practices when they source their animals. Learn more about wildlife conservation and the pet trade.
Legality | Low risk
This animal is not currently protected by any national laws or import restrictions. Exotic pet ownership, however, is regulated at the state, county, or city level, so check your jurisdiction to see if you can own it.
Human and public health | Moderate risk
It is likely that this animal is a potential threat to human or public health, either due to potential zoonotic diseases or due to physical attributes that can harm humans. Learn more about animal-related illness and injuries.
Invasiveness | High risk
This species could negatively impact native biodiversity of habitats. Never release this pet, or any pet, into the wild for any reason. Learn more about invasive species.
Animal welfare | Moderate risk
Care, diet, and housing needs of this species are either insufficiently known or difficult, making it hard to ensure it has a good quality of life for its lifetime. Learn more about the challenges with exotic pet welfare.
⚠️ Important considerations
- Iguanas are in high demand for the pet trade. Most animals are captive bred and imported from farms overseas.
- Most reptiles carry salmonella in their intestinal tract and may not be suitable for young children or immuno-compromised individuals. Always practice good hygiene and hand washing around iguanas. The males can also become aggressive, inflicting severe harm to people with their sharp claws and tail.
- The common green iguana is a widespread invasive species in Florida and Hawaii due to escaped or released captive individuals, and many countries globally. If you can no longer keep your pet, contact your local rescue center, responsible pet store, accredited zoo, veterinarian, or other trusted home to find someone that can take it in. Never release a pet outside, into the wild.
- Iguana housing and dietary needs require additional knowledge and effort. They grow very large as adults, up to 6.5 ft. and need a tall and large vivarium with plenty of branches for climbing, places to hide and rest, and good ventilation. Their enclosure needs a gradient of temperatures (85-90ºF on the cool end and 95-105ºF on the warm end, with a nighttime temperature between 75-80ºF) in their environment to be able to regulate their own body temperature, proper humidity (70-80%), and proper amounts of UVA and UVB light from a lamp on a normal light-dark cycle, to ensure good health. It is often difficult to provide adequate humidity, heat, and UVB as Iguanas grow. They are prone to metabolic bone disease without UV light exposure and enough calcium and vitamin D3. The substrate used in their environment is important and should not be something they could ingest.
- As with all pet reptiles, ensure there is access to a veterinarian that specializes in reptiles and consult them about proper habitat setup, diet, and care. Find a reptile vet near you.
Basic information
Taxonomy:
Squamata, Iguanidae
Lifespan:
About 8 years in the wild, and 10-12 years in captivity
Weight:
9-17 lbs. (4-7.7 kg)
Size:
5.75 ft (1.7 m) on average, and up to 6.5 ft. (2 m)
Native range and habitat:
Forests and rainforest throughout Central and South America, with a preference for areas with water
Diet:
Herbivores mainly eating green leafy plants or fruits, with some invertebrates on occasion
Activity and behavior:
- Solitary and territorial animals that are most active during the day and may travel long distances to nesting sites.
© WWF-Japan