Iguana
Japanese Name
いぐあな
iguana
Description
- The iguana is a type of lizard native to the Americas, particularly Central and South America. There are several species of iguanas, but the most well-known are the green iguana (Iguana iguana) and the marine iguana (Amblyrhynchus cristatus), both of which are distinguished by their unique adaptations and behaviors.
History
- Iguanas are large herbivorous lizards native to Central and South America and the Caribbean.
- They have been known to indigenous peoples for centuries, both as a food source and in cultural stories.
- European explorers first described iguanas scientifically in the 16th century, noting their distinctive appearance and behaviors.
- In the 19th century, naturalists studied iguanas more systematically, contributing to taxonomy and understanding of reptiles.
- In modern times, iguanas have become popular exotic pets worldwide, with green iguanas being the most common species in captivity.
- Today, they are also studied in ecology and conservation, as habitat loss and the pet trade affect wild populations.
