Grand Cayman blue iguana

The Grand Cayman blue iguana, aka Grand Cayman ground iguana or Cayman Island rock iguana, is native of Grand Cayman island. They prefer xerophytic shrublands (plants that can survive on little water), and rocky, open areas in dry forests near the shoreline. These critters tend to shy away from urban areas. With less than 500 known wild individuals remaining, these fascinating lizards are listed as Endangered. Their numbers are increasing, but they are still under threat from habitat destruction, pollution, hunting, trapping, invasive species, and climate change.

First the Stats… Scientific name: Cyclura lewisi Weight: Up to 31 lbs. Length: Up to 2.5 feet, plus up to a 2.5 foot tail Lifespan: Up to 40 years

Now on to the Facts! 1.) Equipped with articulated toes, these lizards are excellent climbers and can dig burrows with the greatest of ease.

2.) Like many other lizards, they are solitary. They only come together to breed.

3.) As is the case with other iguanas, these blue iguanas are diurnal (active during the day).

4.) The younger iguanas tend to be more arboreal (spend their lives in trees).

5.) They are herbivorous (specifically frugivorous and folivorous ) reptiles that feast on flowers, leaves, and a variety of fruits. On occasions they may also dine on insects, slugs, crabs, and various types of fungi.

But wait, there’s more on the Grand Cayman blue iguana! 6.) Breeding season lasts from May – June.

7.) During courtship, the male will approach a female and perform a series of iguana typical head bobs. If the female is receptive, the male will circle behind her, grab the nape of her neck with his teeth, and copulate.

Did you know…? Although the Grand Cayman iguanas are primarily terrestrial , they are able to scale trees up to 15+ feet high!

8.) Females lay up to 22 eggs that hatch in up to 90 days.

9.) Like all lizards, the juveniles are born precocial (totally self sufficient).

10.) I about 3 months, the young become solitary and highly aggressive towards one another.

But wait, there’s still more on the Grand Cayman blue iguana! 11.) These iguanas rank #8 among the largest lizard species in the world. With the Komodo dragon being #1.

12.) Another reason for Latin scientific names of animals, the green iguana has a blue phase of the species that is also called the “Blue iguana”. Basically common names can cause a lot of confusion.

Did you know…? Like all iguana species, these critters have a perietal eye (a third, rudimentary eye) that aids in light and dark detection, and is associated with the pineal gland (the gland that produces melatonin – which aids in feeling sleepy), regulating circadian rhythmicity (sleep patterns) and hormone production for thermoregulation (heat regulation).

13.) The schlera (the normally white part of the eyeball) is bright red in this species of iguana. This aids in protection from the sunlight.

14.) The eggs laid by the females of the Grand Cayman blue iguana are among the largest of any lizard species in the world, in comparison to body size of the female.

Now a Short Grand Cayman Blue Iguana Video!

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Terrestrial creatures are animals that live predominantly or entirely on land. They may venture into the trees or water, but their primary existence is on land.'); toolTips('.classtoolTips6','

Terrestrial creatures are animals that live predominantly or entirely on land. They may venture into the trees or water, but their primary existence is on land.'); toolTips('.classtoolTips21','

An animal that is hatched or born in an advanced state and able to feed itself almost immediately is called precocial. Some examples are snakes , lizards , ducks , horses , and deer .'); toolTips('.classtoolTips24','

Animals that eat mostly or exclusively grass, shrubs, seeds, and nuts are called herbivores . This category can also be broken down into subgroups too.

Critters that fall into this category are: cows , elk , buffalo , sheep , goats , and many rodents , to name a few.'); toolTips('.classtoolTips25','

A creature that is frugivorous feeds exclusively on various types of fruit. These critters fall into the herbivore category. Some examples of frugivores are: fruit bats , the maned wolf , sparrows , and more.'); toolTips('.classtoolTips28','

Stemming from the Latin word arboreus, which means "pertaining to trees", arboreal creatures spend all or most of their lives in or around trees and tall shrubs. They seldom venture to the ground, if at all.'); toolTips('.classtoolTips28','

Stemming from the Latin word arboreus, which means "pertaining to trees", arboreal creatures spend all or most of their lives in or around trees and tall shrubs. They seldom venture to the ground, if at all.'); toolTips('.classtoolTips30','

A folivore primarily eats leaves. They seldom, if at all, eat anything else. These types of critters typically have a very slow metabolism and also move slower to save energy, as their diet doesn\'t provide much nutrition.

Some animals that fall into this category are: koalas , sloths , and pandas , to name a few.'); toolTips('.classtoolTips31','

An animal that falls into this category is active during the day. Animals that fit this description typically use sight for hunting prey. Others, like turtles , are active during the day as they need the sun\'s rays to aid in the production of vitamin D, which is needed to help process calcium and prevent metabolic bone disease. Hummingbirds rely on the sun as most of the nectar they gather comes from flowers that are open during the day. Cows , dogs , elephants , butterflies , and squirrels , for example, are diurnal.');

Grand Cayman blue iguana

The Grand Cayman Blue Iguana