Iguana

Iguana (Iguana iguana).  The common iguana (shown at left) begins life as a small green lizard-like creature that becomes dark brownish black as a grown-up.  It can reach 6 feet in length (but most of that is tail).   Iguanas spend most of their time in the trees, and are usually vegetarians by the time they become adults.  (No, the adults aren't watching their waistlines.  As they grow larger, the amount of food energy they would get from chasing smaller creatures just isn't worth it - plants sit there and wait to be eaten, so are a more efficient supply of iguana food.  Smaller iguana youngsters do chase after insects, but they don't have the bulk, so the insects are good food for them).  Human animals have absolutely nothing to fear from iguanas - iguanas will run away - and if near water, will probably jump in when threatened (iguanas are great swimmers).

Iguanas lay eggs in sand or dirt (about 50 at at time).  Once the eggs are laid, the mother iguana deserts them, so only about 10 or so of the babies born will actually survive to adulthood.  Baby iguanas take about 2 years to mature.

The Placencia area also has a goodly number of green iguanas - common iguanas that are - - you guessed it - green in color rather than brownish black like the guy above.  (A green iguana that lives in our neighborhood is shown at right, click on the image for a better view.)  The green coloring is primarily a camouflage to help them blend into trees better to avoid predators.

Green iguanas are the iguanas locally called "Bamboo Chicken" -- a delicacy among some Central Americans. 

Green iguanas have longer fingers and tails than the common iguana, and the tail can be used as a weapon - it's quite sharp and the iguana uses it by sawing it rapidly through the are.  The tail will also break off if caught by a predator, but grows back as a matter of course, without any ill effects or scars.   Green iguanas also have a great sense of smell and good vision.  Their skin is very tough and they can leap 40-50 feet onto the ground without being hurt.

Green iguanas are not endangered, but in some areas of Central America are threatened by humans who eat them - - and also humans who collect them for sale in other countries as pets.