Rhino Iguanas

Today's blog post is all about rhino iguanas. Rhinoceros iguanas are large lizards that can grow from anything between 24 to 54 inches in length and weigh up to 4.56 kilograms. They can be found living in the Caribbean Island of Hispaniola, shared by the Republic of Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Unlike snakes, these reptiles come in a limited variety of colours, that being gray, brown and green. They get their name from the bony-plated pseudo-horn that grows from their snouts. 

Rhino Iguana

Habitat

The rhino iguanas natural habitat is threatened by deforestation. They are found in Haiti, Dominian Republic and Hispaniola although their populations are only stable in Isla Beata and the extreme of the Barahona Peninsula inside Parque Nacional Jaragua. In the wild, there are estimated 10-16'000 left although in captivity, they are among the most common of the lizard species to be kept as a pet. 

Diet

Rhino iguanas are mostly herbivorous, eating vegetables and fruits, however, they are also opportunistic carnivores and will eat small lizards, snakes and insects. 

Cute Rhino Iguanas

Reproducing

Male rhino iguanas reach sexual maturity at 4-5 years old and females reach maturity at 2-3 years of age. Male rhino iguanas are territorial with the most aggressive males owning the larger territories. When the female lays her clutch, she will lay anything from 2 to 34 eggs, averaging 17 within a period of 40 days. The females will guard their nest for the incubation period which lasts approximately 85 days. From birth, these lizards are independent. 

Rhino Iguana Hatching

Captivity

Keeping a rhino iguana in captivity is an interesting idea. You will require a set up that will meet the rhino iguanas requirements as they grow to some 4.5 ft in length. Therefore, an enclosure of 6ft x 2ft x 2ft is the minimum requirements for an adult iguana although a larger vivarium needs to be considered. Since they originate from a tropical climate, humidity is important as well as moisture for when they are shedding. Place branches in their enclosures to give them something to climb on and to aid with the shedding process. 

If cared for, they will live for some 40 years. Their temperament varies but are naturally aggressive although with experienced handling, they may be tamed somewhat. I would only recommend these animals to those experienced with other types of iguana such as green iguanas.